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Will I be too old to apply for Ph.D. at the age of 30

A

I have completed my master's degree year ago and took a gap of 2-3 years before committing to the Ph.D. Right now my financial condition is worse and I don't want to make any decision in any urgency. My peers are getting enrolled for Ph.D. and I am getting worried by watching them. I am 27 right now and planning to collect enough money and build my resume strong to get into a decent Ph.D. program in Europe or Asia. Is my decision wrong ? I need some advice from experienced peoples. Thank you

T

It depends on your context and other personal factors that might be important (e.g., finance, other commitments, support), but definitely not on your age. Many people pursue PhDs in the years beyond their 20s and 30s.

N

Most people in the incoming class with me are in their 30s. It's smart to get a savings buffer before beginning, so you have the financial freedom to attend conferences or travel during the PhD.

I'm 53 and a PhD student. You're never too old.

C

Quote From pf329:
I'm 53 and a PhD student. You're never too old.


I trump that by 2 years, and I will be starting my PhD in October...:)

A

Quote From Tudor_Queen:
It depends on your context and other personal factors that might be important (e.g., finance, other commitments, support), but definitely not on your age. Many people pursue PhDs in the years beyond their 20s and 30s.


Quote From Nad75:
Most people in the incoming class with me are in their 30s. It's smart to get a savings buffer before beginning, so you have the financial freedom to attend conferences or travel during the PhD.


I am financially broke right now, That's the primary reason

T

The primary reason for what? The post is titled "Will I Be Too Old To Apply For Ph.D. At The Age Of 30"... the answer is a big emphatic no :-)

H

No. No. And no, 30 is not too old. I have a colleague who has completed her PhD at the age of 71

K

Erm, I am twenty eight and just started mine. Nope, you are not too old.

P

I have several PhD colleagues who are in their late 30s and 40s, so as others already have said age isn't an issue. However, just because your colleagues are going for a PhD doesn't mean that they are going to be better off. Each path has its own pros and cons depending on your circumstances. Go for a PhD if you think that it will benefit you in the end (whether going into academia or getting positions in industry that necessitate having one).
Best Wishes

A

Thanks Everyone

A

Quote From PhDhere:
I have several PhD colleagues who are in their late 30s and 40s, so as others already have said age isn't an issue. However, just because your colleagues are going for a PhD doesn't mean that they are going to be better off. Each path has its own pros and cons depending on your circumstances. Go for a PhD if you think that it will benefit you in the end (whether going into academia or getting positions in industry that necessitate having one).
Best Wishes


Thank you for your suggestions @PhDhere

P

I have just been awarded my PhD last month at the age of 51

P

Graduated at 48 and I am mentally sharper and more focussed than I ever was as a 20 something.
Age is absolutely meaningless.
Attitude is everything.

F

Well, there is no particular age limit to start a Ph.D. course. Quite recently, someone started pursuing a Ph.D. at the age of 66 (http://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2018/07/its-never-too-late-stretch-your-wings-why-i-got-phd-age-66). All the best to you feel free to reach out if you need any help!

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