Are PhDs Losing Their Lustre? Why Fewer Students Are Enrolling in Doctoral Degrees

PhD enrollments are decreasing in many countries due to financial struggles and poor job prospects. Australia saw an 8% drop in domestic PhD enrollments despite population growth. Japan's PhD enrollment numbers have significantly decreased over the past two decades. Stipends for PhD students haven't kept up with inflation, leaving students financially strained. Australian doctoral stipends are below the minimum wage, highlighting the financial hardship. Brazil recently increased graduate grants after a long freeze, but the situation remains challenging. The decline reflects growing concerns about unstable academic careers. The OECD notes the precarious nature of academic jobs as a contributing factor. Some countries are trying to improve the situation with increased funding for doctoral students. Despite some positive steps, the overall trend of declining PhD enrollments persists.