Interested in research on ageing, such as dementia, caregiving, long-term care or older people’s health? The School of Aging Studies at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, USA, is accepting applications for its PhD in Aging Studies for Fall 2027. It’s an interdisciplinary research programme where you choose mentors from across the university. Applications close on 11 December 2026.
Programme at a Glance
- University: University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- School: School of Aging Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
- Degree: PhD in Aging Studies (72 credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree)
- Intake: Fall 2027
- Study mode: Full-time, or part-time with extra admission criteria
- Funding: Not guaranteed. Ask the department (see below).
- Deadline: 11 December 2026
Why Ageing Research Matters for Africa
Africa has the world’s youngest population, but its number of older people is growing fast. That brings rising rates of dementia, chronic disease and care needs, while research and trained specialists in many countries are still scarce. A PhD in ageing can prepare you to lead research, teach and shape health and social policy at home.
Research Focus Areas
Each PhD student builds expertise in one of four areas:
- Caregiving and behavioural interventions, such as technology for healthy ageing and caregiver wellbeing
- Palliative care, chronic pain and dementia, such as end-of-life care quality and early signs of cognitive decline
- Policy and long-term services and supports, such as nursing homes, assisted living and care workforce issues
- Social relationships, cognition and health, such as loneliness, social isolation and cognitive ageing
Graduates go on to research and teaching jobs in universities, government and private consulting.
Benefits
- Interdisciplinary training: choose research mentors from faculty across USF
- An individually tailored programme built around your research interests
- Research experience leading to a dissertation and publications
- Career routes into academia, government and research consulting
- Possible funding through fellowships and assistantships (see below)
Funding
The programme page doesn’t list current funding, and admission doesn’t guarantee support. USF’s Aging Studies programme has previously supported PhD students through fellowships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships with tuition waivers, when funds are available. Student fees may not be covered.
International students usually need a funded place to afford a US PhD and to get a student visa. Before applying, email the programme to ask about funding for Fall 2027.
Eligibility
- A bachelor’s degree (many applicants also hold a master’s)
- A GPA of 3.25 or higher (or equivalent)
- GRE scores taken within the last five years. Preferred: at least the 50th percentile in Verbal, 30th in Quantitative and 50th in Analytical Writing.
- USF’s English proficiency requirement for applicants whose degrees weren’t taught in English. Check USF’s graduate admissions page for accepted tests and scores.
- USF’s general graduate admission requirements
Required Documents
- Your best single-authored writing sample
- A summary of your career goals and past preparation for a research career
- Three letters of recommendation from people who know your work or research
- Transcripts, GRE scores and English test results, as required by USF admissions
Tips for a Strong Application
- Pick a focus area and potential mentors. Browse the School of Aging Studies faculty and name the people whose work fits yours.
- Contact the programme early about funding and fit. It’s the best way to judge your chances.
- Use a strong writing sample, such as a thesis chapter, paper or research report written by you alone.
- Link your goals to real problems, for example dementia care, older people’s health or social protection in your country.
- Book the GRE early. Test dates and score reporting take time, and the deadline is 11 December.
How to Apply
- Read the PhD in Aging Studies page and the USF graduate catalogue entry.
- Choose your focus area and identify possible faculty mentors.
- Apply online through the USF graduate admissions portal.
- Submit everything by 11 December 2026.
For questions, email the programme at [email protected].
Read about the USF PhD in Aging Studies
