The Apollo University Chittoor Ph.D Counseling & Psychotherapy: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. No, UGC-NET is not mandatory to apply. The Apollo University conducts its own entrance test called TAU-RET (The Apollo University Research Entrance Test) for candidates who do not hold a qualifying national or state-level examination score. However, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET (including JRF), APSET, GATE, GPAT, or equivalent examinations are exempted from TAU-RET and are directly called for an interview. Qualifying UGC-NET with JRF also makes you eligible for the UGC Junior Research Fellowship, which provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 during the first two years of your PhD.

Ans. The full-time PhD requires scholars to be present on campus regularly and is suited for those who can dedicate themselves entirely to research. The tuition fee for full-time mode is Rs. 20,000 per annum. The part-time mode, at Rs. 50,000 per annum, is designed for working professionals who wish to pursue doctoral research alongside their careers. Both modes follow UGC regulations, with a minimum duration of 3 years. Working professionals in counseling, clinical psychology, or mental health who cannot take a career break typically prefer the part-time mode, though the full-time mode offers better access to research facilities and faculty mentorship.

Ans. The Ph.D. program under the Faculty of Health Sciences covers a broad range of research areas including counseling psychology, health psychology, psychotherapeutic interventions, mental health assessment, sports psychology, clinical research in psychology, and related interdisciplinary fields. The university encourages interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, so scholars can also explore areas at the intersection of counseling and public health, biomedical sciences, or social work. The specific research topic is finalized in consultation with the assigned research supervisor based on the scholar's research proposal.

Ans. The Apollo University follows a rolling admission model with two cycles per year. Cycle 1 runs from March to May, with the application deadline on 31st March, TAU-RET in mid-April, results and interviews in the last week of April, and registration in the first week of May. Cycle 2 runs from October to December, with the application deadline on 31st October, TAU-RET in mid-November, results and interviews in the last week of November, and registration in the first week of December. Both cycles follow the same selection process. If you miss Cycle 1, you can apply in Cycle 2 without any disadvantage, as the program is identical for both intakes.

Ans. For the minimum 3-year full-time duration, the academic fees total Rs. 82,000 (including Rs. 2,000 application fee, Rs. 15,000 coursework fee, Rs. 60,000 tuition for 3 years, and Rs. 5,000 refundable caution deposit). If you opt for hostel accommodation, the hostel fee ranges from Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 per annum (inclusive of mess). For 3 years, hostel costs would be approximately Rs. 3,60,000 to Rs. 4,05,000. The total estimated cost including hostel for 3 years would therefore be approximately Rs. 4,37,000 to Rs. 4,82,000. This makes The Apollo University one of the most affordable options for a full-time PhD in health sciences in Andhra Pradesh.

Ans. The Apollo University offers a Doctoral Research Fellowship on a competitive basis for select full-time PhD scholars across all disciplines, including health sciences. The number of fellowships and the exact stipend amount are announced at the time of each admission cycle and are limited in number. In addition to the university fellowship, scholars who qualify UGC-NET with JRF are eligible for the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (Rs. 37,000/month for the first two years, Rs. 42,000/month from the third year), which is one of the most sought-after funding options for PhD scholars in psychology and counseling. ICMR-JRF is another option for those pursuing health science-related research topics within the program.