I am slated to interview for PhD in a week. I tried to get a face-to-face interview but the University says they can't pay my ticket-whether I should read too much into this is probably a topic for another day but in the interim, what should I expect from a phone interview? I have a feeling it's an 'in-depth interview' as opposed to a 'screening one' since there is only 3 of us short listed. Anyone with experience?

S, What Uni is this and what area of research have you applied for. Sometimes it depends on unis but try and do the basic prep. Read any final year project you did. Why do you want to pursue this project? If they have given you references (journals)read them.

I assume you are international student. As anton said do basic preparation. It depends on supervisors. Is this a university funded project Industry? May be you could read up on sponsoring body.. Hope this helps

I had 2 telephone interviews last month (physics)... on the down side its hard to form a connection over the phone but it tends to be easier by phone as it will probably only be with the supervisor and not with other department staff - Also if its a technical course, you can have summary sheet in front of you. Do you best, if they want you the fact its by telephone won't matter!

Ihada telephone interview for a PHD but when it started it became appearent the supervisors had no real interest in considering me for the PhD, they were just going through it, and even told me who they wanted for it. I suppose they just had to go through it to show they considered all applications. Some places have to advertise positions even when they know who they want to give it to. If they were really interested in you they would pay for your ticket! No one should take a PhD on without seeing the supervisor face to face, it is in the best interests of the student and the supervisor.