Hello there, I am just finishing my Master's and about to apply for a PhD, and as I'm leaning more towards staying at the same uni, I just wanted to ask how big of a burden do you reckon it would be, given the fact that I want to pursue an academic career? I study at a uni in Central Europe, which is definitely the best in my field in my country, and my MA supervisor has already offered me PhD supervision as he really liked the topic I suggested. Furthermore, the position would be fully funded, with monthly stipend to cover living expenses. I am considering applying for a PhD in "the West", but I do not think I am good enough to get a scholarship as they are so highly competitive and I cannot afford a self-funded PhD. Then there is my fiance, who would not mind moving if the prospect was staying in a country/city indefinitely, however, all the places he would be willing to move to have universities where it would be extremely hard to get funding. There is one uni abroad where I have a decent chance of getting funding, but my fiance does not want to spend 3 years somewhere with the prospect of moving elsewhere afterwards, and at the same time does not want to stay in that country. I know the main concern is that a person who does a PhD at the same uni as BA and MA has not experienced different academic environment, but I did an abroad stay during my undergrad and if I stayed at my current uni, I'd definitely "go West" as a visiting PhD-student for a term or even two. If it's of any relevance, I study social sicences. I was just wondering how much of a handicap do you think staying at the same uni would be, especially if my fiance and I decided to move abroad in the future, as my degree would simply be one from "Eastern" Europe. Thanks for your thoughts and opinion!

To be honest, if I were in your position funding would be my first priority, and I would take steps to counter any drawbacks associated with whatever is the best option from a funding perspective. This may not be the best advice if you think only of the academics, but postgraduate study is very hard, and you'd want to eliminate as many other burdens as possible.

With the bit of money inherent in the choice to stay where you are, you'd perhaps be able to afford conference attendances and more that will open your mind to thinking beyond your own institution. With no money and your Significant Other troubled with the move, the benefits of studying elsewhere may be diminished.