You’re absolutely right, it’s not easy to do. But it’s also one reason it’s good to check with specific universities. What you’ll find is that many try very hard to provide stipends, and if you help lead lectures you can even get an income. It’s not unusual to net ~20k a year. That won’t cover rent and food, but it’s not bad!
This of course is only for research degrees. Law and medical degrees will be incredibly expensive.
You’re absolutely right, it’s not easy to do. But it’s also one reason it’s good to check with specific universities. What you’ll find is that many try very hard to provide stipends, and if you help lead lectures you can even get an income. It’s not unusual to net ~20k a year. That won’t cover rent and food, but it’s not bad!
This of course is only for research degrees. Law and medical degrees will be incredibly expensive.
So as a more detailed example, BU offers “full funding guarantee”. https://www.bu.edu/grad/admission-funding/phd-funding
You would be living tight, but you wouldn’t be going into debt. Many schools offer similar programs.