Are these the happiest PhD students in the world?

"During her degree, she lost both her parents and had burnout and depression. Yet, her overall PhD experience was positive. "We say in my lab that 'life happens during a PhD', and many personal dramas unfold," says Pinto, a materials scientist who has now embarked on a postdoc and holds a salaried teaching position at Brazil's Federal Institute of Amazonas in Presidente Figueiredo, a small town in the heart of the Amazon rainforest."

"When Nature surveyed more than 3,700 doctoral candidates around the world earlier this year, Brazil stood out: 83% of respondents studying there reported being at least moderately satisfied with their PhD programme. It is the only country scoring significantly higher than the global average of 75%. Students in Brazil were also the most upbeat about their experience, with 80% saying that they enjoyed their degrees and 78% feeling fulfilled by their work, compared with global averages of 70% and 72%, respectively."

"The only country that comes close to Brazil is Australia, which matches it on enjoyment and fulfilment, and scores just one point lower on satisfaction. Students in Australia and Brazil are also the most likely to say that their PhD experience matched their expectations, with 68% in Australia agreeing with this statement (including 29% who strongly agree) and 65% in Brazil (27% strongly agree)."

A doctoral candidate from Brazil experienced severe personal loss and mental-health challenges during her PhD but found positive support from her supervisor, national scientific community and belief in her work's purpose. More than 3,700 doctoral candidates responded to the global survey. Brazil stands out with 83% of respondents at least moderately satisfied, exceeding the global average of 75%. Brazilian students report 80% enjoyment and 78% fulfilment versus global averages of 70% and 72%. Australia closely matches Brazil on enjoyment and fulfilment and scores only one point lower on satisfaction. Expectation-matching rates are high in both countries.

Read at Nature