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Introduction Low PhD completion rates remain a challenge in higher education, reflecting a complex interplay of individual, supervisory, and institutional factors. Despite extensive research, few reviews have investigated the factors related to PhD completion, most focusing on isolated aspects, such as supervision or mental health. Methods This systematic scoping review identifies and describes recent studies examining factors related to PhD completion, dropout, and attrition. A systematic search was conducted in ERIC, Web of Science, and Scopus, identifying 6927 records. Of these, 58 were assessed in full text. The review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley's framework for scoping reviews and was reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Results A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a predefined form, and thematic analysis identified key factors. The included studies, published between 2020 and 2024, predominantly used quantitative methods and reflected doctoral candidates’ perspectives. Three overarching categories were identified: candidate characteristics, institutional factors, and supervisory characteristics. Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach addressing candidate attributes, supervisory practices, and institutional structures to effectively support PhD completion. The review also identified gaps in the literature, including limited geographic diversity and a need for more qualitative and mixed-methods research across a wider range of academic disciplines.
Helgøy et al. (2026) studied this question.