.phd gTLD
The .phd top-level domain is a generic domain intended for use by individuals and institutions associated with doctoral degrees, academic research, and higher education. It was created under ICANN’s new gTLD program and is operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc., a subsidiary of Google.
Open for general registration; no geographic or eligibility restrictions
.phd Domain Overview
The .phd extension is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Charleston Road Registry Inc.. .phd was introduced in 2017. There are currently 4,747 domains registered under this extension. Registration prices start from USD 21.11 - 21.62. DNSSEC adoption stands at 11.5%.
Registration Info
Price range based on 2 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
- CAA Record Support
Where to Register a .phd Domain — Price Comparison
Compare .phd domain registration and renewal prices across 2 registrars. Prices are in USD and updated daily.
| Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| porkbun Cheapest | $21.11 | $21.11 | $21.11 |
| dynadot | $21.62 | $21.62 | $21.62 |
Prices checked May 26, 2026. Prices exclude ICANN fees where applicable and may vary by registrar promotions or contract terms.
What Is the History of .phd?
The .phd domain was proposed under ICANN’s New gTLD Program by Google through its subsidiary Charleston Road Registry Inc. It was delegated by IANA on June 15, 2017. The domain is managed as part of Google’s portfolio of registry operations, alongside other TLDs like .gmail and .app.
Did you know?
The .phd TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .phd Used For?
The .phd TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
Academic websites
Doctoral researchers
University departments
Thesis repositories
Scholarly publishing
Professional credentials
Popular Websites
How Many .phd Domains Are Registered?
Total Registrations
4,747
DNSSEC Adoption
11.5%
How Does .phd Compare?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Extension | .phd |
| Type | Generic TLD (gTLD) |
| Total Registrations | 4,747 |
| DNSSEC Adoption | 11.5% |
| Registration Price | USD 21.11 - 21.62 |
| Renewal Price | USD 21.11 - 21.62 |
| Registry Operator | Charleston Road Registry Inc. |
| Introduced | 2017-06-15 |
| Restrictions | Open for general registration; no geographic or eligibility restrictions |
How Available Are .phd Domain Names?
Registration density analysis for .phd domains by character length. Currently 2,061 domains are registered across all lengths.
Total Registered
2.1K
Peak Saturation
15.4%
1-char names
DNSSEC Adoption
24.4%
Top Provider
Cloudflare
| Length | Registered | % Full | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 char | 4 | 15.4% | |
| 2 chars | 5 | 0.74% | |
| 3 chars | 60 | 0.34% | |
| 4 chars | 194 | 0.04% | |
| 5 chars | 280 | <0.01% | |
| 6 chars | 314 | <0.01% | |
| 7 chars | 281 | <0.01% | |
| 8 chars | 258 | <0.01% | |
| 9 chars | 209 | <0.01% | |
| 10 chars | 177 | <0.01% | |
| 11 chars | 157 | <0.01% | |
| 12 chars | 122 | <0.01% |
Top DNS Providers
Updated daily from zone file analysis. Alpha density = registered / 26^length.
Compare across all TLDs →How Do I Register a .phd Domain?
Eligibility
No restrictions; open to individuals and organizations globally.
Open Registration
The .phd TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .phd domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically USD 21.11 - 21.62)
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.phd vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .phd compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .phd Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .phd domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.