u/Ancient_Count9075

I have a master’s degree in applied microbiology. I graduated in 2023 and have been unemployed since then which is not unusual considering the circumstances in my country. I have always wanted to pursue a PhD and over the last three years I participated in two PhD entrance competitions in my country (this is how the system works here) but i failed. during that time, I also worked on my small art-related business for 2 years until I personally decided to stop, I have a publication based on my master’s thesis in a Springer journal, and I am fluent in English.

Please tell me honestly whether I still stand a chance considering how competitive STEM PhD programs are and whether it is possible to justify a 3 year unemployment gap.