My understanding is that US system places Ph.D. and masters degree in the same course.
In Europe and Asia you take a bachelor, then a masters degree. Both as university students. A masters opens the door to apply for a Ph.D.
In Denmark, for example, a Ph.D. is commonly a job position, with a limited contract. Union governed, pay, pension. You apply for a position when one is announced, just like many other jobs. Literally you see things like: "University X, department Y are looking to fill a Ph.D. position in Z. Applicants must have these qualifications ..."