Fully Funded University of Notre Dame PhD Scholarships 2027 in Sustainable Development, USA
Summary
The University of Notre Dame is accepting applications for its fully funded PhD Scholarships for 2027 in the United States. Offered through the Keough School of Global Affairs, this STEM-designated PhD program in Sustainable Development provides complete financial support to international students. The initiative is designed to prepare scholars and experts to address crucial global development challenges, including poverty alleviation, climate change, environmental governance, and sustainable policy.
Designation
Program Level / Position: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student / PhD Fellow in Sustainable Development.
Key Details Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host University | University of Notre Dame (Keough School of Global Affairs) |
| Degree Level | PhD Program (STEM-designated) |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Candidates | All Nationalities (International Students) |
| Host Country | United States (USA) |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
Research Area
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research on critical environmental and social development issues. Key research areas include:
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Environmental Governance
- Development Policy
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Environmental Economics
- Governance and Public Policy
- Development Challenges Affecting Communities in the Global South (including Africa)
Location
The scholarship opportunity is located at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, United States of America.
Scholarship Description
The Keough School of Global Affairs provides admitted doctoral candidates with comprehensive financial funding to support their academic journey. Grounded in Catholic social teaching and inspired by Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si, the curriculum highlights the interconnection between environmental protection, human dignity, and sustainable progress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Financial Support & Benefits
- Full coverage of program tuition fees.
- A 12-month living expense stipend provided throughout the academic year.
- Financial support toward health insurance expenses.
- Up to $4,000 allocated for professional development activities and conference presentations.
- Teaching and research assistantship positions to build academic experience.
Note: By their fourth year of study, candidates are required to apply for at least one external fellowship or scholarship worth $10,000 or more.
Academic & Curriculum Structure
The PhD program is structured around five years of full-time doctoral study combining coursework, assistantships, and original research:
- Core Coursework (15 Credits): Five required courses taken during the first two years, focusing on sustainable development theory, methods, decision-making, research impact, and PhD seminars.
- Elective Courses (21 Credits): Seven elective courses selected across university departments, including at least three electives focused on advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Dissertation Research (30 Credits): Beginning in the third year, candidates conduct original, supervised dissertation research.
- Teaching & Research Assistantships: Candidates serve as Teaching Assistants for a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of five semesters, while collaborating with faculty on research projects.
Eligibility / Qualification Requirements
Applicants are considered from a wide range of academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds. Criteria include:
- A strong academic record in relevant disciplines such as development studies, environmental science, economics, public policy, political science, or related fields.
- Demonstrated commitment to solving international development and sustainability issues.
- Research interests that match the multidisciplinary framework of the program.
- Proven capability to perform advanced research at the PhD level.
- Proficiency in English meeting the university’s requirements (for international candidates, where applicable).
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Official academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Statement of Purpose and Letter of Motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- GRE scores
- English language proficiency test results
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic writing sample
- Passport copy or national ID, along with a photograph
How to Apply
Applicants must complete and submit their documentation online via the official Notre Dame Graduate School application system. Prior to submission, candidates should carefully read all program guidelines and admissions requirements.
To access the application system, visit the official page: Apply for the Notre Dame PhD in Sustainable Development.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline to submit your application for the University of Notre Dame Scholarship 2027 is December 1, 2026.