Notre Dame Opens Fully Funded PhD Fellowship for 2027 International Applicants

The University of Notre Dame in the United States has announced a fully funded doctoral fellowship opportunity for students planning to begin PhD studies in 2027.

The Bernard J. and Helen Holland Voll Presidential Fellowship is aimed at highly qualified graduate students in the humanities and social sciences. 

The award offers extensive financial support, making it an attractive option for international students seeking advanced research opportunities in the United States.

International applicants, including students from Pakistan, can be considered for the fellowship if they secure admission to an eligible full-time graduate program at Notre Dame.

Financial Support for Selected Scholars

One of the key benefits of the Voll Presidential Fellowship is its comprehensive funding package.

Successful candidates receive full tuition support, which covers the cost of their graduate education at the university. Fellows are also provided with an annual $43,500 stipend, paid over a 12-month period, to assist with living and academic expenses.

In addition, the University of Notre Dame covers the full premium for university health insurance.

The funding may continue for up to five years, provided the student continues to make satisfactory academic progress throughout the doctoral program.

No Separate Fellowship Application Required

Students interested in this funding opportunity do not need to submit a separate application for the Voll Presidential Fellowship.

Instead, applicants must apply for admission to a relevant graduate or doctoral program at the University of Notre Dame. Students admitted to full-time graduate programs are automatically considered for selected university fellowships.

Academic departments identify and nominate strong candidates based on their academic record, research ability and potential for success in advanced graduate study. Final selections are then made through the university’s competitive fellowship review process.

Application Requirements

The exact application requirements depend on the department and PhD program selected by the applicant.

In general, candidates may need to submit academic transcripts, degree certificates, a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, recommendation letters and research or writing samples.

Some programs may also require proof of English-language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo, while certain departments may have additional testing or research requirements.

Applicants are therefore advised to review the admission criteria for their preferred program before completing their application.

Application Deadline

The reported deadline for the 2027 opportunity is December 1, 2026, although deadlines can differ between departments and academic programs.

Students should confirm the final submission date directly through the relevant Notre Dame graduate department.

With full tuition coverage, health insurance and a substantial yearly stipend, the Voll Presidential Fellowship provides selected doctoral students with strong financial support to pursue research and higher education in the United States.