Louisville Institute Doctoral Fellowship
Offered by Louisville Institute
About This Scholarship
The Louisville Institute's Doctoral Fellowship supports Ph.D., Th.D., and pontifical S.T.D. students early in their programs — first- or second-year students who feel called to serve the church through scholarship and theological education. Fellows receive $3,000 per year for two years, a total of $6,000 layered on top of whatever funding their doctoral program already provides.
The Institute, funded by the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment and housed at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, awards approximately 10 fellowships each cycle from around 60 eligible applications. Applicants must be enrolled at accredited North American institutions and have at least two years remaining in their programs, and should be able to articulate a passion for theological education in their application essay.
Where the Institute's Dissertation Fellowship funds the finish line, this award invests at the starting line — identifying promising scholars of Christian faith and life before their research agendas are fully formed and connecting them to the Institute's network of pastors and academics.
Eligibility
- Ph.D., Th.D., or pontifical S.T.D. student in the first or second year of the program (D.Min. students are not eligible)
- Enrolled at an accredited North American institution with at least two years remaining
- U.S. or Canadian citizen, or holding an appropriate student visa
- Demonstrated passion for theological education and scholarship serving the church
How To Apply
- Download the 2027 Doctoral Fellowship Application Guide from the Louisville Institute site
- Create an account in the online application portal
- Submit doctoral progress information, application essay, transcript, and CV or resume
- Arrange two letters of recommendation, due by March 8, 2027, and submit the application by March 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the fellowship worth in total?
Fellows receive $3,000 per year for two years, for a total of $6,000, paid alongside any funding package from the fellow's own doctoral program.
Can I apply if I'm about to start my dissertation?
This award targets first- and second-year doctoral students with at least two years left in their programs. Candidates at the dissertation stage should look at the Institute's separate $35,000 Dissertation Fellowship instead.
What are my odds?
The Institute expects to award about 10 fellowships from roughly 60 eligible applications, so about one in six applicants is funded.