The University of Notre Dame‘s Keough School of Global Affairs in the USA is accepting applications for its fully funded Ph.D. in Sustainable Development, starting in Fall 2027. Admitted students get a full tuition scholarship, a 12-month living stipend, a health insurance subsidy and up to US$4,000 for conferences and professional development.
Deadline: 1 December 2026. International students, including Africans, can apply.
Key Details
- University: University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- School: Keough School of Global Affairs
- Degree: Ph.D. in Sustainable Development (STEM-designated)
- Start: Fall 2027
- Typical length: about 5 years
- Funding: full tuition, 12-month stipend, health insurance subsidy, US$4,000 development fund
- Deadline: 1 December 2026
Benefits
- full tuition scholarship
- 12-month stipend for living expenses
- health insurance subsidy
- up to US$4,000 for conference presentations and professional development
- paid teaching and research assistant roles that build your academic CV
- mentorship from faculty who work on the Global South, such as Isaac Mbiti and Ellis Adjei Adams
- access to nine Notre Dame research centres and institutes
STEM designation matters for international students: it can allow longer post-study work in the US through STEM OPT. Note that students must apply for at least one external grant or fellowship worth US$10,000 by Year 4.
What You’ll Study
Research areas include climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental governance and development policy. The programme combines:
- five core courses, including research methods and decision-making in the Global South
- seven electives, with at least three in advanced research methods
- dissertation research from Year 3, with qualifying and candidacy exams along the way
- at least two semesters as a teaching assistant
Eligibility
- open to applicants from all countries and diverse academic and professional backgrounds
- a strong academic foundation in a relevant field (e.g. economics, environmental science, political science, public policy, engineering)
- a clear commitment to tackling global sustainable development challenges
- English test (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) if you are not a native English speaker
How to Apply
Apply online through the Notre Dame Graduate School application portal by 1 December 2026. You’ll need:
- a statement of purpose
- academic transcripts
- GRE scores
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores (non-native English speakers)
- a writing sample
- three letters of recommendation
See full details on the official programme page. Questions go to [email protected].
Tips for African Applicants
- Book your GRE and English test now; scores take time to reach the university.
- Use your statement of purpose to link a specific development problem in your country to faculty research.
- Choose a writing sample that shows research skills, such as a thesis chapter or policy paper.
- Give your referees at least two weeks’ notice before 1 December.
