The University of Notre Dame has opened graduate applications for 2027, offering fellowship opportunities for selected PhD students pursuing studies in science and engineering.
The Arthur J. Schmitt Presidential Leadership Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition, an annual living allowance and coverage of the university’s student health insurance premium.
Students do not need to submit a separate application for the fellowship. Instead, they must apply for admission to an eligible full-time graduate program at Notre Dame. Academic departments nominate candidates for the fellowship, with final selection taking place through a competitive process.
The university’s 2027 graduate application portal is now available, while applicants should check the specific requirements and deadlines of their chosen department.
Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship 2027 Details
The fellowship is supported by the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation, which has supported graduate education and research in science and engineering at Notre Dame for more than four decades.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Arthur J. Schmitt Presidential Leadership Fellowship |
| Degree Level | PhD / Doctoral |
| Study Fields | Science and Engineering |
| University | University of Notre Dame |
| Country | United States |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Tuition | Full Tuition |
| Annual Stipend | $45,540 listed in benefits summary |
| Stipend Period | 12 months |
| Health Insurance | Full premium covered |
| Duration | Up to 5 Years |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
The provided university information contains different stipend figures. While the benefits summary lists an annual stipend of $45,540, the fellowship overview gives $44,000. Applicants should therefore confirm the applicable stipend amount for the 2027 award directly with Notre Dame.
Fully Funded PhD Benefits
The Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship provides financial assistance for up to five years, provided that fellows maintain satisfactory progress toward their degrees.
The fellowship covers full tuition fees, allowing selected students to pursue their doctoral studies without paying tuition during the funded period.
Fellows also receive an annual living allowance. The university’s benefits summary lists the amount as $45,540, paid over a 12-month period.
In addition, the fellowship covers the full premium for the university’s student health insurance plan.
The combination of tuition coverage, living support and health insurance is intended to provide substantial financial assistance throughout the doctoral program.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship supports outstanding graduate students in science and engineering who gain admission to an eligible full-time graduate program at Notre Dame.
Applicants must meet the university’s general graduate admission requirements as well as any additional conditions established by their selected department.
The general admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
However, individual departments may establish higher academic standards or request additional qualifications. Students should therefore review the admission requirements of their intended PhD program before applying.
English Language Requirements
International applicants who are required to demonstrate English proficiency can submit scores from accepted language tests.
The provided requirements include:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall |
| TOEFL iBT, older 120-point scale | 80 overall, including at least 23 in Speaking |
| TOEFL iBT, updated 1–6 scale | 4.5 average, with no section below 4.0 |
Applicants should verify the language requirements applicable to their specific graduate program, particularly if they qualify for an exemption.
Application Deadline
The application deadline stated for the Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship 2027 is December 1, 2026.
However, Notre Dame’s graduate departments may have their own admission deadlines and application schedules.
Students should therefore confirm the deadline for their chosen science or engineering PhD program and submit their complete application before the applicable date.
Since fellowship consideration takes place through the graduate admission process, applicants should not wait until the fellowship deadline to begin preparing their admission materials.
Documents Required
Students applying to eligible Notre Dame graduate programs should prepare the documents required by their selected department.
The provided information lists:
- Academic transcripts from each college or university attended
- CV or résumé
- Statement of intent explaining academic interests and research plans
- Three recommendation letters
- English language test scores, if required
- GRE scores or other additional documents, if required by the department
Some programs may request additional materials based on their academic and research requirements.
Applicants should carefully review their department’s instructions before submitting the application.
How to Apply
Students interested in the Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship should first select an eligible science or engineering PhD program at the University of Notre Dame.
Applicants should review the program’s admission criteria, research areas and deadline before starting the application.
They can then access Notre Dame’s graduate admissions portal, select the 2027 application and create an account.
The application form requires applicants to provide their academic and personal information and upload the necessary documents.
Students should also provide the contact information of three referees and allow sufficient time for recommendation letters to be submitted before the department’s deadline.
Once applications are reviewed, eligible admitted full-time graduate students are considered for selected fellowship opportunities. Academic departments nominate candidates, after which fellows are selected through a competitive process.
Application Fee and Fee Waiver
The graduate admission application carries a $75 application fee.
Students experiencing financial hardship can request a fee waiver through the application system. Individual departments may also provide fee waivers in certain circumstances.
Applicants requesting a waiver should follow the instructions provided in the application and submit any supporting information required.
Opportunity for Pakistani Students
The Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship provides an opportunity for eligible international students, including applicants from Pakistan, to pursue doctoral studies in science and engineering at Notre Dame with substantial financial support.
Pakistani students interested in advanced research in science or engineering can explore the university’s eligible PhD programs and determine whether their academic background meets the relevant admission requirements.
Because departments can have different academic and research requirements, applicants should identify a suitable program before preparing their application.
Students should also ensure that their academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of intent and other required documents are ready well ahead of the deadline.
No Separate Fellowship Application
One important feature of the fellowship is that applicants do not need to submit a separate Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship application.
Students are considered through the graduate admission process after applying to an eligible program.
Departments nominate candidates, meaning applicants should focus on completing a strong and fully documented admission application while meeting all program-specific requirements.
The fellowship is competitive, and meeting the general admission criteria does not by itself guarantee selection.
Funding Duration
Selected fellows can receive financial support for up to five years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
The long-term funding period can help doctoral students focus on coursework, research and dissertation work without having to cover full tuition costs themselves.
The fellowship’s financial package includes tuition coverage, a yearly living allowance and health insurance support.
Students considering the opportunity should confirm the latest fellowship terms and stipend amount with Notre Dame before applying, particularly because the provided university information lists two different annual stipend figures.
The December 1, 2026 deadline gives prospective applicants time to identify an eligible program, prepare their documents and complete the graduate admission application.
For Pakistani and other international students seeking fully funded PhD opportunities in the United States, the Arthur J. Schmitt Presidential Leadership Fellowship represents a significant graduate funding opportunity in science and engineering.
Also read: Japan Approves Scholarship Programs for Pakistanis
