Notre Dame Ph.D. in Sustainable Development 2027
The University of Notre Dame’s Ph.D. in Sustainable Development is a STEM-designated doctoral programme offered through the Keough School of Global Affairs. The programme combines interdisciplinary research, faculty mentorship, and policy-relevant scholarship focused on global development challenges. Applications are open for a Fall 2027 start, with a deadline of December 1, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Ph.D. in Sustainable Development
Host Institution: University of Notre Dame
School: Keough School of Global Affairs
Study Level: Ph.D.
Programme Designation: STEM-designated
Start: Fall 2027
Typical Timeline: Five years
Deadline: December 1, 2026
About the Notre Dame Ph.D. in Sustainable Development
The programme prepares doctoral scholars to conduct interdisciplinary research on sustainable development and global challenges.
Areas highlighted by the Keough School include:
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Environmental governance
• Development policy
Students can also access resources across nine research centers and institutes and undertake research intended to inform policy and practice.
Funding and Financial Support
Admitted students receive comprehensive financial support from the programme.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ 12-month stipend for living expenses
✓ Full tuition scholarship
✓ Health insurance subsidy
✓ Up to $4,000 for conference presentations and professional development
Students are also required to apply for at least one external grant or fellowship worth $10,000 by Year 4.
Also read: Kochi University of Technology SSP Doctoral Program 2027 in Japan
Programme Structure
The curriculum combines core coursework, elective courses, and dissertation research.
Students complete:
• 15 credits of core coursework through five required courses during the first two years
• 21 elective credits through seven elective courses, including at least three advanced research-methods courses
• 30 dissertation credits, with dissertation-focused work beginning in Year 3
The programme notes that most students complete the Ph.D. in five years, although individual timelines can vary.
Academic Milestones
A typical five-year programme includes three major milestones:
• Oral Qualifying Exam at the end of Year 2
• Candidacy Exam in Year 3
• Dissertation Defense in Year 5
Check: Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 Cohort at Stanford University
Teaching and Research Opportunities
Ph.D. students serve as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants during the programme.
Teaching Assistants may support course delivery, lead discussions, and grade assignments. Students must serve as a Teaching Assistant for at least two semesters and no more than five.
Research Assistants work with faculty on research projects connected to the school’s academic activities.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
Applicants should demonstrate:
• A strong academic foundation in relevant fields
• Commitment to addressing global challenges in sustainable development
The official page does not set out a specific nationality restriction or age requirement.
Explore: Marshall Scholarship 2027 Application: Deadlines and Process
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit their materials through the Notre Dame Graduate School portal.
The required materials listed by the programme are:
• Statement of Purpose
• Academic transcripts
• GRE scores
• Writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for non-native speakers of English
Related opportunity on GlobalLinkX: La Trobe Project-Based PhD Scholarships
Application Process
Applicants should prepare the required academic and supporting documents and submit them through the Notre Dame Graduate School application system.
Because English-language test scores are listed for non-native English speakers, applicants in that category should prepare an accepted TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo result as part of their application materials.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are open.
The application deadline is:
December 1, 2026
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
