Doctoral Fellowship

The two-year Louisville Institute Doctoral Fellowship invites Ph.D. and Th.D. students currently in their first or second year of a doctoral program to consider theological education as a vocation. Doctoral Fellows receive US$3,000 each year for two years, and join with a peer cohort of other fellows for three formational gatherings each year as part of the Vocation of the Theological Educator Initiative.

2025 Application Portal Opens June 1, 2024. 

Application due date: March 1, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EDT)

Doctoral Fellowship amount: US$3,000 each year for 2 years

Fellowship timeframe: Fall 2025 — Spring 2027

Awards announced: May 2025

Vocation of the Theological Educator Gatherings: October 2025; February, May & October 2026; and February & May 2027

What are Doctoral Fellowships?

The two-year Louisville Institute Doctoral Fellowship invites current Ph.D. and Th.D. students in their first or second year of a doctoral program to consider theological education as a vocation. As part of the Louisville Institute’s Vocation of the Theological Educator Initiative (VTE), Louisville Institute Doctoral Fellows receive a US$3,000 grant each year for two years, and join with other fellows at three formational gatherings a year (October, February, and May). All expenses for participating in the VTE gatherings, held in Louisville, KY, are covered by the Louisville Institute.

Preference for Doctoral Fellowships is given to students who demonstrate an interest in theological education as a vocation, who express an understanding of the current challenges and opportunities of theological education, and who articulate connections between their doctoral work and these trends and dynamics. The Louisville Institute understands theological education as encompassing the academic study and teaching of religion and its practices, as well as formation for ministry, leadership, social justice and public service, nonprofit and other agency work, etc.

What do we mean by “theological education”?

The Louisville Institute defines “theological education” broadly, encompassing the academic study and teaching of religion and its practices, as well as formation for ministry, leadership, social justice and public service, nonprofit and other agency work, etc. 

What do I need to know to apply?

Who is eligible for a Doctoral Fellowship?

Eligible applicants:

  • must, at the time they apply, be students in their first or second year of a Ph.D., Th.D., or pontifical S.T.D. program at an accredited graduate school in the United States or Canada. D.Min. students and others in non-research or practical degrees are not eligible for this fellowship. 
  • must reside in the United States or Canada, and be U.S. or Canadian citizens or international students with an appropriate student visa to study in North America. Students enrolled in North American doctoral programs but living outside of the United States and Canada are not eligible.
  • must have at least two years remaining in their program at the time they apply. Most applicants are in or have recently completed coursework when they apply. Those who have applied for but not yet started a doctoral program, or who are already writing their dissertations, are not eligible for this fellowship.
  • are passionate about theological education and the future of the Christian church in North America. 
  • may work in a variety of disciplines (history, ethics, practical theology, biblical studies, etc.), or work interdisciplinarily.

If you have questions about eligibility or other stipulations of the fellowship, please email fellowships@louisville-institute.org.

What is the Vocation of the Theological Educator Initiative (VTE)?

The heart of Louisville Institute’s Vocation of the Theological Educator Initiative (VTE) is the conviction that theological schools and churches in North America need teacher-scholars who are attuned to both the life of the church and the life of a scholar. Many VTE participants are themselves ordained pastors or leaders in their religious communities, and bring together convictions of the heart, mind, and spirit through their work in the academy and the church. At VTE gatherings, fellows participate in conversation, discernment, collegiality, and connection with other scholars and pastors to engage deep questions of theology, justice, pedagogy, ministry, and vocation. 

The VTE Initiative comprises both Doctoral Fellows in the early stages of their doctoral programs, and Postdoctoral Fellows who have completed their degrees and are placed in two-year teaching positions throughout North America.

What are VTE Gatherings?

Three times a year (October, February, & May), LI Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellows gather in Louisville, KY, for vocational and professional formation, relationship building, and mutual support as part of the Vocation of the Theological Educator Initiative (VTE). With their cohorts, fellows engage vocational questions about theological education, discernment, leadership, pedagogy, mentoring, research and writing, employment and tenure, public theology, guild participation, and other relevant issues. Through peer learning and in conversation with mentor-facilitators and invited resource persons, fellows together create space for dialogue, imagination, collegiality, and growth within and across the academy and the church. All expenses for participation in the VTE gatherings are covered by the Louisville Institute.

How do I apply?

  • Download the 2025 Doctoral Fellowship Application Guide. The application guide contains the details you need. Read the guide this document carefully and refer to it as you prepare your application materials.
  • Review the eligibility requirements in the guide.
  • Create an account. Click on the “Apply” button to create an account and get started in the application portal.
  • Prepare your materials. Complete applications require the following (see the Application Guide for full details):
    • General information about your doctoral progress
    • Application essay
    • Doctoral transcript
    • Curriculum vitae or resume
    • Two letters of recommendation
  • All application elements are submitted online through our application portal.
  • Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST March 1, 2025.
  • Letters of recommendation are due from your recommenders by March 8, 2025.

 

What is the selection process for Doctoral Fellowship?

Every year the Louisville Institute appoints a selection committee to review proposals and award Doctoral Fellowships. Selection takes place 8-10 weeks after the application due date. We typically receive about 60 eligible applications for Doctoral Fellowships. In 2025, we will award 10 fellowships. Awards will be announced publicly in May 2025. Fellowship funds are dispersed in September of the award year.

Additional Eligibility Information for all Grants & Fellowships

  • Individuals may only apply for one LI grant or fellowship between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.
  • Any previous grants from the Louisville Institute must be completed and final reports submitted before applying for another LI fellowship or grant.
  • Members of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary staff, faculty, Board of Trustees, or student body or their immediate family members (parents, spouses, or children) are ineligible for Louisville Institute grants or fellowships. Members of the Louisville Institute Advisory Board and their immediate family members are also ineligible.
  • Louisville Institute grantees may not simultaneously hold two individual grants or fellowships from Lilly Endowment-funded organizations that together total more than US$55,000. Please contact us if you have questions about this stipulation: fellowships@louisville-institute.org. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions — send us an email at fellowships@louisville-institute.org. 

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