FTE Fellowships for Doctoral Students of African Descent

Since 1968, FTE has been committed to increasing diversity in religion and theological faculty in North America. For more than half a century, FTE has invested in supporting under-resourced and underrepresented scholars of religion and theological education. Scholarship Details • Dissertation fellowship of up to $35,000 • Supports Ph.D. and Th.D. students pursuing teaching and scholarship in religion, theology, or biblical studies • Aims to diversify faculties in theological schools and improve theological education quality. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. or Th.D. program in religious, theological, or biblical studies, and must be studying at a U.S. or Canadian-accredited institution. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, or permanent residents; international students with citizenship and/or residency outside the U.S. or Canada are not eligible. Students enrolled in Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programs are ineligible. Applicants must finish coursework by the beginning of the fellowship year (September 1). Eligibility Criteria • Applicants must be pursuing a Ph.D. or Th.D. in religion, theological studies, or biblical studies • Must have completed the coursework stage of their doctoral program • Open to under-resourced and underrepresented groups, with a historical focus on African American doctoral students. Application Process 1. Visit the Forum for Theological Exploration website to access the application form 2. Submit a completed application detailing your academic progress and dissertation topic 3. Provide proof of doctoral program enrollment and confirmation of completed coursework. Applications are due February 16 by 11:59 pm Eastern Time, and applicants will be notified of selections by the end of April 2026. Contact: Marissa Akery (makery@fteleaders.org). Financial support is available for doctoral students who have completed the coursework stage of their Ph.D. or Th.D. program in religion, theological studies, or biblical studies.