The 5+1 Postdoctoral appointments offer recent advanced degree recipients a period to extend their education and professional training. The opportunity to carry out postdoctoral studies within the environment of research, scholarship, and creative endeavor that exists at the University of Notre Dame can significantly broaden an individual’s expertise, provide a period of more independent scholarship, and help define future career paths.
The 5+1 Fellowship is a 10-month appointment that runs August-May. Under this program, any Ph.D. student in the College of Arts & Letters who initially enrolled in Fall 2025, or earlier, and who completes their degree requirements within five years—defined as 10 active semesters, with allowances for up to two FMLA or childbirth leaves—is guaranteed a one-year postdoctoral fellowship. This fellowship includes a competitive salary, benefits, and access to professional development funding. To qualify, a student must complete all requirements for the degree by the August graduation deadline set by the Graduate School before what would otherwise be the 11th semester of graduate study.
Students participating in the 5+1 Fellowship can follow two tracks: teaching and research or an internship.
"Through the 5+1 program, I was able to spend a full academic year at Notre Dame’s London Global Gateway. I emerged with a published journal article, a professional network of scholars from institutions across the United Kingdom, a strong draft of my book proposal, and teaching experience in a unique international environment. The opportunities afforded by this fellowship were invaluable, and I truly believe they have jump-started my academic career."
