The Notre Dame Fellowship 2026 offers an extraordinary opportunity for African lawyers passionate about advancing constitutional and human rights law. Through a unique Notre Dame Constitutional Court partnership, this program provides full funding for African law students abroad who wish to pursue an LLM fellowship at Notre Dame. Fellows benefit from Notre Dame Law School scholarships, access to world-class faculty, and the chance to study law in the United States with sponsorship. This prestigious human rights law fellowship 2026 not only builds academic excellence but also empowers young leaders to strengthen democracy and constitutional law across Africa.
Fellowship Benefits:
Fellows receive full financial and academic support, allowing them to focus fully on their studies and professional growth:
- Full tuition waiver at Notre Dame Law School
- Travel expenses covered (flights and related costs)
- Living stipend aligned with Notre Dame’s cost of attendance
- Networking opportunities with global leaders in human rights and constitutional law
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be nationals of South Africa or another African country and meet one of the following:
- Clerked at the Constitutional Court of South Africa or the Supreme Court of Appeal, OR
- Worked with a civil society organization focused on constitutional or human rights law.
Preference is given to applicants who:
- Do not already hold an LLM degree
- Have not studied abroad
- Are 35 years or younger at the start of the fellowship
- Have clerked at one of South Africa’s top courts within the past five years
University of Notre Dame Postgraduate Opportunities:
Beyond financial support, this fellowship is a pathway to influential University of Notre Dame postgraduate opportunities. Fellows gain access to courses, mentorship, and international networks that help them make lasting contributions in human rights and constitutional law reform.
Application ProcessL
- Deadline: Sunday, 5 October 2025
- Apply online: Concourt Trust – Fellowship Applications
- Applications must be submitted here (https://www.concourttrust.org.za/news/entry/fellowship-at-notre-dame-law-school-call-for-applications-2026-2027-academi) no later than Sunday, 5 October 2025.
Required documents:
- A motivational letter (1–2 pages).
- A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages).
- University transcripts
- Written work sample (2,000–3,000 words)
- Two referee letters (if a Constitutional Court Justice is listed, only the name is required)
Next step: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg in late October 2025.
Check Also: Study Abroad Scholarship Call For New York & California
Why Apply?
This fellowship is more than a scholarship—it’s a chance to:
- Gain a world-class education in human rights and constitutional law
- Build a global network of legal scholars and practitioners
- Return home better equipped to strengthen democracy, justice, and constitutional governance across Africa
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame Fellowship Available for Class of 2026 is more than just a scholarship—it’s a life-changing opportunity for African lawyers dedicated to advancing human rights and constitutional law. With full financial support, world-class academic guidance, and access to global networks, this LLM fellowship at Notre Dame equips future leaders to strengthen democracy and justice across Africa. If you are passionate about making a lasting impact, this is your chance to pursue one of the most prestigious international law fellowships 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for the Notre Dame Fellowship 2026?
African lawyers who have clerked at the Constitutional Court of South Africa or worked in human rights-focused organizations are eligible.
Is this a fully funded LLM fellowship at Notre Dame?
Yes, the fellowship provides full tuition, living expenses, and travel support—making it one of the top funding opportunities for African law students abroad.
What degree will fellows pursue?
Fellows will complete a Master of Laws (LLM) or LLM in International Human Rights Law at Notre Dame.
