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Announcing 2026 Presidential Scholarships
The PFIC now has a limited number of Presidential Scholarships available to students applying to begin studying with us in the Fall of 2026.
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November 26, 2025
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We have exciting news to announce! The PFIC now has a limited number of Presidential Scholarships available to students applying to begin studying with us in the Fall of 2026.
Scholarships are available for all of our degree programs, and will be awarded based on academic merit and student need. These awards may be partial or full, covering part or all of your tuition and fees. Presidential Scholarships do not include a living stipend.
To be considered for a Presidential Scholarship, you must submit your application for admission to the PFIC by Jan. 8, 2026.
In addition to this application, you must send a “Presidential Scholarship Personal Statement” and a current CV to our Grad Student Liaison Officer, Dr. Rebecca Marisseau, at rmarisseau@dhs.edu.
Your personal statement should be:
- 1-2 pages, double-spaced
- 12-point font
- Explain (1) which degree program you are applying for, (2) your qualifications and personal strengths for such a program of studies, (3) why you want to pursue this degree at the Dominican House of Studies, and (4) how you see this degree preparing you for the future you hope for yourself.
Your CV should include your educational background and any relevant professional/volunteer experience, leadership roles, academic honors received, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Marisseau at rmarisseau@dhs.edu.
What is the DHS?
The Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies provides a theological education for those intending to serve as ministers in the Dominican Order and other qualified students interested in this unique formation. Under the instruction of the Dominican friars, students follow a rigorous curriculum centered on the synthesis of the Catholic intellectual tradition found in the works of St. Thomas Aquinas.
To learn more about our degree programs, see our Degree Programs page.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY
Apply by January 8, 2026
A two-year program of theology in the Thomistic tradition, introduced in 1993 to better serve laypersons interested in further theological study or service to the Church. The program provides formation in the thought of Thomas Aquinas’ philosophy and theology, as well as a deep engagement with key texts in patristic and modern theology.
The program has a strong record for placing M.A. graduates in the highest-ranked Ph.D. programs in theology, as well as in teaching roles at private Catholic secondary schools and in parish work or Catholic nonprofits.
Both your scholarship application and your degree program application must be submitted by the January 8 deadline.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR LICENTIATE IN SACRED THEOLOGY IN THOMISTIC STUDIES (STL)
Apply by January 8, 2026
The universally-required degree for advancement to doctoral studies in an ecclesiastical faculty. A canonical degree required for professors who will teach in ecclesiastical faculties, such as any major seminary. This program requires that students have previously obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB). Students will compose a License thesis that prepares them directly for an ecclesiastical doctorate.
This program entails graduate seminars and seeks to initiate students into the study of Thomistic thought on several fronts that can become the basis for thesis research including: Major Themes in Classical Thomistic Philosophy, Dogmatic and Moral Theology, The Modern Thomistic Tradition within the context of Post-Enlightenment Theology, The Study of Aquinas in Historical Context and Historical Methods for the Study of Medieval Theology.
Both your scholarship application and your degree program application must be submitted by the January 8 deadline.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR DOCTORATE IN SACRED THEOLOGY IN THOMISTIC STUDIES (STD)**
Apply by January 8, 2026
A specialized degree program in Thomistic studies. This program offers a terminal degree (the ecclesiastical doctorate) that is granted by the authority and in the name of the Holy See. Candidates may specialize either in the domain of Thomistic systematic theology or Thomistic moral theology.
Applicants must have previously obtained an STL to be considered for the STD.
Both your scholarship application and your degree program application must be submitted by the January 8 deadline.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR DOCTORATE IN THEOLOGY IN THOMISTIC STUDIES (PhD)
Apply by January 8, 2026
Thomistic theology has been perennially important since the Common Doctor’s lifetime. The Dominican House of Studies has launched a new PhD program that will sustain and advance Thomistic scholarship and teaching at the highest levels. The PhD in Theology (Thomistic Studies) program helps students to develop a comprehensive understanding of theology according to the mind of St. Thomas Aquinas, with attention to his sources, historical context, later development in the Thomistic tradition, and applicability for the questions and needs of today. Students may specialize in Thomistic dogmatic theology or moral theology, although both will be expected for coursework and comprehensive examinations.
The TI will provide up to four years of funding. If a fifth year of funding is needed, the student can apply for a one-year extension.
Both your scholarship application and your degree program application must be submitted by the January 8 deadline.
