The Doctoral Research Scholar Program at Princeton Theological Seminary

The Doctoral Research Scholar Program is designed to offer a brief (four month) period of access to the Seminary libraries for foreign nationals, in support of their dissertation research at their home institutions. For the limited number of spaces available in the program, preference is given to applicants whose dissertation research will be most enhanced by access in Princeton to resources not available at home, and who show greatest promise for contributing to future research and teaching in their home contexts.

Application deadline: February 1 for the following September.

Credentials required for application:

1. Doctoral Research application form (online).
2. Copy of approved dissertation proposal.
3. A statement describing your progress thus far on your dissertation research and writing, and some specifics of how the resources of the Princeton Seminary library would assist in your research.
4. Evidence of level of ability in English. It is preferred that you submit scores from the TOEFL. See www.ets.org for information about taking this test.
5. A letter of recommendation from your dissertation adviser that comments on your intellectual ability and reasons why you should be selected for this program.
6. A letter of recommendation from an ecclesiastical officer indicating your Christian commitment and your potential for leadership in your home church.
7. A letter of endorsement from the Dean, Principal, or President of the school where you are enrolled for doctoral work, attesting that you are in good academic standing at the school.
8. (Optional) A letter of endorsement from a school that has expressed its intention to employ you upon completion of your degree, or from a school where you are now employed indicating its intent to continue your employment, indicating your future or current responsibilities at that school.

All credentials should be received no later than February 1 preceding the September for which admission is sought. Materials may be sent by email or fax with hard copy to follow. Mail all credentials to:

Ph.D. Studies Office
Princeton Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 821
Princeton, NJ 08542-0803
U.S.A.

Fax number: 609-497-7819
Email: drsp@ptsem.edu

Applicants will be notified in early March as to the status of their application.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

To be considered for scholarship assistance, you MUST complete the Financial Aid application form (available on line). The form may be submitted online, but it cannot be reviewed until all supporting documents mentioned in the instructions are sent by fax or by post. Financial aid documentation must be received in Princeton by February 20.

RESTRICTIONS

Doctoral research scholars must come alone, without family.

Arrive no earlier than at the start of the fall semester (early September) and remain no longer than the last day of the fall semester (mid January).

Doctoral Research Scholars may not hold any on or off-campus employment, nor may they volunteer services for paid positions.

EXPENSES

In some cases the following expenses may be covered by scholarship:

• Reduced tuition
• Room and board
• Health insurance
• Incidentals (to cover costs such as laundry, telephone, meals, photocopying, etc.)

Expenses not covered by any scholarship:

• Round-trip transportation
• Books

All students have access to computers through the Seminary’s on-campus computer lab. Personal computer and telephone expenses are the student’s responsibility.