Top 10 Bible School Scholarships for International Students in the USA

Did you know that the US is one of the best places to go to Bible school, and to get a Bible school scholarship? Check out the application tips and list of the top 10 Bible school scholarships for international students in the USA below!

How to apply for a Bible school scholarship

1. Research

• Do your research on the available Bible schools in the US, and the international scholarships available. You can also check out what each scholarship offers.

2. Understand the eligibility criteria

• To qualify for a scholarship, you must first meet the eligibility criteria. Each scholarship has its criteria that you need to study so that you can determine if you qualify before you start the application process.

3. Maintain strong academic records

• Make sure your academic records are strong and consistent enough to enable you to qualify for a scholarship.

4. Participate in church and community activities

• You must have evidence of participation in church and community activities so that the selection committee will be fully convinced that you deserve a Bible school scholarship because of your commitment to serving in the church and the community. 

5. Get strong letters of recommendation

• Letters of recommendation make a huge difference. Be careful who you choose to write these letters, as what they write will influence the selection committee’s decision.

6. Write a compelling essay/personal statement

• If the scholarship you are targeting requires an essay or personal statement, make sure you bring out the fact that you desire to be equipped for ministry and that the Bible school you have chosen is the best place to get these skills.

7. Submit proof of financial need

• To qualify for a need-based scholarship you must show evidence of financial need. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents needed to prove that you are unable to finance your studies at Bible school.

8. Display a positive online presence

• Scholarship recruiters often look at prospective students’ online profiles to determine whether they are a good fit for their institutions. Your online presence should therefore display your commitment to God, and your desire to serve Him and the community.

9. Put together a thorough application

• Take your time putting together your application and all the supporting documents, so that you submit a well-thought-out application. Also, be careful to submit all your documents in the required format.

10. Apply early

• Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. Start working on the application form early so that you have enough time to go through all the sections and fill them in correctly.

11. Prepare for interviews

• Lastly, once you submit your application, prepare for interviews that may follow if your application makes it through the first stage. Prepare to answer all the questions confidently and without hesitation.

Benefits of going to Bible School

What are the benefits of attending Bible school?

1. Spiritual growth – The various activities at Bible school will encourage you to build a deeper relationship with God.
2. Theological education – At Bible school, you will gain a deeper understanding of the doctrines and beliefs of Christianity.
3. Ministry training – Going to Bible school trains people on the practical aspects of ministry.
4. Community and fellowship – You will meet people with whom you share similar values and ministry goals at Bible school.
5. Leadership development – If you are hoping to become a pastor, Bible school is the best place to get training in leadership skills.
6. Missionary preparation – Bible school is a great place to get the skills required for the mission field and to be trained on what to expect while ministering to unreached people.

Below is a list of the top Bible School Scholarships for International Students in the USA.

10. Lancaster Bible College International Student Scholarship

• The Lancaster Bible College International Student Scholarship is a $3000 annual tuition awarded to international students who are accepted to the college.
• This award is given to students whose financial need is determined by the details in the International Student Financial Aid Application. It is renewable yearly subject to attainment of a 2.3 cumulative GPA.

9. Calvin Theological Seminary Scholarships

• Calvin Theological Seminary Scholarships are fully funded theology scholarships available to international students from over 20 countries around the world.
• Each student receives a tuition fee discount and a scholarship. There is no application required, as everyone who applies for a place at Calvin is automatically considered for a scholarship.

8. Portland Bible College Scholarship

• Portland Bible College Scholarships offers one of the top 10 Bible school scholarships for international students in the USA.
• This Bible college has a variety of scholarships available for international students, including:
  • Destiny Scholarship – offers up to $1500 in tuition assistance per year to individuals who demonstrate financial need.
  • Nathan Peterson Scholarship – supports full-time on-campus international students who are facing financial challenges with their studies.

7. Grace College International Student Scholarship

• Grace College has one of the best Bible school scholarships available. This college’s international student scholarship targets students who demonstrate financial need based on the Declaration of Financial Support submitted during the application process.
• This scholarship is renewed yearly based on academic standing at the end of each year.

6. Asbury Theological Seminary Scholarships

• Asbury Theological Seminary offers a limited number of tuition scholarships to international students. These scholarships are awarded to new students at the beginning of the study program.
• To qualify for this scholarship, you must show leadership potential and plan to return home upon completing your studies. You must also complete the admission process by January 1^st of the year preceding completion of your high school studies.

5. Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary Scholarships

• The Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary offers several free Bible school scholarships to international students, including:
  • Arnold Full Tuition Scholarship – covers 100% of the course fees for a full-time international student.
  • Bishop Global Scholarship – covers 100% of the course fees for a full-time student.
  • International Scholarship – covers 100% of the course fees for a full-time international student.
  • Leta & Steward Gray Scholarship – covers 50 of the course fees for full-time international students.

4. Western Theological Seminary International Scholar Award

• The Western Theological Seminary offers scholarships to international students who maintain a course load of at least nine credits.
• This seminary offers the Master of Theology (Th.M.) International Scholar Award to international students who are committed to advancing the gospel of Christ in their home country.
• These fully funded theology scholarships cover up to 100% of each student’s tuition and housing costs.

3. Dallas Theological Seminary Scholarships

• Dallas Theological Seminary also offers some of the top 10 Bible school scholarships for international students in the USA.
• Some of the scholarships offered include:
  • Need-based scholarships – These are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, have maintained good standing with the seminary and a GPA of 2.5, and are enrolled in a degree program.
  • The David L. Chu Memorial Scholarship Fund – This was established by Karen and Scott Friesen to provide financial assistance to qualified international students.
  • The “Do All to the Glory of God” Scholarship Fund – This scholarship fund was established by Mark and Rosanna Carvajal to provide tuition, health insurance, and books to qualified international students from Africa and India.

2. Moody Bible Institute Scholarships

• Moody Bible Institute has some of the best Bible school scholarships in the USA. It offers institutional scholarships which are awarded based on need and academic excellence. Students are eligible for these scholarships once they are accepted to Moody.
• These scholarships are given in addition to the tuition-paid model, where full-time residential graduate students receive full tuition scholarships sponsored by donors committed to supporting education at Moody Bible Institute.

1. Princeton Theological Seminary

• Princeton Theological Seminary offers free Bible school scholarships to students pursuing a Master of Theology (Th.M.), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), and Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation (MACEF).
• These scholarships come in two tiers, i.e. the Presidential International Scholarship and the Trustee International Scholarship.
• Selection for these scholarships is based on the merit of the application. There is no separate application required.

Now that you have a list of the top 10 Bible school scholarships for international students in the USA above, choose the best Bible school scholarship for you! All the best!