Theology Scholarships for International Students – Fully Funded

Are you interested in pursuing theological studies, but you are not able to do so because of financial constraints? The good news is that there are theology scholarships that you can apply for! Before you check them out, though, read through the important tips on theology scholarships for international students. 

How do I get a theology scholarship? 

1. Do your research to identify available scholarships. 

There are a variety of funding opportunities available, including:

• Church or denominational support programs for theology students
• Institutional scholarships from theological colleges, universities, and seminaries
• Funding programs from organizations and NGOs
• Online scholarship listings where you can find theology scholarships. 

2. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements, including:

• Academic performance
• Religious affiliation
• Required documents
• Educational qualifications

3. Prepare your application materials as required. These may include;

• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• Personal statements
• Evidence of community involvement
• Introductory letters from your pastor/church

4. Apply early

• Take note of the deadlines and work backwards so that you have everything ready on time. 
• Also, take advantage of scholarships that have rolling deadlines to submit your scholarship early.

5. Look around for local scholarship opportunities

• Find out if your local universities or theological seminaries have scholarships that you can apply for, especially if you are doing your first degree. 

6. Explore other funding options

• These may include general academic scholarships, government grants, church sponsorship programs, or support from family and friends. 

7. Demonstrate financial need

• If the scholarship application requires that you declare financial need, give all the details required, as this will increase your chances of getting funding if the scholarship prioritizes students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. 

How to succeed in your theology course

How do you make the most of your theology course?

1. Grow spiritually

• Your institution will most probably give you lots of opportunities for fellowship with other believers. Take part in church activities and serve in a ministry in a local church. 
• Also, dedicate time for prayer and reading the Bible daily. 

2. Develop good study habits

• Organize your personal schedule so that you stay ahead of deadlines.
• Read ahead before every lecture.
• Take notes during lectures.
• Read widely.

3. Build your critical thinking skills

• Ask questions.
• Read widely.
• Explore different concepts and theological traditions.

4. Develop your writing and communication skills

• Practice academic writing skills.
• Develop public speaking, teaching and preaching skills. 

5. Build connections

• Connect with your professors and classmates.
• Form study groups.
• Seek mentorship from experienced theologians.

6. Balance between your faith and your academic life

• Make time for both, as they are important. 
• Take breaks from studying to avoid burnout. 

7. Use the resources available

• Use the institution’s library for your research.
• Access online resources relating to your field of interest.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars.

8. Depend on the Lord

• Remember that God will give you the strength to complete your studies. 
• Pray for wisdom and guidance in your academic and spiritual life. 

Here is a list of fully funded theology scholarships for international students. 

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Scholarships

• There are two types of scholarships at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary available to international students. 

1. Merit Scholarships

• These are offered to incoming students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and the potential for outstanding Christian service. 
• This award ranges from $1000 to $25,000 a year. The amount disbursed is dependent on your enrollment status (part-time or full-time). 
• These scholarships are renewable for three years for students enrolled in the M.Div. program, subject to satisfactory academic progress. 

2. Tuition Grants

• A tuition grant is need-based, and is applied towards tuition costs. It is awarded by the seminary, regardless of denominational affiliation. 
• This need is determined by the information you submit in your Financial Aid Application. 
• Full-time and part-time students can qualify for up to the full cost of tuition, as long as they are enrolled in a master’s or certificate program and they demonstrate financial need. 

Duke Divinity School Thriving Communities Fellowship

• The Thriving Communities Fellowship, one of the theology scholarships for international students, is a full-tuition scholarship that covers three years of study in a resident Master of Divinity program at Duke University. This fellowship targets individuals who exhibit academic excellence and a passionate commitment to cultivating their skills for the benefit of their congregations and communities. 
• To qualify for this fellowship, you must enroll full-time as a residential student and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. You will also be expected to actively engage in ministry to congregations and communities after graduation. 
• Selection criteria for this fellowship include a commitment to making the love of Christ visible in the community, becoming an ordained pastor, and practising transformational leadership and encouraging Christian formation in local congregations. 

Radboud Encouragement Scholarship

• The Radboud Encouragement Scholarship targets applicants from non-EU/EEA countries who desire to pursue an English-taught Master’s programme at the university. 
• This scholarship covers the tuition fees in full and a contribution to living costs of €13.200. In addition, this scholarship covers the costs of the applicant’s visa, residence permit, health insurance, and liability insurance. 
• Applicants to courses in the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies qualify for this scholarship, as long as they hold a non-EU or non-EEA passport. 

Biola University Freshman Academic Scholarships

• Biola University, a private Christian university in Southern California, has a number of scholarship options for international students who desire to study theology. 

a) Freshman Academic Scholarship

• The Office of Admissions awards this scholarship to deserving students when they are accepted into the University. There is no separate application required. 
• A student’s eligibility is based on their unweighted final high school GPA and SAT scores. 
• This scholarship is worth between $14,000 and $23,500. 

b) Transfer Heritage Academic Scholarship

• The Transfer Heritage Academic Scholarship is awarded to eligible students upon their acceptance into the university. 
• Students are eligible for this scholarship as long as they are transferring 15 or more credits.
• The scholarship amount comes to between $14,000 and $23,000 per year. 

c) Trustee Scholarship

• The Trustee Scholarship, another of the theology scholarships for international students, is a full-tuition scholarship targeting incoming undergraduate students. These students should have demonstrated strength of character, academic excellence, and Christian maturity. 
• To qualify for this scholarship, one should have a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.8, standard test scores (SAT 1500, ACT 34+, or CLT 110+), and proof of demonstrated service and leadership roles. 

Princeton Theological Seminary

• At Princeton Theological Seminary, every international applicant to a full-time residential program is considered for a scholarship. 
• International applicants to the ThM, MTS, MACEF, MDiv, Dual (MDiv/MACEF) and MTE programs are eligible to receive these scholarships. 
• These scholarships cover up to full tuition and stipends. 

Dallas Theological Seminary Need-based Scholarships

• At the Dallas Theological Seminary, 100% of all eligible students, including international students, receive a need-based scholarship. 
• Some of the scholarships include:
  1. The David L. Chu Memorial Scholarship Fund – started by Karen and Scott Friesen to assist qualified international students to fund their studies. 
  2. The Kenneth and Beulah Clatfelter Scholarship Fund – established in honor of Kenneth and Beulah Clatfelter to provide tuition assistance for an American-born Chinese student, a foreign-born Chinese, or other international students. 
  3. “Do All to the Glory of God” Scholarship Fund – an endowment fund set up to provide tuition, books, and health insurance for qualified international students. 
  4. The Dolezal Memorial Scholarship Fund – a fund set up to provide assistance for tuition, books, and living expenses for a qualified international student who intends to return to his home country after graduation. 
  5. The Bobby Gene and Kathleen Barshop Memorial Scholarship Fund – awards from this fund provide financial assistance for African students. 

These fully funded theology scholarships for international students provide a great opportunity for students from all over the world to access high quality education at top universities.