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Religion/Theology Scholarships

There are many religions people align themselves with and for the most dedicated followers, life after college doesn’t mean a swanky corner office and unlimited expense accounts: It means becoming part of the faith they were raised in or educating others about it. But how does one gain the necessary knowledge to do so? By majoring in religion or theology.

Whether your goal is to become a priest, rabbi, teacher, activist or writer, a deep understanding of your chosen religion is vital in landing the position you desire. Expect to take a fair amount of history, anthropology, philosophy and writing-intensive courses in addition to your major classes and consider the possibility of studying abroad or accepting an internship or research fellowship to further immerse yourself in your studies. Funding your education, however, can become quite expensive and the best way to graduate with a limited amount of student loans (and the possibility of future debt) is to apply for religion and theology scholarships and grants to pay for school.

Scholarships.com lists numerous faith-based scholarship awards – Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Episcopalian, Hindu, Jewish, Lutheran, Methodist, Muslim, Pagan/Wiccan and Presbyterian – but many universities like Fuller Theological Seminary and the Claremont School of Theology offer their own religion and theology scholarships. For additional scholarship opportunities, conduct a free scholarship search today!

Charlotte W. Newcombe Dissertation Fellowships

  • Application Deadline: 11/15/2017
  • Amount: $25,000
  • The prestigious Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships are designed to encourage original and significant study of ethical or religious values in all fields of the humanities and social sciences, and particularly to help Ph.D. candidates in these fields complete their dissertation work in a timely manner. In addition to topics in religious studies or in ethics (philosophical or [...] More

David Pohl Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • This scholarship was established by the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) upon Rev. Pohl's retirement as Unitarian Universalist Association Director of Ministry in 1993. It supports the intellectual, spiritual, and professional development of individuals studying for Unitarian Universalist (UU) ministry. [...] More

Disciples Home Missions Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Scholarships are made possible by gifts from individuals, families, congregations, and other expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Scholarship funds are generated from interest earned on permanent funds and cash gifts, and are used as investments in persons preparing for ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United [...] More

Disciples Leadership Program

  • Application Deadline: 12/1/2017
  • Amount: Varies
  • This top-tier, competitive scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen based on leadership, academic excellence, and the commitment to explore during college a life of faith-based servant leadership. Seminary-bound students are encouraged to apply, but all qualified DOC students with exceptional leadership and service will be equally considered. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative high [...] More

Dora Maclellan Brown Seminary Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Dora Maclellan Brown established a fund that would be expressly geared to Christian evangelism and the training of foot soldiers for God's front lines.

    Applicants must be from the greater Chattanooga area; be theologically and biblically conservative and have a testimony of faith and evidence of call to ministry. Students must be seeking a master's degree at a theological seminary or graduate [...] More

FTE Fellowships for Doctoral Students of African Descent

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • FTE offers financial support for doctoral students who have completed the coursework stage of their Ph.D. or Th.D. program in religion, theological studies or biblical studies.

    Eligibility:
    -Be of African descent enrolled or admitted full time in a Th.D. or Ph.D. program in religion, theological studies or biblical studies
    -Be finished with coursework by the beginning of the fellowship year [...] More

FTE Fellowships for Latino/a, Asian and First Nations Doctoral Students

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • FTE offers financial support for doctoral students who have completed the coursework stage of their Ph.D. or Th.D. program in religion, theological studies or biblical studies.

    Eligibility:
    -Be of Latino/a, Asian, or first nations descent enrolled or admitted full time in a Th.D. or Ph.D. program in religion, theological studies or biblical studies
    -Be finished with coursework by the [...] More

George and Lynna Gene Cook Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2018
  • Amount: $600
  • The Lincoln Community Foundation manages over 50 scholarship funds.

    Eligible applicants for the George & Lynna Gene Cook Scholarship are:

    -High school senior graduates from a Nebraska high school
    -Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
    -Plan to or are majoring in ministry or education
    -Preference is given to the members of the First Church of God Congregation

    For more information or to apply, please [...] More

Henry J. and Pauline M. Armstrong Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2018
  • Amount: $1,500
  • The Lincoln Community Foundation manages over 70 scholarship funds. The Henry J. & Pauline M. Armstrong Scholarship is for seniors or graduates of Waverly High School in Waverly, Nebraska who are, or plan to major in agriculture, home economics or veterinary medicine, or are male students who will attend a Lutheran seminary with the intention of becoming a minister. Applicants must have financial [...] More

Interfaith Spiritutality Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • The purpose of this scholarship is to support deserving individuals who have demonstrated an interest in and are prepared to integrate interfaith understanding into their ministry and have a commitment to guiding others on their own spiritual path. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in a Masters of Divinity program leading to fellowship as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) minister. [...] More

Iowa UMF Seminary Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2018
  • Amount: $7,500
  • Iowa United Methodist Foundation offers thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants every year to students who demonstrate academic and community excellence and have maintained a faithful membership with the United Methodist Church. For a full list of seminary scholarships, more information, and to apply, visit the IUMF website. [...] More

Khyentse Foundation Buddhist Studies Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $3,000
  • Khyentse Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers scholarships for Buddhist scholars. KF Buddhist Study Scholarships are one-time grants to support individuals who wish to study the Dharma. KF accepts applications from teachers, students, scholars, and translators, from all traditions, schools, and sects of Buddhism.

    KF accepts open scholarship applications twice a year, from [...] More

Louis-Edward Nicklies Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/28/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Louis-Edward Nicklies Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate, masters-level and doctoral students enrolled in 12+ credit hours who have graduated from a high school located in Jefferson County, KY.

    Eligibility:
    -Be a graduate of a public, parochial, or private high school in Jefferson County, KY
    -Have an academic record indicating the ability to succeed at the undergraduate/graduate [...] More

Marguerite Young Endowment Fund

  • Application Deadline: 3/31/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Marguerite Young Endowment Fund was established to provide assistance for students pursuing theology. Marguerite Young was a sincere Christian woman who was a faithful member of her church and an unwavering supporter of theological education for the training of faithful Christian ministers.

    Eligibility:
    -Pursue a degree or studies in Theology
    -Must be enrolled full-time in a [...] More

Mary E. Bivins Foundation Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 1/29/2018
  • Amount: $3,500
  • The purpose of the Mary E. Bivins Foundation Religious Scholarship Program is to educate ministers to preach the Christian religion. Scholarships are provided for an upper-level undergraduate or graduate education leading to a bachelor's or master's degree in a field that prepares the student to preach the Christian religion. Priority will be given to students intending to serve as pulpit pastors [...] More

Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2018
  • Amount: $2,000
  • Founded in 1949, the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from public high schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington state. Application forms are only available through these high schools and candidates for the scholarship are nominated by their school each year. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 a year, and scholarships are renewable for four (4) [...] More

Oklahoma Christian University Current Student Biblical Studies Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Oklahoma Christian awards more than $19 million in institutional scholarships and grants every year. Generous donors make it possible for Oklahoma Christian to offer a variety of scholarships for new and returning students majoring in preaching, Bible, ministry, vocational ministry and more.

    For more information, visit our [...] More

Oklahoma Christian University New Student Biblical Studies Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Oklahoma Christian University applicants interested in becoming Bible majors are encouraged to apply for College of Biblical Studies endowed scholarship awards. Generous donors make it possible for Oklahoma Christian to offer a variety of scholarships for new and returning students majoring in preaching, Bible, ministry, vocational ministry and more. Award amounts vary based on academic profile [...] More

Presbyterian Student Opportunity Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/15/2018
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Student Opportunity Scholarship program serves Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) college students by providing need-based aid for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are full-time, first-degree students attending accredited institutions in the United States. Student Opportunity Scholarship applicants will explore who God created them to be in a series of essay questions intended for students to [...] More

Presbyterian U.S.A. Native American Supplemental Grant

  • Application Deadline: 5/15/2018
  • Amount: $1,500
  • The Native American Supplemental Grant is for Native American and Alaska natives pursuing full-time post-secondary education who have been awarded the Presbyterian Study Grant and have remaining need.

    Eligible applicants must be full-time M.Div. or M.A.C.E. students attending a Presbyterian Church U.S.A.-related seminary at the following institutions:
    -Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary [...] More

Presbyterian U.S.A. Presbyterian Study Grant

  • Application Deadline: 5/15/2018
  • Amount: $4,000
  • Eligible applicants must be full-time M.Div. or M.A.C.E. students attending a Presbyterian Church U.S.A.-related seminary at the following institutions:
    -Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    -Columbia Theological Seminary
    -Interdenominational Theological Center
    -Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    -McCormick Theological Seminary
    -Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    -San [...] More

Presbyterian U.S.A. Racial Ethnic Supplemental Grant

  • Application Deadline: 5/15/2018
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Racial Ethnic Supplemental Grant is for African American, Alaska Native, Asian American, Hispanic American or Native American students who have been awarded the Presbyterian Study Grant and have remaining need.

    Eligible applicants must be full-time M.Div. or M.A.C.E. students attending a Presbyterian Church U.S.A.-related seminary at the following institutions:
    -Austin Presbyterian [...] More

Presbyterian U.S.A. Women of Color Grant

  • Application Deadline: 5/15/2018
  • Amount: $3,000
  • The Presbyterian Women of Color Grant is for women minorities pursuing full-time post-secondary education who have been awarded the Presbyterian Study Grant and have remaining need.

    Eligible applicants must be full-time M.Div. or M.A.C.E. students attending a Presbyterian Church U.S.A.-related seminary at the following institutions:
    -Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    -Columbia [...] More

Rev. Robert E. and Gladys G. Ernst Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $1,500
  • The OBES exists to provide financial Assistance in the way of scholarships to prepare American Baptist Professional Ministers for tomorrow. The Rev. Robert E. And Gladys Ernst Scholarship awarded to current ABC/Ordained pastors of American Baptist Churches in Ohio who are pursuing post-graduate ministry degrees such as Master's or Ph.D of Divinity either at accredited institutions or through a [...] More

TEDS PhD Merit Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 1/15/2018
  • Amount: $10,000
  • The Ph.D. Merit Scholarships are awarded by the Ph.D. and admissions committees for the Educational Studies and Intercultural Studies departments, and for the four Theological Studies departments (including Old Testament, New Testament, systematic theology, and church history). Awards are renewable for a second year and are awarded based on full-time credits (9 or more) and will be pro-rated if [...] More

TEDS PhD Program Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 1/15/2018
  • Amount: $23,000
  • The Ph.D. Program Scholarship is awarded to one recipient per Ph.D. program (theological studies, educational studies, and intercultural studies), selected by the Ph.D. and admissions committees. Awards are based on full-time credits (9 or more) and will be pro-rated if registered for less than 9 credits in a semester. Applicants are automatically considered during the admissions process. The [...] More

TEDS PhD Waybright Leadership Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 1/15/2018
  • Amount: $140,000
  • The Ph.D. Waybright Leadership Scholarship is awarded to one Educational Studies Ph.D. student, one Intercultural Studies Ph.D. student, and four Theological Studies Ph.D. students selected by the Ph.D. and Admissions committees. Applicants are automatically considered during the admissions process. Scholarships are renewable up to four years.

    For more information or to apply, please visit [...] More

The David Eaton Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Maurine Mulliner, a long-time member of All Soul's Church in Washington, DC, made an estate gift to establish this award in order to affirm Rev. David Hilliard Eaton's vision of a community dedicated to strengthening hope, justice and balance, and creating an anti-racist, multi-cultural religious organization and country. This scholarship is awarded to women from a historically marginalized group [...] More

The Donald K. Evans Memorial Theological Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Donald K. Evans Memorial Theological Scholarship Fund was established by the Ohio-Meadville District and is awarded to members or former members of congregations within the Ohio-Meadville District (Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Southwest New York State) who are preparing for the Unitarian Universalist ministry. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship [...] More

The Ingeborg Haseltine Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Ingeborg Haseltine made a gift from her estate to establish a permanent scholarship fund to support the education of women pursuing a career in the ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in a Masters of Divinity degree program leading to fellowship as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) minister. [...] More

The John A. Buehrens Ministerial Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • John A. Buehrens, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) from 1993-2001, has made enormous contributions to the life of this institution and to the Unitarian Universalist movement as a whole. To recognize and honor his work, the UUA has established a permanent fund to support the intellectual, spiritual, and professional development of future Unitarian Universalist ministers [...] More

The Lucille K. and Jerome P. Gallon Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Lucille K. and Jerome P. Gallon Scholarship fund was created to support promising candidates for Unitarian Universalist ministry. This scholarship is to individuals who have demonstrated strong preaching skills during their path to ministry. The funds are available to students enrolled at least half-time in a Masters of Divinity degree program leading to fellowship as a Unitarian [...] More

The Martha and Robert Atherton Ministerial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Established in 1997, this scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to promising ministerial students in their 2nd or 3rd year of seminary who have already proven their capabilities. This scholarship is awarded to individuals who respect hard work as a foundation of a full life and appreciate the freedom, political system, and philosophical underpinnings of our country. Priority is [...] More

The Olympia Brown and Max Kapp Award

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Olympia Brown and Max Kapp Award is made to a ministerial student who, in addition to meeting the requirements for general financial aid, chooses to submit as part of their general financial application a paper, sermon, or another special project on some aspect of Universalism. Entries are evaluated by an outside reader. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in a Masters of Divinity [...] More

The President William G. Sinkford Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Unitarian Universalist Association established the President William G. Sinkford Fund in 2008, during the last year of Rev. Sinkford's UUA Presidency. Having begun his service in June 2001, Rev. Sinkford left the Association with many profound and lasting gifts including the innovative Diversity of Ministry Initiative and support for lay theological education and ministerial development [...] More

The Rev. Chuck and Nancy Thomas Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/25/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • This scholarship serves Unitarian Universalism, and individual Unitarian Universalists like Chuck and Nancy Thomas, by valuing a history of service and leadership as critical elements of a call toward professional theological training. Each year it supports a student in the first year of seminary or in preparatory academic work. Scholars qualify for the award by demonstrating their outstanding [...] More

The Roy H. Pollack Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Roy H. Pollack Scholarship was created in 1998 to support second or third-year students who have strong academic records and are a promising candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in a Masters of Divinity program leading to fellowship as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) [...] More

The Saul Kagan Fellowship in Advanced Shoah Studies

  • Application Deadline: 1/3/2018
  • Amount: $20,000
  • The Kagan Fellowship in Advanced Shoah Studies welcomes applications from Ph.D. and post-doc candidates from around the world for funding for the September through the following August academic year.

    Ph.D. Requirements:
    -Be enrolled and good standing in a Ph.D. program that supports the study of the Holocaust
    -Study/have studies a language of Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union [...] More

The Susan M. Jackson Ministerial Scholars Fund

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • Susan M. Jackson's children established this fund on Ms. Jackson's 85th birthday to honor her commitment and dedication to Unitarian Universalism. This scholarship is awarded to recipients who share with the wider world their enthusiasm about Unitarian Universalist (UU) ideas and conclusions, drawn from their faith, which influence their lives. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in a [...] More

United Methodist GBHEM Doctorate Level Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2018
  • Amount: $10,000
  • GBHEM Scholarships administers scholarship programs with one general application. Criteria for each scholarship program varies.

    The minimum requirements for Doctoral scholarships are:
    -Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA person
    -Applicants must be an active full member of The United Methodist Church for at least 1 year (International applicants must be active full [...] More

United Methodist GBHEM Ministry as a Career Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2018
  • Amount: $10,000
  • GBHEM Scholarships administers scholarship programs with one general application. Criteria for each scholarship program varies.

    The minimum requirements for Ministry scholarships are:
    -Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA person
    -Applicants must be an active full member of The United Methodist Church for at least 1 year (International applicants must be active full [...] More

Valley Humanities Review High School Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 12/15/2017
  • Amount: $500
  • The Valley Humanities Review is currently seeking essays in the humanities - including literature, film, art, history, religion, or philosophy - written by current high school students that demonstrate high quality, intellectual rigor, and originality. The winner will receive a $500 prize and publication in the spring issue.

    The goal with all our projects is to encourage a culture of [...] More

Von Ogden Vogt Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2018
  • Amount: Varies
  • This scholarship was established in 2001 by Walter and Carolyn Vogt to honor Walter’s father The Rev. Dr. Von Ogden Vogt and his dedication and commitment to Unitarian Universalism. Scholarships are given to support the intellectual, spiritual, and professional development of future Unitarian Universalist ministers who are attending Meadville Lombard Theological [...] More

Warrior Women in Leadership Program

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $20,000
  • The Warrior Women in Leadership program provides leadership development programming and financial assistance to women seeking a full-time residential degree at Waldorf University. These scholarships, up to full tuition, will be awarded to several women based on their leadership potential and membership in campus organizations and clubs. For more information or to apply, please visit the [...] More

Last Reviewed: August 2017

Religion/Theology Scholarships

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