The academic field of ministry or ministry studies is as wide and varied as the ministry scholarships that may help you fund your education. This line of study is related to the fields of theology or religious studies. It can represent everything from Bible study to the study of sacred music. Continue reading to find out more.

What separates this major from similar fields such as theology is that it often serves as the educational training for a career as a minister or religious leader. Some colleges offer it as a major, while in other schools it consists of more of an advising program for students planning to continue their religious studies at a divinity school or seminary.

Another major differences among college ministry programs is the denominational emphasis of the program. Some programs study a range of religions and have as their academic emphasis comparative religion. Other programs are affiliated with a particular religion and study only the tenets, rituals and history of that faith. The type of program you select will depend on your educational and vocational goals and expectations.

Common coursework for ministerial studies includes Western philosophy, ethics, world religions, homiletics, Bible studies and intercultural communication. Your courses will most likely consist of lectures and seminars in a traditional classroom environment. However, you’ll also most likely engage in field work and internships. These experiences will allow you to gain first-hand perspectives about the kind of problems you’ll face as a religious minister. 

These types of programs are relatively few in number. Generally, to pursue ministerial studies at a seminary or graduate school, it is not necessary to have a ministry bachelor’s degree. With most programs, any bachelor degree from an accredited institution will be good enough. At the same time, this type of program can provide you with a broad range of experiences and allow you to glimpse the religious life of a minister.

Career prospects for religious leaders should be strong over the coming decade. Employment prospects should be most robust for students with a graduate degree. Also, those individuals willing to work in urban areas and traditionally under-served areas should face the best prospects.

International Scholarships for Bible School Students

Pan African School of Theology (PAST)

PAST is a private, inter-denominational, residential and day college located in the Aberedare highlands of central Kenya. It facilitates accredited university-level programmes in theology-related fields.

Founded in 2006 by PACE Ministries International and given a mandate to provide higher education for a new generation of Christian leaders. The vision called for a new school that would nurture students to be Biblical scholars, peacemakers, evangelists, leaders and spokesmen. They were to be creative thinkers and passionate men-of-action, above reproach, equipped to shepherd the Church and redeem all things to the glory of God.

PAST offers Bible School Scholarships for International Students. These scholarships are available to any student who has been accepted into a program at PAST and who meets at least one of the following criteria:

1) You are a member of an indigenous African church (or an African national).

2) Your parents or guardians have been members of an indigenous African church (or an African national) for at least 10 years before your birth (or when you became their child).

3) You have demonstrated a commitment to serving God through service within your local church or community (or both).

Emmanuel Bible College – International Student Bursary

• The successful applicant will be from a country outside of Canada or the United States and will demonstrate aptitude for learning in English and have a record of voluntary service as justified by a signed letter of reference. Valued between $250 to $1,000. Financial need will be considered.

Catholic Theological Union

• CTU is committed to working with qualified graduate students to access need and merit-based financial aid in order to make theological and ministerial education accessible. CTU has a variety of resources from which it draws for financial aid–scholarship funds, matching grants, student employment, and loans. Please see the menu items to the left for more information on, and how to apply for, financial assistance at CTU.

ELCA Fund for Leaders

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is proud to announce a new leadership initiative to inspire ELCA leaders to seek out and encourage gifted people in their congregations, communities and networks to consider a call to the ministry of the gospel, supported by growing levels of scholarships for seminary tuition.

The ELCA Fund for Leaders (FFL) helps to raise up and financially support students studying at ELCA seminaries who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential and exceptional gifts for ministry. Our vision is to one day support every candidate for rostered ministry with a full-tuition scholarship to an ELCA seminary, to empower and enable our leaders to serve as the church needs and the Holy Spirit leads.

This new initiative was announced at General Synod 2019, alongside two other initiatives: Navigating Faith Transition , which provides resources for congregations navigating faith transitions; and A New Generation of Clergy , which provides resources for pastors leading young adults into ministry.

These three initiatives are part of our larger commitment as an organization: To be the church that gives itself away so others might know Christ’s love; To be a people who live out our baptismal call on earth today; To be a community

Franciscan University of Steubenville  – Academic Scholarships

• We offer a variety of merit-based academic scholarships for excellent students. There is no application required, and scholarships are granted to students upon their acceptance. All academic scholarships are renewable. You may contact your admissions counselor for more information.

Fund for Theological Education

• With each new generation of leaders in ministry and academia, FTE strives to offer relevant resources that respond to the changing church and academy. Throughout the history of FTE, more than 7,000 fellowships have supported young adults, rising church leaders and scholars on their path to vocation. Along with leadership and vocational discernment opportunities, these fellowships have helped to generate some of the most influential religious voices within denominational bodies, congregations, theological institutions and society.

Uganda Christian University – Church of Uganda – University Scholarships

• Financial Aid Office (FAO) is a point of first contact between Uganda Christian University and donor organizations. It is responsible for coordinating and managing scholarships at UCU, and ensuring that sponsored students are registered and their assistance is accounted for. FAO works with students, their donors, sponsoring organizations and the university to make certain that the students are registered and their assistance is accounted for.
• Scholarship opportunities listed at UCU include:
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need based scholarships
  • University Administered Scholarships
  • Externally Sponsored and Administered Awards.

#1. Central Christian College of the Bible – Full School Scholarship

The Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) is one of the available Christian scholarships for international students and it assigns 100 new or transferring students (on the Moberly campus) full teaching for up to 17 credits each semester ($ 3,750 / sem = $ 7.5K / year.).

Lack of participation in the chapel or reduced GPA may result in a loss of 20% for a given reporting block. Students who do not qualify for the FTS receive 80% of the tuition (up to 18.5 points per semester) through the central scholarship.

#2. Student scholarship at Barclay College

Barclay College offers full Christian scholarships for international students of about $14K full-time certificate to all students accepted into a program with funds collected from supporters. Full-time and on-campus students receive this amount annually. For off-campus full-time students, the scholarship is $3700.

#3. Elim’s Full Scholarship Giveaway at Elim Bible Institute and College

Elim Bible Institute and College will award a full Christian scholarship grants to qualified first-time freshman student tuition, room, and pension (max $15,880) plus a conditional $ 6.4K towards the living expenses of a married winner. Books and fees extra.

#4. College of the Ozarks – Free Teaching Scholarship

The College of the Ozarks provides a “Cost of Education” (CoE) Christian scholarships grants whose value is the difference between teaching and any Federal or State Grants. Requires 15 hours of campus work program valued at $ 4,354. Students who are not eligible for federal / state aid are subject to a higher CoE rate.

#5. Randall University Christian Ministry Full Education Scholarship

Randall University offers a full-time scholarship to full-time students in Christian ministry programs, which cost about. $10,800 or over $ 40K over four years of the selected program.

This includes “degrees as pastoral ministry, youth and family ministry, ministry and business, intercultural studies (missions), theology and music and worship studies.”

#6. Anderson University Scholarships

Anderson University has two different fellows, both 4 years renewable and both combined with merit-based scholarships (based on GPA). Prizes: Center for Leadership Development (CLD) Scholarship; National Association of God’s Church (NACoG) Scholarship.

Each Christian scholarships grants requires membership of the given organization before application.

#7. Rev. James D. Parker Sr. Young Leader Scholarship – Cedarville University

Cedarville University, in partnership with the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Association (FBFA), offers a qualified full-time student either a full or three-quarter study grant. Every main study is justified, but applying for a student must be an FBFA church member.

#8. Full TIU scholarship – Trinity International University (TIU)

The TIU has many undergraduate scholarships and Christian scholarships for college students, including up to 100% (but not specifically 100%) annually on both academic and athletic basis, a 50% Awana Missionary Scholarship and lesser but significant prizes. Some prices cover tuition and fees, others also cover room and table. Renewable up to four years based on GPA.

These are only inviting awards, but there are also sporting scholarships of up to 100% (based on the trainer’s recommendation).

#9. Belmont University Full School Scholarships

Belmont University offers several full-time Christian scholarships in 2021: Presidential Scholarship (5), William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship (1), Thomas J. Madden Ministerial Certificate (1), Servant Leader Scholarship (1), Ingram Diversity Leadership Scholarship (4), ES Rose Scholarship (Multiple).

The president, Ingram and Rose award more than one student each, while the rest assigns a student each. Some of the international Christian scholarships are only men or women, others are for any qualified freshman student. Some, but not all, of these prizes, require a religiously inclined major.

#10. Trustee Scholarship at Lipscomb University

Lipscomb offers a full-tuition Trustee Scholarship (10 freshmen) and several non-FTS prices. All prizes are distributed based on SAT or ACT test scores and require live on campus, although out-of-state students are eligible for some prizes.

#11. Martin Methodist College Scholarships

Martin Methodist College offers three different advanced scholarships for undergraduate students: Barton Scholarship (two students), Ben Alford Church Leader Scholarship (2+ students), Future Educators Scholarship (one student). All three prices are renewable and have different requirements.

#12. Covenant College Maclellan Competitive Scholarships

Covenant College has four international Christian scholarships, including the Maclellan Scholars program, for the first time, undergraduate degree-seeking students program focuses on developing Christian leadership skills.

#13. McMurry University Full School Scholarships

McMurry University offers several award-winning international Christian scholarships, including Honors Program Scholarships, which pay between $15K and up to full tuition per month. Year (four years). While some Christian claims are listed at some prices, this is not the case with the Honors Prize.

#14. Spartanburg Methodist College Full-time Education Package

Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) automatically covers the cost of teaching undergraduate students through a package of institutional and state grants and the South Carolina Life Scholarship – at a total value of about $15,750.

#15. Community College Full-Education Scholarship at Coe College

Coe College undergrad the first time and transfer students are eligible for full-time fellowship for the Community College Students award, plus three $28K / year scholarships. There is also a Global Leadership Full-Tuition Scholarship for Undergraduate and the Williston Jones Full-Tuition Scholarship Program.

#16. Valparaiso University Full-time scholarships

Valparaiso University offers several scholarships (93% of undergraduate students receive little financial support – over $100m annually), up to full-time education for merit-based scholarships such as the Lutheran Leadership Course that grants two students a year.

#17. Columbia International University Scholarships

Columbia International University has many undergraduate scholarships (almost a dozen), including up to full teaching, based on test scores, academic achievement, and other criteria.

#18. Christianity College Full-Tuition Scholarship

Christianity College offers various scholarships, including freshman Padre Pio full-time scholarship, based on academic merit. Prize winners pay their own professional fees plus room and cost.

#19. Union College Scholarships

Union College offers a Scholar scholarship board for up to 12-17 credits of a maximum of eight semesters (more than $ 85K over four years) as well as other scholarships and scholarships from $20K- $52K (four years total). Awards are merit-based.

#20. Westminster College Scholarships

Westminster College offers nearly a dozen academic and deserving (nominated) scholarships, including a full-time presidential scholarship worth nearly $35K per year. The price is for four years and requires maintaining at least one 3.0 GPA among other criteria.

fully funded theology scholarships for international students in canada

The King’s University Scholarships and Bursaries

The King’s University is a prestigious higher citadel of learning located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The university offers up to three different scholarships and bursaries specifically for international students who want to study theology in her institution.

These scholarships and bursaries are;

The Christian Service Bursary: This bursary, with a value of $2,250, is provided annually to four full-time incoming students enrolled in a degree program in Theology. To be eligible, students must have a minimum grade of 1.7 GPA, show financial need, provide statements of Christian commitment, and finally a reference letter from their pastor.

Knoppers-Boon Scholarship: This is a $1,500 worth of scholarship available to a female returning to complete her studies in Theology. The eligibility requirements include maintaining a GPA of 3.3, excellent academic performance, and demonstrate vocational intent and Christian commitment.

Reta Haarsma Scholarship: This is a $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to four full-time students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major or concentration in Theology. Requirements include a GPA of 3.3, outstanding academic achievement, and demonstrate Christian commitment.

The three financial aids above are offered by King’s University and pass for one of the theology scholarships in Canada for international students.

There are also several other scholarships that the university offers to international students to study any program of their choice. You may use this scholarship to study theology at King’s University since it is for any program of your choice.

These scholarships are;

Returning Student Scholarship – Excellence: this scholarship of $2,000 is provided to students returning to King’s entering their second, third or fourth year. To be eligible, students must maintain a GPA between 3.80 – 4.00 and completed at least 18 credits.

Students must have passed all their courses, including the Interdisciplinary Perspectives course, in the previous academic year. Students must enroll in 12 credits per semester for the next academic year, meeting all of these criteria will earn you this scholarship.

Returning Student Scholarship – Honors: this scholarship is also for returning students with a GPA between 3.50-3.79. The eligibility criteria for this scholarship are the same as above. The value is $1,000.

The King’s University Admission Scholarship – Excellence: This is an admission scholarship worth $3,000 awarded to students coming to King’s for the first time. Recipients must register in no fewer than 1 credit per semester during the academic year to maintain their scholarship. Students with an admission average of 90% – 100% will be eligible for the scholarship.

So, those are the three general scholarships for international students which they can equally use to study theology at King’s University.

Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

Just as the scholarship name, the scholarships are only for graduate students. So, if you are an international student that wants to do their master’s or doctorate in theology you should hop right on this scholarship. The OGS is specifically not for theology, it is one of the general scholarships provided by Canada for international students to enjoin from.

This makes the OGS scholarship pass for one of the theology scholarships in Canada for international students. Application is required for the scholarship and you must apply through an accredited Canadian university. The deadline, eligibility criteria, and application information vary by the institution you have to contact your host university concerning those details.

VST Financial Aid

Vancouver School of Theology (VST) offers varieties of scholarships, grants, and bursaries to international students who want to study Theology at the university. Financial aids are provided to assist students and help lower the cost of study.

The scholarship requires an application and you must have been registered in a program, such as theology, in the school before you can request for the scholarship. As part of the scholarship application, students must submit a detailed request of their budget, and other supplementary details that will be required by the school.

Also, students who demonstrate financial need will get bursaries of up to 50% this makes the VST Financial Aid pass one of the theology scholarships in Canada for international students.

Full-Tuition Torch Scholarship

The Full-Tuition Torch Scholarship is one of the theology scholarships in Canada for international students offered by the Central Christian College of the Bible. The scholarship is tenable at the college and offered to newly admitted students who demonstrate high academic performance.

To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must be admitted as a full-time student to Central to pursue a bachelor’s degree and you may choose theology. A minimum ACT score of 22 and a GPA of 4.0 are other requirements that students must fulfill to win the scholarship.

Scholarship Giveaway at Elim’s Bible Institute and College

Elim’s Bible Institute and College (EBIC) is offering a scholarship giveaway of up to $8,440 only to U.S residents, that is, U.S citizens and permanent residents. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must complete their full-time admission application to EIBC. Applicants must also have a minimum high school or college GPA of 2.5 to be considered for the Scholarship Giveaway drawing.

Dr. Thomas L Marberry Christian Ministry Scholarship

This is one of the theology scholarships in Canada offered tenable only at Randall University, a university that trains ministers and missionaries. This scholarship is a fully-funded one and covers student’s tuition and is worth over $40,000.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in the School of Christian Ministry at Randall University and when an applicant gets the scholarship, they have to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and must continue in the school.

Belmont University Scholarships

Belmont University has a series of scholarships that you can apply for to study theology in Canada as an international without hassle. There is merit scholarship aid, general academic merit scholarships, named scholarships, and other departmental scholarships.

The merit and general academic scholarships are actually for all undergraduate programs, so you can use the scholarship to study theology at the university. The scholarships do not require students to apply for them, your admission application is used to review students and select them as winners.

In the category of the departmental scholarship, there are two scholarships especially for theology students or students who want to go into full-time ministry. This departmental scholarship is offered by Belmont’s College of Theology and Christian Ministry and there are two of them.

The Thomas J. Madden Ministerial Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship for a male Christian freshman majoring in religion and wants to enter the full-time ministry. There’s the second scholarship known as the Servant Leader Scholarship and is the same as the former except it is offered to a female.

Theology is mainly about learning the Christian belief and growing it too, this college has set aside varieties of scholarships, grants, and other financial aids to help develop your faith worrying about tuition. The Covenant College Scholarships and Aid passes for one of the theology scholarships in Canada for international students.

There are various scholarships available at this college that students can get their hands on, these scholarships are;

Merit Scholarships

There is no separate application for this scholarship it is based on your application for admission into the college. The scholarships under this category are;

• Trustee’s Scholarship valued at $20,000
• Founder’s Scholarship valued at $18,000
• Tower Scholarship worth $16,000
• Thistle Scholarship valued at $14,000
• Shield Scholarship worth $12,000
• Tartan Scholarship worth $10,000

Competitive Scholarships

This is also for first-time, degree-seeking students and it requires separate applications. The scholarships in this category are;

• Maclellan Scholars Program
• Wilberforce scholarships – $15,000
• Presidential Scholarships – $5,000

These are the financial aids provided by the Covenant College and students who want to study Theology at the school can make use of these scholarships as well. You only need to apply to the college for the Theology program and if you have good academic records you can win one of the merit scholarships.

The King’s University Scholarships and Bursaries

The King’s University is a prestigious higher citadel of learning located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The university offers up to three different scholarships and bursaries specifically for international students who want to study theology in her institution.

These scholarships and bursaries are;

The Christian Service Bursary: This bursary, with a value of $2,250, is provided annually to four full-time incoming students enrolled in a degree program in Theology. To be eligible, students must have a minimum grade of 1.7 GPA, show financial need, provide statements of Christian commitment, and finally a reference letter from their pastor.

Knoppers-Boon Scholarship: This is a $1,500 worth of scholarship available to a female returning to complete her studies in Theology. The eligibility requirements include maintaining a GPA of 3.3, excellent academic performance, and demonstrate vocational intent and Christian commitment.

Reta Haarsma Scholarship: This is a $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to four full-time students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major or concentration in Theology. Requirements include a GPA of 3.3, outstanding academic achievement, and demonstrate Christian commitment.

The three financial aids above are offered by King’s University and pass for one of the theology scholarships in Canada for international students.

rinity Bible College & Graduate School offers a variety of scholarships to full-time, traditional undergraduate students in an effort to provide a more affordable education.

To be eligible for any Trinity Bible College & Graduate School scholarship, all students must be admitted to Trinity as full-time students and must remain in good standing in academic, student account, and student conduct records. It is recommended that students file a FAFSA each year and submit all required documents. Any federal or state grants will be subtracted from the cost of tuition before Trinity scholarships will be applied. All Trinity Scholarships are on tuition only.

All room, board, and fees will be covered by federal student loans, outside funding, or personal finances.

Scholarship awards vary between $100 and $8,500. Most awards are renewable for up to eight semesters provided the student maintains the award criteria. In addition to generous institutional scholarships, students may also apply for a number of privately funded, designated scholarships administered by Trinity. All institutional aid is subject to funding availability.

The Presidential Scholarships are 90%, 75%, and 60% tuition waivers. These three scholarships are awarded to three exceptional students displaying aptitude in academics, leadership, and Christian commitment. This year’s Presidential Scholarship competition will begin in November. The scholarship application deadline is March 12, 2021

To be eligible for any Trinity Bible College & Graduate School scholarship, all students must be admitted to Trinity as full-time students and must remain in good standing in academic, student account, and student conduct records. It is recommended that students file a FAFSA each year and submit all required documents. Any federal or state grants will be subtracted from the cost of tuition before Trinity scholarships will be applied. All Trinity Scholarships are on tuition only.

Winners receive the awarded percentage off of tuition for the eight semesters they attend Trinity Bible College as long as they meet the listed requirements. This is the largest and most prestigious scholarship Trinity Bible College offers. Therefore it cannot be stacked with other Trinity or institutional scholarships.