Olamileka OlamiAre you interested in attending seminary in the United States, and wondering if there are scholarships available? Well, several theological seminaries offer support for students based on need or merit.
Before checking out the seminary scholarships for international students in the United States, however, check out the top reasons for attending seminary below.
1) Preparation for Ministry – Going to seminary will help you to prepare yourself for what lies ahead after you officially get into ministry.
2) Spiritual Formation – At seminary, you will develop a deeper relationship with God and understand your spiritual gifts.
3) Theological Education – Studying at a seminary offers you the opportunity to understand the faith by studying doctrine, religious texts, and history.
4) Vocational Calling – Going to seminary will give you a chance to reflect on your calling and develop yourself based on where you are called to serve.
5) Discernment and Clarity – While you are in seminary you will get the chance to explore different aspects of ministry as you seek God on which one you are supposed to pursue.
Practical Ministry Skills – What better way to gain ministry skills like preaching, counseling, church administration, and pastoral care than in seminary!
Tools for Ministry – Studying at a seminary will equip you with the necessary tools for effective ministry.
Personal Growth – You will interrogate and understand your values and beliefs better during your studies at the seminary, thus making you a more effective minister.
Community – You will find yourself in a community of like-minded individuals with similar goals where you can encourage, mentor, and support each other.
Cultural Understanding – Finally, you will learn how to appreciate the culture of the people where you are doing ministry and how best to present the message of Christ to them.
Here is a list of seminary scholarships for international students in the United States.
1) Duke Divinity School Scholarships
Duke Divinity School offers the International Student Scholarship to one international student admitted to the Th. M. program. This scholarship covers up to one year’s tuition.
Students admitted to this program must major in Biblical, Historical, Theological, or Ministerial Studies.
2) Asbury Seminary Scholarships.
Asbury Seminary has a limited number of tuition scholarships available for international students. To qualify for these scholarships, students must show exceptional leadership potential and intend to return to their home countries once their studies are complete.
These scholarships are awarded at the beginning of the program of study, and renewal of the scholarship is based on meeting the requirements listed in the scholarship offer document.
3) Calvin Theological Seminary Scholarships
Calvin Theological Seminary offers scholarships in the form of financial gifts that reduce the tuition fee costs for recipients.
These scholarships are offered to international students, women, and racial and ethnic minorities. There is no application process, as students are automatically considered for scholarships once they apply for admission to the seminary. As a result, 99% of the students at this seminary receive a scholarship.
4) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Scholarships.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has great scholarship opportunities for international students called the International Student Scholarship. Master’s students with an F1 visa are encouraged to apply for this scholarship that awards $1600 per year.
Students wishing to apply for this scholarship should be enrolled full-time (taking 9+ paid credit hours) and taking their courses at the Louisville campus.
5) Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary Scholarships
This theological seminary offers some of the best seminary scholarships for international students in the United States as listed below.
Arnold Full-Tuition Scholarship – Covers 100% of tuition fees for one full-time student.
- Bishop Global Scholarship – Covers 100% of tuition fees for one full-time student.
- International Scholarship – Covers 100% of tuition fees for one full-time student.
- Leta and Stewart Gray Scholarship – Covers 50% of tuition fees for full-time students.
- Trustee Scholarship – Covers 23% of tuition fees for full-time and part-time students.
- Gerald & Joyce Spence Scholarship – Covers 23% of tuition fees for full-time students.
CUME Urban Ministry Scholarship – Covers 47% of tuition fees for full-time and part-time students.
1) Fuller Theological Seminary Scholarships
Fuller Theological Seminary has scholarship opportunities for new and continuing students who are pursuing graduate programs. The amount disbursed varies according to the program selected.
After receiving notification of admission, students may apply for scholarships via the Universal Scholarship Application.
One of the scholarships available is the Charles E. Fuller Scholarship which is a need-based scholarship for students who are enrolled in eligible programs but are not able to pursue their studies due to financial need.
2) Dallas Theological Seminary Scholarships
Dallas Theological Seminary provides over $5 million in scholarships every year to its students. Some of the international scholarships available are:
David L. Chu Memorial Scholarship Fund – This scholarship was established by Karen and Scott Friesen to provide financial assistance to international students who qualify to attend the university.
“Do All to the Glory of God” Scholarship Fund – This scholarship provides tuition, books, and health insurance to qualified international students from Africa and India.
The Dolezal Memorial Scholarship Fund – This scholarship specifically targets international students who intend to return to their home country after graduation. It provides tuition, books, and living expenses to one qualifying student.
The Bobby Gene and Kathleen Barshop Memorial Scholarship Fund – This scholarship, set up in memory of Bobby Gene and Kathleen Barshop, provides assistance to African students.
Princeton Theological Seminary Scholarships
This theological seminary offers the following scholarships for international students.
International Trustees Scholarship – This scholarship covers tuition costs in full and provides a stipend, single student health insurance premium, and money for living expenses.
International Presidential Scholarship – This scholarship covers tuition costs, a stipend, single student health insurance premiums, a single-room or one-bedroom apartment, and money for living expenses.
The seminary scholarships for international students in the United States provide several options for students who want to pursue their theological studies outside their home countries!
Olamileka Olami
