Are you a Christian student dreaming of attending university outside your country, hoping for an opportunity abroad to acquire quality education, knowledge, skills and experiences that would significantly impact your life and career in the long run?
Of course, pursuing international education comes with financial challenges, including the cost of tuition, fees, living expenses, visa fees, travel costs and other associated expenses. These expenses hinder students from getting a quality education and as a result, many international students rely on scholarships, financial aid, grants and other forms of support to fund their education and pursue their academic aspirations.
In this article, we’ll explore various available scholarships for Christian international students.
Types of Christian Scholarships Available For International Students
Christian scholarships are aid offered to students who identify with Christianity and they are available to international students seeking financial assistance to pursue higher education.
These scholarships are offered by various Christian organizations, private Christian schools, churches, Christian universities, foundations, and individuals who decide to support students with Christian values, beliefs and principles in categories such as merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and specific criteria-based scholarships (e.g., leadership, community service).
These scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance, financial need and affiliation with the Christian faith.
Here are some examples of Christian scholarships available for international students:
1. Christian Organization Scholarships
Some Christian organizations often provide scholarships to students studying in fields related to ministry, or Christian service, like theology, biblical studies, or other disciplines with a focus on Christian leadership and service.
2. Community and Church Scholarships
Local churches and Christian communities come together to raise funds through donations, fundraising, or partnerships with other organizations to provide scholarships to international students within their congregation or community.
3. Christian Colleges and Universities
Christian colleges and universities also offer different scholarships to international students (may be merit-based, need-based, or based on specific criteria) who wish to enroll in their programs.
4. Missionary Scholarships
Christian organizations and foundations provide scholarships to international students pursuing degrees in fields such as social work, education, healthcare, or international development so they can use their education to serve others and make a positive impact around them.
5. Global Scholarship Programs
The global scholarships program is an affiliation of several Christian organizations and foundations that come together to provide financial assistance to international students from various countries and backgrounds who are committed to Christian values.
Christian Scholarships For International Students
1. Anderson University Scholarships
Anderson University is a college scholarship for international students with two different full-tuition scholarships, which can be renewed in four years. One scholarship is need-based, while the other is merit-based (based on GPA).
The awards are affiliated with the Center for Leadership Development (CLD) Scholarship and the National Association of the Church of God (NACoG) Scholarship.
To be eligible for application, one must be a member in the given organization.
2. Abilene Christian University Scholarships for International Students
Abilene Christian University offers several scholarships for international students, including the President’s International Scholarship, which is a 4-year, $22,000 award.
Other competitive scholarships are based on leadership experience, extra-curricular activities, and the program of study.
3. Rev. James D. Parker Sr. Young Leader Scholarship
The Rev. James D. Parker Sr scholarship is a denominational scholarship of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Association (FBFA) in partnership with Cedarville University.
The scholarship was established in honor of Rev. James D. Parker, who was the first black student at Cedarville University, to encourage students from FBFA to get an education at Cedarville University
It offers one qualified full-time student either a full or three-quarter tuition scholarship.
For more information, visit the school’s website.
4. Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People
The Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People is a global scholarship in affiliation with over 15 universities and colleges in Hungary to provide financial assistance to young Christian students living in areas of the world with crises and/or being persecuted in their country because of their faith.
Their main aim is to help these people gain quality education, after which they will return to their respective countries to help their communities’ reconstruction and improvement of social situations, as well as preserve Christian cultures.
5. Harvey Fellows Program
The Harvey Fellows Program targets students who demonstrate personal faith in Jesus Christ and a desire to serve God and actively witness for Him.
This program offers a stipend of $16,000 to be used for educational expenses that will help recipients further their education.
Applicants for this program should have applied to or be enrolled in a full-time graduate program.
6. Full Scholarship Trinity International University
TIU has numerous undergrad scholarships, like the Awana Missionary Scholarship and EFCA scholarship. Trinity University, San Antonio, offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial assistance to international students.
Visit their website for more information on eligibility requirements and deadlines for application.
7. Luis Palau International Scholarship
The Luis Palau International Scholarship is offered to international students attending Taylor University. The scholarship is in honor of Luis Palau (1934-2021) from Argentina. Luis Palau traveled the world while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to over 25 million people in 70 nations. Winners of this scholarship receive up to $10,000 per academic year, which is a maximum of $40,000 over 4 years.
All international students (F-1 Visa) and non-FAFSA students are automatically considered for the scholarship. No application is necessary.
8. The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is a denominational scholarship affiliated with several universities in the USA. They award more than $2 million in scholarships to Methodist students attending a United Methodist-related school every year.
Applications are open from January 1 – March 1 for the following academic year for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Visit their website for more information
9. Dallas Christian College International Scholarship
The Dallas Christian College International Scholarship is one of the Christian scholarships for international students available in the USA. This scholarship is open to full-time students who are not eligible for other financial aid based on their citizenship or residency status. On campus and off campus, students are given grants of $8000 and $5000, respectively.
10. McMurry University, Texas scholarship
McMurry University, in affiliation with the United Methodist Church, offers multiple scholarships and grants with significant award value. This includes the Honors Program Scholarships, which cover a four-year tuition fee of up to $15,000. The major criteria is that one must be a member of the United Methodist Church to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Find more information on their website.
11. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Scholarships
ELCA provides academic scholarships to about 200 individuals through the International Leaders Program from global churches and institutions each year.
12. Natalie Joy Poremski Scholarship
Natalie Joy Poremski Scholarship is a private scholarship funded by Anthony Poremski in honor of his daughter Natalie Joy Poremski passed away from a birth defect called anencephaly.
To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be pro-life Christians studying law, medicine, or political science.
The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students and has an award of $1000. Application deadline is June 15, 2024 and winner will he announced July 15, 2024
The Value of Christian Scholarships for International Students
Here’s an overview of why Christian scholarships are valuable for international students:
- Christian scholarships help alleviate the financial burden for international students pursuing higher education by covering the cost of tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation and living expenses.
- It gives international students access to a supportive community of believers that can provide encouragement, guidance, and spiritual support as they journey through higher institutions.
- International students who are beneficiaries of Christian scholarships can gain opportunities to participate in campus ministries, Bible studies, worship services, mission trips, and other activities for personal and spiritual growth beyond academic studies.
- International students who receive Christian scholarships are equipped with knowledge, skills, and values to serve others, promote social justice, and make meaningful contributions to their communities, both locally and globally, to advance God’s kingdom.
Relevant Tips to help International Students Applying for Christian Scholarships
To apply for Christian scholarships, there must be careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail.
Here are few tips to help international students secure these scholarships:
- Begin researching and applying for scholarships early so as to beat deadlines and have extra time to seek help in any way needed.
- Try to be organized by creating a checklist with a list of scholarship opportunities, deadlines, documents and submission requirements. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you don’t miss any important information.
- Ensure your scholarship applications align with the specific requirements of each scholarship. Read the instructions provided for each application carefully, pay attention to guidelines such as word limits, formatting requirements, submission guidelines, and any other materials requested.
- State your academic qualifications and accomplishments, including high grades, standardized test scores, academic awards, etc. Provide proofs in the form of transcripts, certificates, or other documents to support your claims.
- Share compelling personal stories and aspirations that explain your character and passion for your faith, education, and future. Make sure you are sincere and genuine in expressing your values and beliefs.
- Request letters of recommendation from people who know you well enough to provide insightful endorsements and attest to your capabilities, character, and commitment to your faith.
- Before sending on your application, review and proofread your essays and other materials thoroughly to ensure they are error-free, both in typo and grammar.
- Ensure you send in your scholarship applications early enough before the deadline to avoid mistakes due to haste.
After submitting your applications, send a thank-you note or email to the scholarship providers and anyone who supported you in the application process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christian scholarships for international students help provide financial support, foster community, and promote personal and spiritual growth. These scholarships enable international students to fulfill their academic aspirations, deepen their faith, and impact society positively.
International students can apply for these scholarships each year for chances to earn financial support as they pursue their educational goals and aspirations.
