| Deadline | Program (click for more information) | Basic Requirements | Amount |
|
Varies
| Church and Conference Support |
Be sure to check with your home church and conference for available scholarship money. Nearly every annual conference supplies some sort of assistance to its students. Contact the chairperson of the Board of Ordained Ministry or the Board of Diaconal Ministry for information on conference scholarship assistance.
| varies |
|
Varies
| General Board of Higher Education Ministries | The United Methodist Scholarship Program is a churchwide educational service providing scholarships to help supplement the financial needs of today’s students. Funding for these scholarships is provided through Special Sundays Offerings, wills, annuities and other designated gifts. Students need to complete only one application each year. Applications are reviewed by members of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and other affiliated representatives. | Varies depending on specific program award. |
|
Varies
| Minister's Family Tuition Awards |
Dependent child or spouse of an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church, who is an ordained minister under appointment, is retired, or is deceased. Must be enrolled full-time, be candidates for a baccalaureate degree or a graduate degree and maintain a 2.0 overall cumulative grade point average.
| $3500 per semester |
|
Varies
| United Methodist Student Loans | The United Methodist Scholarship and Loan Programs are a churchwide educational service proviting scholarships and loans to help supplement the financial needs of today's students. Funding for these scholarships and loans are provided through offerings, wills, annuities and other designated gifts. Through the Loan Program, students may borrow up to $5,000 per year at 3.75%-4% interest. The 135 year old United Methodist Student Loan Fund is the oldest student loan fund in the United States. | $5,000 (per year) full-time student. (Loans available for part time students.) |
|
Varies
| United Methodist Studies Scholarship for Part-time Students |
This program of financial assistance is designed to assist persons seeking professinoal certification in a specialized ministry area, deacon candidates, full-time or part-time local pastors who have completed the course of study, associate members of an annual conference, and ordained ministers transferring in from other denominations.
| $200 per semester hour for each required 2-hour or 3-hour course (or equivalent) |
| January 30 | Women's Division Scholarship Assistance |
Women studying at approved seminaries. Must be United Methodist and demonstrate financial need.
| $1,000 - $2,000 |
| February 1 | Diaconia Graduate Fellowships |
Consecrated diaconal ministers or ordained deacons in full connection in the United Methodist Church, or commissioned ministers moving toward ordination as deacon who have completed one year of probation. Full-time doctoral students (during the time of the first award period) in an accredited academic institution. Persons who plan to teach or serve as an administrator in a school of theology, college, or university or in another institution or agency of the church. Person must demonstrate academic ability and show financial need.
| $10,000 (maximum award) |
| February 1 | Schisler Graduate Awards |
Academic standing, leadership ability, character, need, vocational goals in Christian education and commitment to Christ and the mission of the church. Must have a chosen career as a professional Christian educator in the local church and be enrolled at a University Senate approved theological seminary. Active, full member of the United Methodist Church for at least three years. Preference given to first time persons attending U.M. seminaries.
| Varies |
| February 28 | Hazel and Claude Fendlason Methodist Education Scholarship |
Worthy and competent students at Centenary College and Southern Methodist University who are studying to enter the ministry of the United Methodist Church. Must be a resident of Louisiana and academically in good standing with a minimum 2.62 cumulative GPA.
| $1,000 - $2,500 |
| March 1 | Arkansas United Methodist Scholarship |
The Seminary Scholarship Fund, established in 2001, makes grants to assist Arkansas students attending United Methodist seminaries. The goal is to provide nine full scholarships for Arkansas students in three-year seminary programs.
As scholarship recipients, the students pledge to return to Arkansas to pastor United Methodist churches. With a large percentage of Arkansas pastors retiring in the next 10 years, this initiative offers the potential of strengthening every United Methodist local church in Arkansas.
Applicants must be certified ministry candidates in the Arkansas Conferences. | Varies |
| March 1 | The Bishop James C. Baker Award |
These awards are for campus ministers in higher education doing advanced studies who have had at least 3 years of professional experience in campus ministry; have an M.Div. and expect to remain in campus ministry; be an active, full member of the UMC for at least 3 years prior to application; be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
| Varies |
| March 1 | Reverend Charles W. Tadlock Scholarship |
Applicants must be certified candidate for ordination as an elder with The United Methodist Church and have successfully completed first year of seminary. GPA 2.85+.
| Varies |
| March 1 | E. Craig Brandenburg Graduate Awards |
Persons who are age 35 or older who desire to make a positive contribution to society and who have special needs due to a change of profession/vocation, interrupted study, or for continuing education. Enrolled in full-time graduate study in an accredited school and have been an active, full member of The United Methodist Church for at least one year. Preference given to persons attending United Methodist Seminaries. Must demonstrate financial need and submit a transcript of latest academic work; grade average equivalent to "B" or above.
| $1,000 - $1,500 |
| March 1 | Esther Edwards Graduate Scholarship for Women Leaders in Higher Education |
Graduate award for female students enrolled in any accredited institution; preparing for employment in higher education administration in a United Methodist college or university; GPA 2.85+; member of The United Methodist Church for at least one year.
| $5,000 |
| March 1 | Georgia Harkness Scholarship Award |
Woman over 35 who has received a bachelor of arts or equivalent degree and will be enrolled full-time in a University Senate approved school of theology. Must be a certified candidate for ordained ministry as an elder in the United Methodist Church by the preceding May of the academic year.
| $5000 |
| March 1 | HANA Scholars Program |
Hispanic, Asian, and Native American/Alaskan Indian, or Pacific Islander origin who is an active, full member of a local UMC (at least one year prior to applying). Career goals that relate to the empowerment of his/her ethnic community and leadership in The United Methodist Church.
| Varies |
| March 1 | Irene S. Wischer Education Foundation Scholarship Program |
ETS Scholarship & Recogniation Programs, on behalf of Frost Bank, is pleased to announce the availability of funds for current and incoming students through the Irene S. Wischer Education Foundation Scholarship Program.
The scholarship was established in 2008 following the passing of Mrs. Irene S. Wischer, a highly respected San Antonio businesswoman & philanthropist. In accordance with Mrs. Wischer's will, a charitable foundation was created, in part to provide funding to deserving individuals seeking higher education. Frost Bank administers the program on Mrs. Wischer's behalf, and the day-to-day operations of the scholarship program are now managed by ETS Scholarship & Recognition Programs (SRP). | The Irene S. Wischer Educational Foundation Scholarship is a renewable scholarship award, the value of which will be based on the applicant's demonstrated financial need (not to exceed $10,000 per academic year). |
| March 1 | The John Q. Schisler Award | Graduate award for students enrolled at a University Senate approved theological seminary in Christian education preparing for a career as a lay professional or ordained deacon in full connection in a local UMC; must have been a member of the UMC for at least 3 years; and GPA of 2.85+. This graduate award is not for students planning to be an ordained elder. | varies |
| March 1 | Native American Seminary Award |
Native American student pursuing candidacy in The United Methodist Church. Full-time enrollment as a degree candidate in a United Methodist School of Theology is required.
| Varies |
| March 1 | Triple Your Dollars for Scholars: Matching Scholarship |
Full-time student in an UM-related college, university, or seminary and have been an active, full member of The United Methodist Church for at least one year. The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) will provide a $1,000 matching scholarship on a first-come, first-serve basis. United Methodist churches are eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship for one of their members if they match this with an equal amount. The sponsoring church must remit a check payable to UMHEF for $1,000 with the completed application form. This award will be for United Methodist students entering or attending United Methodist schools, colleges, universities, or seminaries. Upon verification of enrollment, UMHEF will transfer $2,000 to the institution the student is enrolled.
Perkins will contribute an additional $1,000 if you are among the first 25 Perkins students to receive this award)
| $2,000 or $3,000 (if you are among the first 25 Perkins students to receive this award). |
| March 1 | The United Methodist General Scholarship | May be awarded to undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students; are full active members of the UMC for at least 1 year; have a minimum GPA of 2.5+, and are attending any accredited institution within the U.S. | Varies |
| March 15 | Fellowship of U.M. in Music and Worship Arts Scholarships |
Full-time music degree candidate, either entering as a freshman or already in an accredited university, college, or school of theology OR doing special education in worship or the arts related to worship. Member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year immediately before applying, giving evidence of strong Christian character and participation in Christian activities of the church and/or campus. Demonstrates evidence of exceptional musical or other artistic talent, effective leadership ability, and outstanding promise of future usefulness to the Church in the area of music and/or worship.
| $500 - $1,000 |
| March 15 | Judith L. Weidman Racial Ethnic Minority (REM) Fellowship |
Recent college or seminary graduate who has broad communications training, including an understanding of effective public relations. United Methodist of racial ethnic minority heritage who is considering pursuing communications for The United Methodist Church as a career.
| $30,000 plus benefits, and expenses for moving and professional travel |
| March 15 | Stoody-West Fellowship |
United Methodist who intends to pursue a career in religion journalism (includes news writing for secular and church media and for church institutions). Enrolled in post-graduate study at a school in the United States. Academic achievement as revealed by transcripts, grade point averages, and the required letters of reference. Journalistic experience and/or evidence of journalistic talent. Clarity of purpose in plans and goals for the future. Potential professional usefulness as a religious journalist.
| $6,000 |
| March 31 | Educational Society of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church |
Enrolled in an accredited theological seminary or graduate school and who agrees to serve at least five years as a member of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
| Varies |
| April 1 | Cannon Endowment Scholarship | The Cannon Endowment provides scholarship assistance to seminarians pursuing military chaplaincy. Seminarians within the following faith communities may apply: United Church of Christ (UCC); Christian Church Disciples of Christ (DOC); United Methodist, or Presbyterian, USA congregation
Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. | Approximately $2500 |
| April 1 | The Dr. Chester A. McPheeters Scholarship |
Available to students seeking to become United Methodist ministers. Member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year and enrolled or planning to enroll in a United Methodist-related institution. Have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
| Amount available determined annually. Minimum award is $1,000 |
| April 1 | John T. King Scholarship |
Student at Perkins School of Theology who plans to be in ministry in The United Methodist Church. Must demonstrate academic commitment, church and community involvement, financial need and commitment to diversity and interfaith cooperation.
| $750 |
| April 1 | Southwest Texas Annual Conference UMC |
Full-time seminary students that are candidates for Ordained Ministry in the UMC. Candidate must also promise to serve in the Southwest Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church upon graduation from seminary. Must demonstrate financial need and be academically in good standing.
| $10,000 per Academic year |
| April 12 | Oklahoma Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church |
Awarded annually to a full-time student enrolling or currently attending any United Methodist —college, university, graduate school or seminary.
| $600 ($300 per semester) |
| April 15 | Cox/Otterbein Fund |
Member of any local church in the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church seeking graduate preparation for certification and/or ordination as a Deacon.
| $2000 maximum |
| April 15 | Miriam Hoffman Scholarship |
Undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing a vocational career in music with preference to students interested in careers in music education and/or music ministry. Active, full member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year prior to applying and enrolled in an accredited institution working toward a degree on a full-time basis. Must demonstrate financial need and have a C+ or higher grade point average.
| Varies |
| May 1 | Central Texas Conference Dr. G. Alfred & Opal Brown Ministerial Scholarship | Dr. G. Alfred & Opal Brown Ministerial Scholarship for a student planning for ministry as an elder in the CTC at seminary approved by the United Methodist University Senate ($5,000) | $5,000 |
| May 1 | Hope Pierce Tartt Scholarship |
Methodist East Texas students who have been a resident of Harrison, Marion, Panola, Gregg and Upshur Counties for the past two years. Must show financial need and be academically in good standing.
| $4,000 |
| May 1 | Jane Walker Scholarship |
Woman who is a resident of the Alabama-West Florida Conference and is enrolled or has been accepted in a United Methodist Seminary approved by the University Senate. Should be a woman who affirms, represents, and advocates women's leadership in the church.
| $1,000 |
| May 1 | Jeanne Audrey Powers Leadership for Change Scholarship |
United Methodist seminarians studying at any one of the thirteen United Methodist seminaries or at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. Preparing for ordination as elders in the UMC and committed to promoting justice for gay and lesbian persons in the life of the UMC.
| Up to $3,000 |
| May 1 | United Methodist Foundation Annual Conference Scholars Program |
Active, full member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year prior to application. Must be an entering first-year student and enrolled at a United Methodist-related seminary or theological school. One scholarship will be awarded annually to a student nominated by the Annual Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry.
| $1,000 |
| May 9 | Ambassador's Endowment Grants |
All clergy who are or will be serving in the Texas Annual Conference this year, are not yet fully ordained, and are 33 years of age or under may apply for a grant to reimburse their seminary tuition, fees, and book costs. Awarded based on promise for ministry.
| Varies |
| May 15 | Forbeck Scholarship |
United Methodist women residing in Kansas who wish to pursue graduate studies in preparation for ministry. Must be between the ages of 25-40 and have outstanding academic records. Awards are made to members of First UMC of Emporia, KS first, then if funds remain, to candidates within the state. Candidates must contact the church directly for information.
| $400 |
| May 15 | Mary C. Easterling Scholarship |
Protestant students beginning or working on a graduate degree who are interested in preparing themselves for a career in full-time Christian work or service. Selection based on financial need, moral character, and the likelihood of success as full-time Christian workers.
| $500 |
| May 15 | The Priscilla R. Morton Scholarship |
Member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year and enrolled or planning to enroll in a United Methodist-related institution. Have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher. Demonstrate financial need.
| Amount available to be determined annually. Average individual award is $1,000. |
| May 31 | Barber Education Fund |
Seminary students entering full-time service to the church and who also have roots in the local area of Onarga United Methodist Church in Onarga, Illinois.
| $500 - $1,200 |
| May 31 | St. Andrew By The Sea UMC Scholarship | In order to recognize outstanding United Methodist students, the Scholarship Committee of St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church (Hilton Head Is., South Carolina) will award yearly scholarships with amounts determined by the committee, usually $1000-$1500. The Scholarship Committee receives contributions from individuals, memorials, and other private donations. We believe that outstanding academic performance should be rewarded. Our scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic/personal achievement and financial need. | Usually $1,000 to $1,500 |
| June 1 | Doreene Cater Scholarship |
Member of the First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud, Minnesota who are working toward professions in areas that will benefit people and the environment: education, medicine, environmental, seminary, social service, etc.
| $500 - $1,500 |
| June 1 | Hattie and Henry Dickson Rio Grande Conference Ministerial Education Scholarship |
Student from the Rio Grande Conference who has declared an intention to prepare for becoming a United Methodist minister. Enrolled in a college, university or seminary in the UMC. Must demonstrate church involvement, academic achievement and financial need.
| $500 or more |
| June 1 | Native American Seminary Scholarship Program |
Native American student pursuing candidacy in The United Methodist Church. Full-time enrollment as a degree candidate in a United Methodist School of Theology is required. Age 20-25 years old and has been an active member of The United Methodist Church for at least 3 years.
| $5,000 for three years |
| June 1 | Stevenson Scholarship |
Member of the First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud, Minnesota who are working toward professions in areas that will benefit people and the environment: education, medicine, environmental, seminary, social service, etc.
| $200 - $400 (can reapply each year) |
| June 1 | Thomas A. Wise, Jr. Scholarship Fund |
Enrolled in a college, university or seminary in The United Methodist Church and a resident of the Southwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Student must be in pre-ministerial or seminary study and studying to become a minister of The United Methodist Church.
| $500 or more |
| July 15 | Grannis-Martin Education Fund | The Grannis-Martin Memorial Foundation gives scholarships to students with a Minnesota connection through church, family, a Minnesota institution or organization in which the applicants are or have been involved, and who are entering or currently attending a seminary with plans to work in a United Methodist ministry. The awards are originally made as loans with one-third of the outstanding loan balance forgiven for each year of service to the United Methodist Church.
| $1,000-$1,300 |
| July 15 | Grannis Memorial Scholarship | Seminary student preparing for a full-time vocation in the UMC. Must have a Minnesota connection (Home, Parent's Home, Home Church, Sponsor) | $200 - $400 |
| July 15 | Veda Sweeney Memorial Scholarship |
Resident of Wisconsin who is preparing for Christian ministry and accepted into a seminary leading to ordination.
| $650 - $1,800 |
| August 1 | Beaver United Methodist Men's Seminary Scholarship |
Certified candidate from Oklahoma who plans to return to Oklahoma to serve for at least three years. Must be a member of a United Methodist Church in Oklahoma for at least two years. Enrolled in a fully accredited and University Senate approved seminary or graduate school of theology and pursuing a degree which qualifies the candidate for ordination in the United Methodist Church.
| $2,000 per semester for three years, or a maximum of $4,000 per year. |
| August 1 | Reverend John W. Elliott, SR. Ministerial Scholarship Award |
Black, Asian, Hispanic or Native American student who is an active member of a United Methodist Church and the Central Texas or North Texas conference. Should encompass outstanding leadership traits as embodied by Rev. Elliot: Spiritual and Social Justice Leadership.
| $1,000 |
| August 1 | Theresa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizen Award |
Grant for informal study, exploration, learning, research or observation in a subject of the recipients choosing in harmony with the current interests of the Women's Division. For a woman, age 21-35 to demonstrate concern for her neighbors and community and to exhibit an awareness of the total nature of our responsibilities in today's world.
| $5,000 - $6,000 |
| September 1 | Harding Foundation Scholarship |
Three to five scholarships are available annually to students working toward their Master of Divinity degree who plan to enter the ministry of a mainline Protestant church. Special consideration is given to those who are willing to serve in the Rio Grande Conference and the Southwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Church. Scholarships are effective for three years or until the student graduates.
| $3,000 |
| September 1 | J.A. Knowles Memorial Scholarship (KS2) |
Resident of the state of Texas who has been an active, full member of a local UMC for at least one year prior to applying. Must be enrolled full-time, able to establish financial need and academically in good standing.
| Varies |
| October 1 | North Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry Ministerial Education Fund |
Certified candidates who are members of the North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
| Varies |
| October 1 | North Texas Conference Clergywomen Candidate Scholarship | Women applying must be certified candidates in the North Texas Conference. The candidate must either be enrolled in seminary or have completed seminary and be working in a church setting with a less than full time appointment. Those who are in the residency program or ordained are not eligible. Local pastors with a less than full-time appointment may be eligible. See the full scholarship description. | $1,000 |
| November 1 | Adora S. Jones Ministerial Trust Scholarships |
To provide financial assistance to Baptist, Congregational, United Methodist, or Presbyterian college and seminary students from Iowa
| $700 - $1,500 |
| November 1 | Divinity Scholarship (Formerly known as the Johnson-Kitts Memorial Scholarship) | Enrolled in a seminary or graduate school listed by the University Senate per The Book of Discipline. Must state his or her intention to serve in the Minnesota Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, show professional promise and demonstrate financial need. | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| November 30 | World Communion National Scholarship |
The World Communion Scholarship Program supports students from Global Ministries mission partner institutions in their advanced studies (master’s or doctoral) preparing them for leadership involvement in church and society and for their future work with communities in need. The program seeks to support students whose study focus will directly relate to mission and to the following priority areas of emphasis: elimination of poverty, expansion of global health, leadership development, or congregational development. The program supports students from outside the U.S. (World Communion International Scholarship) or from racial/ethnic minorities from within the U.S. (World Communion National Scholarship).
| $250-$12,500 |
| May 15 | Clear Lake UMC Seminary Student Scholarship Fund | The “Seminary Student Scholarship Fund” was established through the generous contributions of members and friends of Clear Lake United Methodist Church for the purposes of providing financial assistance and encouragement to Seminary students who sense a call to ministry through the United Methodist Church. Students who are planning to enroll for a minimum of nine semester hours in a Graduate level School of Theology approved by the University Synod of the United Methodist Church are eligible to apply. | Varies |
| May 31 | The Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Trust Fund |
Nebraska ministerial student in seminary who is pursuing an advanced degree, beyond the bachelor's degree, for the ordained ministry in the Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
| Approximately $900 |
| May 31 | Keesee/Rhodes Memorial Fund |
Recipient must be studying for the ministry at Perkins School of Theology or be an undergraduate student studying for the United Methodist ministry at any Methodist affiliated college or university in Texas or at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. Must demonstrate church involvement/activities, financial need and academic achievement.
| $500 or more |
| June 30 | The Albert R. Murdoch Ministerial Scholarship Fund |
Pre-ministerial student who is in his/her junior or senior of undergraduate studies or is a seminary student. Planning to become a pastor in the Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and is enrolled full-time at a college, university or seminary accredited by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
| $1,000 |
| June 30 | The Alice Kruse Ministerial Scholarship Fund |
Awarded annually to a ministerial student who:
- Is a member of a Nebraska United Methodist church;
- Plans to become a pastor in the Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church;
- Attends one of the following seminaries accredited by the Nebraska United Methodist Board of Ordained Ministry:
- Saint Paul School of Theology
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
- Iliff School of Theology
- Perkins School of Theology;
- Has successfully completed two (2) full semesters, or the equivalent thereof, of seminary studies;
- Upon his/her anticipated graduation date from seminary, will have a minimum of 30 years of eligibility to serve as a United Methodist minister in the Nebraska Annual Conference; and
- Has a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher in his/her seminary studies.
| $2,400 |
| June 30 | The Cowles United Methodist Church |
Ministerial student who is a member of a Nebraska United Methodist Church and attends a seminary accredited by the Nebraska United Methodist Board of Ordained Ministry. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and plans to become a pastor in the Nebraska Annual Conference.
| $750 |
| June 30 | Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship Fund | The Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship Fund is awarded annually to a ministerial student who:
Is a member of a Nebraska United Methodist church;
Plans to become a pastor in the Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church;
Attends one of the following seminaries accredited by the Nebraska United Methodist Board of Ordained Ministry:
1. Saint Paul School of Theology 3. Iliff School of Theology
2. Perkins School of Theology 4. Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Has successfully completed one (1) full semesters, or the equivalent thereof, of seminary studies;
Upon his/her anticipated graduation date from seminary, will have a minimum of 15 years of eligibility to serve as a United Methodist minister in the Great Plains Annual Conference;
Has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher in his/her seminary studies. | $1,000 |