Theological education scholarship fund for women in the south

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches has established a theological education scholarship fund for women in the south seeking a first degree or diploma in theology or ministerial training in their home country or region. This fund, which is managed by the department of partnership of women and men, seeks to increase the number of theologically trained women, thereby increasing the participation of women in ordained ministry.

Many women in the south are deprived of opportunities for theological education and there is a lack of availability of scholarship funds for undergraduate studies. The primary objective of the fund is to make theological education accessible to women from the south who have no possibility to express the gifts of their call to ministry. The fund will provide for a first degree or diploma, through studies at a seminary or college in their home country or region.

It will enable women from a wide network of Reformed churches in the south to build their capacity for effective partnership in God's mission and increase the pool of women clergy in the south as it encourages churches to accept female candidates for ministerial training.

Guidelines and criteria

1. Scholarships are available to women of any age pursuing a first degree or diploma in theology (certificate, diploma, bachelor of divinity) or ministerial studies.
2. Scholarships will provide opportunities for studies within the home country or region.
3. Applicants must provide a detailed statement of need, other funding sources, and information on the institution or place of study.
4. Applicants must provide a budget: tuition, food and lodging, travel, books and other necessities.
5. Applicants must specify the period of studies.
6. The scholarship support is based upon need and covers partial or full costs.
7. Scholarships are granted on a year-to-year basis, where continuation of support will depend upon performance of candidate. The scholarship holder is required to send academic reports annually to WARC.
8. Applications must be accompanied by an endorsement letter from the applicant's church (WARC member church) with an indication of the church's acceptance of the candidate for ordained ministry, a testimony of their call and one personal reference letter.

Application forms are available from:
Department of partnership of women and men
World Alliance of Reformed Churches
150 Route de Ferney, PO Box 2100
1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland.