Students who answer God’s call to the Christian ministry make a serious commitment of their time, talents and finances. It is important for a student to consider their ability to fund a seminary education which includes tuition, books, and living expenses and other related costs. BST shares the conviction of the Association of Theological Schools that the individual student must pull together many resources to cover the cost of seminary education: personal savings and assets, summer employment, part–time employment, scholarships from home churches and other organizations and family assistance (parents and spouse).
Tuition Assistance Opportunities for BST Graduate Students
Looking for funding? You’ve come to the right place!
Berkeley School of Theology is committed to providing financial assistance to qualified students who enroll in the seminary’s degree programs. The following is a partial list of financial assistance that may be available to you depending upon your financial need, scholarship requirements, and availability of scholarship funds.
Please note that clicking on the links provided on this webpage will redirect you to external websites not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by BST. We do not have control over any third-party sites’ content, privacy policies, or practices. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any information, products, or services on these external sites. We encourage you to review the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
Check out the scholarships on this page, but don’t stop there—keep searching! Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Tips & Tricks
Use Scholarship Search Engines:
Never pay to apply or share sensitive info (like your SSN or bank details). Legit scholarships only ask for basics like your name, age, and school.
Search by Your Traits or Interests:
Google “scholarships for…” and add your hobbies, background, or major. You’d be surprised what’s out there!
Just Ask!
Reach out to your church, local clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.), or even businesses. A simple letter can go a long way—here’s a sample to help you start. Sample Letter
Check Big Companies:
Many corporations (like Taco Bell, Sallie Mae, or Denny’s’) offer scholarships. Don’t overlook these!
Apply, Apply, Apply:
You’ll likely apply for more scholarships than you win—and that’s okay! The more you apply, the better your chances.
Keep going! The effort you put in now can pay off big time. Happy searching!
- BST grant in aid scholarships
- American Baptist Home Mission Societies Scholarships for Students
- Deadline: April 15, 2025
- The 2025 Addie Davis Scholarships provides financial support for Baptist women enrolled in seminary to pursue a calling to ministry and leadership: more info.
Scholarships Awarded: The minimum scholarship amount is $2,000, and there will be a maximum of 6 scholarships awarded. Scholarship recipients will be announced publicly by May 15, 2025. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must:- Be female with membership in a Baptist church (affiliation with any Baptist denominational organization/group is acceptable)
- Be enrolled full-time in a Master’s-level program at an ATS-accredited seminary or divinity school (MDiv, MA, MTS, etc.). Applicants who graduate prior to the fall 2025 academic term will not be eligible. Enrollment at a Baptist-affiliated school is not required.
- Articulate and provide evidence of a sense of calling to ministry and leadership among Baptist communities
- Deadline: Completed Scholarship Applications must be received by March 27, 2025.
- Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches announces opportunities for students to apply for the Seminarian scholarship:
- 2023-2024 application form
- International Baptist Seminary Scholarships (IBS) for students: American Baptist Home Mission Societies Scholarships for International Students
- Grants of $750-$3,000 are available for American Baptist students whose first language is not English and who are preparing for ministry in the United States or Puerto Rico.
Requirement: The course of study must be pursued at an accredited institution listed in the Higher Education Directory or the Membership List of the Association of Theological Schools unless otherwise approved by the Board.
- Deadline is 4/15/2025
- Grants of $750-$3,000 are available for American Baptist students whose first language is not English and who are preparing for ministry in the United States or Puerto Rico.
- The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund:
- The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant is required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Examples of additional resources are personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work, scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships. The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.
The eligibility period is September 15 to December 15.
- Look for the online eligibility form in September, 2025.
- The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant is required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Examples of additional resources are personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work, scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships. The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.
- Scholarship Finder (CareerOneStop)
- VA Yellow Ribbon Program
- Working on your doctorate and finished (or almost) with coursework? Check out the FTE Doctoral Fellowship.
- Since 1968, The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) has been committed to increasing diversity in religion and theological faculty in North America. For more than half a century, FTE has invested in supporting under-resourced and underrepresented scholars of religion and theological education. With a historical commitment to supporting African American doctoral students and increasingly other historically underrepresented groups of students, FTE helps theological schools and religion departments identify and hire faculty needed to prepare a new generation of pastors, scholars, and leaders serving diverse faith communities and populations.
- FTE offers a dissertation fellowship of up to $35,000 each to under-resourced and underrepresented Ph.D. and Th.D. students pursuing a vocation in teaching and scholarship. In doing so, FTE’s efforts help improve the quality of theological education and scholarship by assisting in diversifying faculties of theological schools with individuals who represent the changing demographics, perspectives, and experiences of students pursuing theological education.
- Deadline: February 14, 2026
- PRIZES: (1) Grand Prize: $15,000 from Citizens to be used towards school expenses awarded in the form of a check and paid directly to the winner’s (or winner’s prospective student’s) school; (3) Citizens Building the Workforce of the Future Scholarship Prizes – (1 per quarter; available only to Entrants that meet Citizens Building the Workforce of the Future Scholarship eligibility): $2,500 from Citizens to be used towards their school expenses, awarded in the form of a check and paid directly to the winner’s (or winner’s prospective student’s) school; (9) Monthly Entry Period Prizes – (1 per month): $2,500 from Citizens to be used towards their school expenses, awarded in the form of a check and paid directly to the winner’s (or winner’s prospective student’s) school.
Federal Student Loans
At Berkeley School of Theology, GI Bill® funds are a source of financial aid for both active duty and veteran military. Degree-seeking students are eligible for benefits through the Veterans Administration Yellow Ribbon Program and can be certified by the VA certifying official.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
View veteran benefit options at BST in our catalog here.
HOW TO APPLY (FALL AND SPRING)
All students (new and returning) who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible to apply for financial aid, which includes both scholarships and federal financial aid (loans). Students must apply annually to be eligible for Federal Student Loans (FAFSA).
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS (U.S. CITIZENS OR PERMANENT RESIDENTS)
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The BST school code of G01120 should be entered in the school section of the FAFSA. Use estimated tax information if your federal taxes are not complete by April 15th.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Students who apply for financial aid after April 15 will be awarded on a first come basis and as funds are available. Priority is given to new students who are enrolling for the first time in the seminary.
- Student must be enrolled at least half-time.
- Students must be in good standing and maintain a GPA of 2.5 to receive financial assistance. Students who are placed on probation will be denied Government Guaranteed Student Loans until the probation has been removed. Students should refer to the Berkeley School of Theology Financial Aid Handbook for additional information regarding Financial Aid policies.
SUMMER FINANCIAL AID
For eligibility for BST Summer aid, the following conditions apply:
- You must be enrolled in the MDiv, MCL, MTS, or DMin programs. Common MA students: up to two (2) three (3.0) unit academic intersession or summer session courses may be counted toward the MA Program course requirements with the approval of your advisor or the dean.
- For federal Direct Loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time (6.0 credits for BST MDiv, MCL and MTS degree students, 3.0 credits for DMin students, and 6.0 credits for Common MA students) over the course of the summer session and you must complete a Summer Aid Application.
- For BST Scholarship Aid you must be enrolled in at least one BST Summer Session course. There is no minimum enrollment requirement for scholarship aid eligibility.
