Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) International Scholarships

The ELCA International Scholarships are part of a transformative effort by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to equip leaders for global ministries, church growth, and social transformation around the world. Designed to help individuals pursue academic study that builds long-term leadership capacity in mission and ministry, these scholarships are both academically supportive and strategically impactful.

Here’s a complete guide to what ELCA International Scholarships are, how they work in 2026, who’s eligible, what they cover, and how the application process unfolds.

What Are the ELCA International Scholarships?

The ELCA International Scholarships are academic awards provided through the ELCA’s International Leaders Program to individuals who are endorsed by their global companion churches or affiliated institutions. Rather than being open to the general public, these scholarships target leaders already identified as contributors to church and community life, people whose advanced education will directly support the leadership capacity of their sending bodies. Each year, the ELCA awards scholarships to about 200 individuals from companion churches around the world.

These scholars study a wide variety of subjects at institutions worldwide, ranging from theology and education to community development, health sciences, technology, finance, peace and justice, social work, and more. Some pursue short-term programs; others embark on long-term academic study. Importantly, this scholarship program is designed not just to benefit the individual scholar, but to build leadership capacity within global churches and institutions, ensuring sustainable impact through education.

What Costs Can ELCA International Scholarships Cover?

Scholarships are customized to the needs of each applicant and are typically based on the applicant’s proposed academic program and budget. Covered costs may include:

1. Tuition and Academic Fees

Core academic expenses are the central focus. Scholarship funds are used to cover tuition costs as negotiated in the applicant’s budget proposal.

2. Living and Study-Related Expenses

In many cases, scholarship support may include living expenses associated with an academic program, especially when these are justified within the applicant’s study context and budget plan.

3. Required Materials and Technology

Funding may also support required study materials, tools, or equipment essential to academic success, as detailed in the applicant’s budget document.

4. Travel Costs (if relevant)

Some scholarship budgets include travel necessary for study, such as relocation or fieldwork costs, provided these are well justified and aligned with program policies.

Note:

• Retroactive expenses (costs incurred before the scholarship start date) are not covered.
• Support for family members is not included.
• Approved budgets may differ from initial proposals based on program policies and fund availability.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

ELCA International Scholarships are not open to all applicants worldwide. Instead, eligibility is tied to the applicant’s connection with a companion church or institution that has an established relationship with the ELCA. Applicants must be officially endorsed by their church or institution before they can submit a scholarship application.

Eligibility Requirements include:

1. Endorsement by a Companion Church/Institution

To qualify, applicants must be nominated and endorsed by the leadership of a church or institution that has a formal companion relationship with the ELCA. This endorsement is a prerequisite and typically comes from a leader such as a bishop, general secretary, or equivalent official within the church body.

2. Commitment to Service

By applying for and accepting a scholarship, the scholar commits to serving in leadership for their endorsing church or institution — either during or after their academic program, often with a designated position that utilizes the skills gained through study.

3. Range of Academic Programs Supported

The program supports both short-term and long-term study, including:

• Short courses and certificates
• Diplomas and specialized training
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees
• Study in areas relevant to leadership and mission priorities, such as theology, education, community development, health, social justice, and more

4. Application Process Through Endorsing Bodies

Individuals cannot apply directly to the ELCA International Scholarships. All applications must be processed and endorsed by recognized companion church or institutional leaders.

Types of Scholarships Available

The ELCA International Scholarships include multiple tracks and options to meet a range of academic and leadership development needs:

1. Short-Term Scholarships

Short-term scholarships support academic or professional development programs lasting less than 12 months. These can include:

• Leadership training workshops
• Professional certification courses
• Specialized theological or community development programs

2. Long-Term Scholarships

Long-term scholarships are intended for extended academic pursuits of 12 months or more. These typically include:

• Undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Advanced diplomas and research degrees
• Multi-year academic courses that build deep expertise and leadership capacity

3. International Women Leaders Scholarship

A specific track exists to empower young women leaders who wish to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree at an ELCA-affiliated college in the United States. Eligible applicants:

• Must be between ages 17–25
• Must be nominated by a companion church or institution
• This scholarship supports access to U.S. higher education for women with leadership potential in global contexts.

How to Apply for ELCA International Scholarships

Step 1: Connect with Your Endorsing Church or Institution

Because the ELCA International Scholarships are not open to the general public, you must first contact your church body or institution’s leadership to determine whether they have a formal companion relationship with the ELCA, and if so, how endorsements are handled. Most churches have an internal nomination process that precedes the ELCA application.

Step 2: Review the Scholarship Application Guidelines

The ELCA publishes a detailed Scholarship Application Guidelines document in multiple languages (including English, Spanish, and French). This document explains eligibility, selection criteria, application components, required forms, and timelines. It is crucial for both applicants and endorsers to read it thoroughly before beginning an application.

Step 3: Prepare Required Application Materials

Typical application components include:

• Personal and academic information
• Church/institution endorsement form
• Letter of recommendation
• Academic transcripts from past programs
• Budget proposal with institutional fee structure
• Proposed study plan or academic statement

Applicants may apply before being accepted into their academic program, but an official acceptance letter will be required before scholarship funds can be released.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once endorsed by your church/institution, submit your application through the ELCA’s online GrantMaker system between August and October, the annual application window. Late applications are generally not accepted.

Step 5: Review and Selection Process

Submitted applications are reviewed by staff and scholarship committees who assess:

• Alignment with leadership and mission priorities of the endorsing church/institution
• Commitment to service and leadership potential
• Quality and completeness of the application
• Feasibility and accuracy of the proposed budget
• Decisions typically take several months. Final scholarship awards are usually notified between March and May of the following year.

For more information about the scholarship, visit the official website.

How Recipients Are Selected

Because the goal of ELCA International Scholarships is to build leadership capacity that aligns with the mission priorities of companion churches, applications are evaluated holistically based on several criteria:

• Relevance to strategic leadership priorities of the endorsing church/institution
• Commitment to service and leadership
• Quality and clarity of the application
• Academic potential and prior leadership experience
• Feasibility and thoughtfulness of the proposed study plan
• Budget accuracy and sustainability of funding request

Selections are made by committees that review all applications and evaluate how well each candidate aligns with the goals of both their home church and the broader ELCA mission.

Conclusion

The ELCA International Scholarships 2026 are an extraordinary opportunity for emerging leaders who are already embedded in church and community life, and who seek to deepen their impact through academic study. While the application process is distinctive, requiring partnership with a companion church or institution, the journey opens doors to education, leadership formation, and global service that reverberate far beyond the individual scholar.