LWF Scholarships in Theology & Diakonia 2025 | Fully Funded Study Grants

LWF Scholarships in Theology & Diakonia 2025 | Fully Funded Study Grants: Overview

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) offers annual scholarships to support studies in Theology, Diakonia, and Development-related fields. These scholarships are open for diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and short-term programs (including online courses, workshops, seminars, and research projects). The aim is to strengthen church workers and institutions by equipping individuals with the academic and practical skills to serve their communities.

• Application Deadline: 1 October 2025

• Eligible Programs: Regular degree programs & short-term scholarships

• Institutional Support Required: All applications must be endorsed by the candidate’s church leadership

Eligibility

• Must be an active member of an LWF member church

• Nationality:

  • Theology scholarships → open worldwide

  • Diakonia/Development scholarships → only for candidates from developing countries

• Age limits (at time of application, with special considerations for female candidates and church employees):

  • Bachelor’s → 35 years

  • Master’s → 40 years

  • Doctorate → 45 years

  • Post-doctoral/Research → 50 years

• Each LWF member church may endorse up to 5 regular and 2 short-term scholarship candidates

• At least 40% must be female, and 20% must be youth under 30

Benefits

• Tuition support for diploma, bachelor, master’s, or PhD studies

• Funding for short-term training: online courses, workshops, seminars, or research projects

• Capacity building for churches through trained workers

• Networking and mentoring opportunities within the LWF community

Fellowship/Program Components

• Degree Programs: Full scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate theological or diakonia studies

• Short-Term Scholarships: Support for skill-based training and research, especially for current church workers

• Mentorship & Accompaniment: Continuous support for scholarship holders to ensure knowledge is applied in their church or institution

Application Requirements

• Endorsement by the candidate’s church leadership

• Academic records and proof of church membership

• Documentation showing alignment with the needs and priorities of the church

• Age compliance (with exceptions for female candidates and employees)

• Completed application by October 1, 2025

Selection Criteria

• Active involvement and commitment to the church

• Academic ability and motivation for the chosen field

• Representation of youth (under 30) and women (at least 40%)

• Alignment with the strategic needs of the candidate’s home church/institution

• Consideration of gender and cultural factors that may have delayed study opportunities

Application Process

1. Review the Scholarship Implementing Guidelines provided by LWF

2. Prepare academic and supporting documents

3. Obtain endorsement from church leadership

4. Submit the completed application before October 1, 2025

5. Wait for evaluation and possible follow-up from LWF regarding approval

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the LWF Scholarships in Theology & Diakonia 2025 | Fully Funded Study Grants