General criteria for WCC scholarships for postgraduate studies
WCC scholarships are open to all women and men, lay and ordained, who are recommended by a WCC member church or related church organization. Preference is given to candidates from a developing country, and to those who have not previously studied outside their home country.
Before an application for a WCC scholarship is submitted, a candidate should have completed secondary education plus basic training for employment, and have had several years' working experience related to the proposed field of study.
Candidates should be well qualified to undertake the requested programme and be willing to participate fully in the life of the host community during the period of study.
Candidates cannot undertake in-country studies. The ecumenical learning opportunity of study in another country is an essential element of the WCC Scholarships Programme. Although the study programme may be undertaken in any foreign country, priority is given to opportunities in developing countries.
Candidates are required to commit themselves to return to their home country at the conclusion of the study, so that they may take up the task for which the training was requested.
Scholarships are normally provided for courses ranging from 3 months to 2 years. They are not offered to cover longer courses such as undergraduate or doctoral studies.
Candidates should be under the age of 45.
An award is dependant on many factors, but the WCC scholarships working group, in making its final selection, endeavours to take note of the views of national ecumenical scholarships committees concerning priorities, age limits, suitable qualifications, details of courses, institutions and countries of study for their recommended candidates. When requested, the WCC scholarships programme also endeavours to provide guidance on these matters.
General criteria for WCC scholarships for group training
The duration of group education should have a minimum of four weeks.
Participants have to work with churches or related organizations in grassroot activities, and bring in some working experience.
Churches or organizations asking for education must take responsibility to follow-up the activities the training was needed for.
Equal access to training for female and male candidates must be respected.
All educational activities must include an ecumenical orientation.
Restrictions
The WCC scholarships programme only accepts applications from member churches and related organizations. Individuals cannot apply for support for their personal learning programmes.
Family scholarships are not available. Scholarships do not cover the expenses of children accompanying their parents.
Basic theological studies (undergraduate) are regarded as the responsibility of the church concerned. Applications for theological studies are only accepted for courses up to 2 years, e.g. Masters degree level.
Applications cannot be accepted for students who have already embarked on the requested course of study.
Students already studying in another country can only be considered for a scholarship for further study if the application is made by a church or related organization in their home country through the normal process.
Refugees are not able to fulfil the criteria for the scholarships programme and are advised to contact the National Council of Churches or a refugee office in their country of asylum for advice on alternative sources of financial support.