Undergraduate
Undergraduate Funding
Deadline Extended! Due March 24.
The Department of Religious Studies offers several scholarships for undergraduates who major or minor in Religious Studies.
Applying for Religious Studies Scholarships is easy!
All majors and minors who are making progress in the program, who are engaged in religious studies coursework, and who meet the criteria are eligible to apply (see eligibility details under each scholarship).
Fill out the online application, including a transcript and an application letter. The application letter should specify which scholarship you are applying for and describe how you qualify for that scholarship.
Applications are due in March of the preceding academic year. Students will be notified by email if they receive the scholarship, and they will be recognized at the Religious Studies Recognition Ceremony the Friday before graduation in May. Check our website and follow us on social media for more information about Religious Studies at KU, including information about scholarships, deadlines, and our yearly Recognition Ceremony.
Apply for Department of Religious Studies Scholarships
Application Deadline: March 24
Notification Date: April 15
General Scholarships for Religious Studies Majors:
Zelma McIlvain Scholarship: Any sophomore, Junior, or Senior Religious Studies Major is eligible to apply ($2,000)
Zelma McIlvain Scholarship: Any sophomore, junior, or senior double (or triple) majoring in Religious Studies and another discipline is eligible to apply ($2,000)
General Scholarships for Religious Studies Minors:
Starrett-Clark Scholarship: Any students minoring in Religious Studies is eligible to apply ($1,000 each, 2 scholarships available yearly)
Specialized Scholarships for Religious Studies Majors or Minors:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship
Students majoring or minoring in Religious Studies that are part of groups that are historically and systemically marginalized because of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and/or religion are eligible to apply. (Two scholarships each year - $2,000 for one major and $1,000 for one minor)
1st Generation Scholarship
First generation college students majoring or minoring in religious Studies are eligible to apply. ($2,000 for one major and $1,000 for one minor)
St. John’s Episcopal Church Scholarships
Religious studies majors planning to attend divinity school or pursue careers in social work are eligible to apply. Preference to seniors, but any class may apply. (Two or more scholarships of $500 to $1,000 each)
Mabel Jensen Memorial Fellowship
Religious Studies students who wish to study abroad and take courses in religious studies and/or language study related to religious studies are eligible to apply. (Amount varies)
These awards do not require an application. Students are nominated by instructors and winners are selected by a committee of faculty members. Students will be notified by email if they receive an award, and they will be recognized at the Religious Studies Recognition Ceremony the Friday before graduation in May. Check our website and follow us on social media for more information about Religious Studies at KU, including information about scholarships and our yearly Recognition Ceremony.
Lynn Taylor Memorial Award
Awards: One award of $450
This award is granted to a Religious Studies graduating major who shows high academic ability, recognizes the interface of religious studies with other disciplines, and demonstrates leadership and caring for others in activities within and beyond the university.
Hattie Elizabeth Lewis Ethics Essay Award
Awards: Amount varies ($50-200)
This award is granted to the author of an exceptional paper exploring ethics and religious studies. Papers are nominated from Religious Studies courses. This award may be granted to multiple students.
Tim Miller Award
Awards: One award of $500
This award is given annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship in religious studies at the University of Kansas. The award recognizes general excellence in religious studies, and especially honors high achievement in research and writing in one or more of the diverse, multidisciplinary fields encompassed by the KU Department of Religious Studies.
Awards for Achievement in a Religious Studies Course
Awards: Varies ($50-200)
This award is given students who exemplify academic excellence in Religious Studies undergraduate courses. One student in each eligible Religious Studies course will be nominated by the professor of that course and will be recognized for their achievement in our yearly Recognition Ceremony.
Research Awards
Awards: Varies ($50-200)
This award is granted to the author of exceptional research, as nominated by professors. The research will exemplify academic excellence, great improvement, groundbreaking application of theories or methods, or an examination of topics that are under-researched in Religious Studies.
