Scholarships
The Department of World Religions and Cultures at Western Michigan University offers scholarship opportunities to students who:
- Are a WMU undergraduate major or graduate student in good standing.
- Are enrolled during the term for which funds have been requested.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Additional eligibility criteria are specified in each scholarship's description.
Kevin Nester Study Abroad/Study in the States Scholarship
The Kevin Nester Study Abroad/Study in the States Scholarship/Grant supports student participation in any study abroad/study in the states program, including language study, cultural immersion or academic coursework away from WMU. Department-specific study abroad/study in the states programs will be prioritized for funding. This scholarship awards up to $1,000. In summer of 2019, the Japanese Religion and Culture Study Abroad Seminar with Dr. Covell will be offered. The deadline is one semester prior to travel. The number of qualified applicants and the availability of funds will determine how many awards are made.
This scholarship/grant is in memory of Kevin Nester, (M.A. '12, comparative religion). While working on his master's degree, Kevin journeyed to Japan for a three week study abroad trip where his whit, insightful comments, and his at times comedic struggles with temple food helped make the trip a joy for everyone.
To complete the application forms for this scholarship/grant on your computer, download and save the file first. Complete the information and save again; then print or email the form.
Donations made to the department in Kevin’s honor will be used to support the study abroad scholarship/grant. Be sure to select the Department of World Religions and Cultures and under "honors and memorials" to write "Kevin Nester".
Cornelius Loew Study Abroad Grant
The Cornelius Loew Study Abroad Grant supports eligible religion or philosophy undergraduate and graduate students to study or conduct research abroad. Study abroad programs must be WMU-sponsored or approved. Students selected can use funds for study abroad trips outside of their course of study. Priority will be given to students who plan extended studies of at least one semester in duration and who have taken one or more courses in philosophy or religion.
To complete the application forms for this scholarship on your computer, download and save the file first. Complete the information and save again; then print or email the form.
Guntram Bischoff Graduate Professionalization Award
The Guntram Bischoff Graduate Professionalization Award was established to support the professional development of graduate students in comparative religion. Applications can be submitted for travel to conferences or for research expenses related to an independent research project, field practicum or thesis project. Requests for conference travel will be prioritized when students are presenting a poster or paper, or when the subject matter is related to the student's scholarly focus. This scholarship award varies. The number of qualified applicants and the availability of funds will determine how many awards are made. Application information can be found by accessing the link above.
International Opportunities Scholarship
The International Opportunities Scholarship was established through a generous donation designed to support extended research projects abroad for qualified graduate and undergraduate students in comparative religion. Applications can be submitted for: (1) a long-term research project carried out over two semesters or more; (2) a short-term research project that is the culmination of related study abroad experience. Funding requests will be prioritized for projects relating to students’ previously demonstrated scholarly focus. Application information can be found by accessing the link above.