Graduate Studies

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards for Graduate Students

CMU students involved in full time studies in CMU Graduate Studies are invited to apply for one or more of the following scholarships/bursaries.

Online Application FormDeadline May 31
 

Full-Tuition Awards

Full-tuition awards are available to full-time students in the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry.

Eligibility

  • All students admitted into a GSTM program at CMU may apply.
  • Students must be full-time in the year that they receive the award. Full-time status is defined as a minimum of 18 credit hours over the full academic year, with a minimum of 6 credit hours in each of the fall and winter semesters.
  • Students must complete CMU’s Graduate Award Application.

Terms

  • Each full-tuition award covers all tuition for the full academic year. It does not cover student fees, room, board, books, or other costs.
  • Four awards are available for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. One award is available to international students (including US students).
  • Full-tuition awards are awarded for one year. They do not automatically renew, but students can apply for the award each year and students can receive a full-tuition award for a maximum of three years.
  • Applications are assessed based on a combination of academic excellence, financial need, and the criteria of the scholarship.
  • Full-tuition awards can be held in conjunction with external funding, including a Canada Graduate Scholarship or Research Manitoba Award.
  • Full-tuition awards will not cover the cost of courses taken outside of CMU.
  • Courses taken outside of CMU do not count towards full-time status for the purpose of this award. Students who need to take a course outside of CMU in order to complete their degree or for other extenuating circumstances can apply for a credit hour requirement exemption.

For more information contact the Financial and Student Services Advisor at financialaid:@:cmu.ca.

Other Funds Available for MA Students

 

CMU International Student Bursary

Any international student in the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry or MA in Peacebuilding and Collaborative Development can apply for the CMU International Student Bursary which is based on financial need. Criteria includes being a full-time student, GPA of 3.0, and submitting the required budget information on the application form.

 

Jacob A. Rempel Memorial Scholarship

This Scholarship of $4,000 has been created to honour the memory and legacy of Jacob A. Rempel, a significant leader of the Mennonite churches of Ukraine/Russia. His story, told in the book, Hope is Our Deliverance, tells of his life from being a stable boy to becoming a professor. He did this with an enduring faith as he followed God's leading hand, applied his own abilities and was encouraged by the generous financial assistance of a wealthy supporter. Through this scholarship, the family wishes to encourage students who show academic promise and a strong interest and aptitude for church ministry.

Criteria: Showing academic promise and a strong interest in and aptitude for church ministry and demonstrated financial need.

 

Carole Louise Sawatzky Seminary/Graduate Studies Bursary

This Bursary of $1,000 is for a student involved in Masters studies at CMU. It has been created in honour of the life of Carole Louise Sawatzky. Carole was enrolled in graduated studies and engaged in ministry in her church, Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship in Winnipeg, MB. Due to a progressive neurological disorder, she was not able to continue in her interests in children's ministry, drama, liturgical dance, leading worship and preaching. When the bursary was established, Carole, age of 42, was a resident at Deer Lodge Centre in the chronic care ward. The purpose of this bursary is to encourage women engaged in graduate/seminary studies with the intention of pursuing ministry.

Criteria: Volunteering or working in church ministry, preparing for future ministry involvement and demonstrating financial need.

 

The EMC Graduate Student Scholarship

This scholarship, established by Ron and Ruth Penner, has been created for students from the Evangelical Mennonite Conference who are preparing for pastoral ministry, missions or Christian service in a graduate studies program. The scholarship will cover half of the tuition costs for eligible students. Preference is given to graduate students, but undergraduate students from an EMC congregation majoring in Biblical and Theological Studies may also be considered.

 

The John and Katie Friesen Bursary for Pastoral Ministry

This bursary of $1,000 to $2,000 has been created for students preparing for pastoral ministry. John and Katie Friesen have been long time supporters of CMBC (John studied at CMBC) and its successor CMU. Their three children attended CMBC and their four grandchildren attended CMU. John was a pastor and served congregations in Grande Prairie AB, Burns Lake BC, Morden MB, Langham SK, and Aldergrove BC. The church was important to them and they valued the pastoral training that happened at CMBC and continues at CMU. To that end, part of their legacy is to continue to support ongoing ministry preparation.

Criteria: The student must be full-time and preparing for pastoral ministry. Preference will be given to those that come from or are preparing to serve in a Mennonite Church Canada congregation.

 

Faculty MA-Theological Studies Scholarship

This award has a value of $500 to $1,000. The following criteria will guide the CMU Awards Committee in selecting a recipient:

  • One entrance scholarship will be awarded to a student admitted into the program with the highest GPA in an undergraduate or previous degree program
  • Students will qualify for the above scholarship if their applications to enter the program are received by April 30 for the Fall semester, August 31 for the Winter semester, or December 31 for Spring semester.
  • Be a student who is entering the MA in Theological Studies Program at CMU
  • Be enrolled in a minimum of 18 credit hours during a 12-month year.
 

The Nicholas and Tina Fransen Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Rev. Nicholas N. Fransen and his first wife, Tina Klassen Fransen. Two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded each year.

Reverend Nicholas N. Fransen (1907–2000) was called to ministry in 1929 in the Vineland United Mennonite Church, his home congregation. He was steadfastly committed to the importance of education in general, but especially education which prepared individuals for a lifetime of service to the church. Throughout his years of dedicated service to the cause of CMBC, Nicholas' first wife, Tina Klassen Fransen (1906–1970), was a tower of strength and support for her husband and family. It was their shared dream of a Mennonite Bible College that enabled him to take on the extra responsibilities associated with being on the first CMBC board of directors and to serve as the first fundraiser for CMBC.

Criteria: A student who is enrolled in the MA in Christian Ministry and has a desire to enter pastoral ministry.

 

The Victor Schroeder Memorial Scholarship

The North Kildonan Mennonite Church of Winnipeg, MB has established an Academic Entrance Scholarship of $1,500. This scholarship has been created in honour and memory of the life of Rev. Schroeder, former pastor at North Kildonan Mennonite Church.

Criteria: Graduating students of CMU who are enrolling in one of the masters programs and who have a sincere desire to enter into Christian ministry.

 

The Portage Mennonite Church Leadership Scholarship

This Scholarship of $2,500 has been established by Portage Mennonite Church (Portage la Prairie, MB) upon their closure in 2012 after 35 years of ministry of nurturing faith and building community in the rural town of Portage la Prairie. Their legacy will live on through this scholarship supporting international graduate students and first/second generation Canadians within the church who are training to be future church leaders.

Criteria: An International full time MA student or an MA full time student who is involved in a first or second generation church (recent Canadians) in Canada. The student's intent must be that of preparing for a church leadership role. In addition to the Scholarship application form, this scholarship requires a one page essay stating past church involvements and education, goals, and financial needs.

 

Dr. Gerhard Lohrenz Bursary

Sargent Ave Mennonite Church (SAMC) established the "Dr. Gerhard Lohrenz Bursary Fund" in 1986 with CMBC, now CMU. The value of this bursary is $1,000.

The priority and criteria of Awarding the Dr. Gerhard Lohrenz Bursary Fund is as follows:

  1. A student(s) who is enrolled full time in Graduate Studies in Christian Ministry or in Theological Studies Programs at CMU.
  2. In preparation for Pastoral Ministry.
  3. Who, or at least one of whose parents, is a member of SAMC.
  4. If all of the above criteria cannot be met the following criteria will be considered:
  • applicant has demonstrated a potential for, and an interest in, preparing for Pastoral Ministry.
 

William and Helen Klassen Student Ministry Scholarship

William and Helen Klassen of Abbotsford, BC have established a Student Ministry Fund to financial support undergraduate and graduate students in their education and training for Christian Ministry through scholarships, bursaries and ministry internships. They are aware that finances can be a road block for many students training for ministry and have set up a ministry fund at CMU for students discerning and testing their call to ministry. The Klassens are presently members at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford. The value of this scholarship is $1,000–5,000.

Criteria: Eligible students will be entering or continuing full time studies at CMU, in graduate studies with the intent of preparing for a ministry role.

 

Gordon and Nettie Dueck Biblical Studies Bursary for International Students.

Gordon and Nettie Dueck have established a bursary for international students at CMU. They have also been active associates with International Student Ministry Canada in the area of Friendship Partner Coordinators, hosting students from around the world, over 12 countries. Gordon is a graduate of SBC'62 and Nettie is a graduate of MBBC' 63. The value of the scholarship is $1,000.

Criteria: This bursary will be awarded to an international student from a developing country who is majoring in Biblical and Theological Studies.

 

The Jacob and Sara Schroeder Practical Theology Scholarship

This scholarship of $1,500 has been established by the children of Jacob (1917–2011) and Sara (1917–2008) Schroeder for students enrolled in the MA in Theological or Christian Ministry Studies at CMU. It reflects the passion and life commitments to each other (more than 70 years of marriage), to Christian ministry, Christian education, building community, social justice issues, and peace initiatives. Sara (Sally) was a stay-at-home mom who provided quiet, calm, and wise council to her family, extended family, and friends. Her community work included volunteering at the MCC Thrift Store and also with "Meals on Wheels." Jacob was an elementary and high school teacher in southern Manitoba and later at a one room country school in northern British Columbia. Jacob's involvement with Co-operatives and Credit Unions led to a career change. He worked as an educator, promoter, and organizer for these movements until retirement and viewed this work as a blessed opportunity to work out aspects of his Christian faith.

 

Elizabeth Buckland Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in honour and memory of the Elizabeth Buckland who passed away in 2014. She was a person of deep faith who took seriously the Christian call to work for justice. She recognized the particular challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples, newcomer Canadians, and international students and saw the potential of education to overcome these challenges. This scholarship will go to an international student enrolled full time in the MA-PCD program. Requirements include submitting an essay of 500 words, outlining proven leadership qualities, and projecting plans upon graduation from the program. This scholarship of $1,000 can be received only once.

 

Mennonite Women in Leadership Bursary

WOVEN: Mennonite Women Together have established a bursary to support international Mennonite women with significant individual need who are studying at Canadian Mennonite University in a program that will equip them to be more effective leaders upon return to their country of origin. These women will receive support for programs offered at CMU. The bursary is intended for a student enrolled in a graduate program, however if no graduate student qualifies, an undergraduate student can be considered. The objective of this bursary is to empower women and show solidarity and support for them. An additional benefit will be to establish relationships and networks with these women and their home contexts. The value of the bursary is $2,000. Interested persons need to download and complete the Scholarship/Bursary Application Form for graduate students and submit it by May 31. In order for an undergraduate student to be considered, they should contact financialaid:@:cmu.ca for an appropriate application form.

 

The Timothy Chiu Chen Seminary Scholarship

This scholarship is in memory of Timothy Chiu Chen who was an active member of the Winnipeg Chinese Alliance Church.

Criteria: The scholarship will be given to a CMU student enrolled in the GSTM program with the goal of becoming a full-time pastor or mission worker. The value of this scholarship is $500.

 

H.W. Redekopp Scholarship in Theology

The H.W. Redekopp Scholarship in Theology was established by its namesake in 1975. Since that time it has offered many students an opportunity to further their theological education.

Criteria: The scholarship will be given to a CMU student enrolled in one of the GSTM programs. The value of this scholarship is $500.

 

Arthur and Helen Rempel Peacebuilding Bursary

Arthur and Helen Rempel have been committed to peacebuilding throughout their lives. They have been patrons of the Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP) at CMU, continuing to support is goals of teaching conflict resolution and peacemaking.

Criteria: The bursary will be given to a full time CMU student enrolled in the MA-PCD program and in a CSOP course. The bursary will be given to a domestic or international student committed to peace initiatives. The value of this bursary is $500.

 

Gary and Patricia Rempel Peacebuilding Scholarship

Gary and Patricia Rempel have established this scholarship to support a student journey of self-exploration grounded in faith and hope in order to contribute to an opportunity to nurture resilience and compassion while strengthening values that support actions respectfully tolerant of alternative experiential perspectives and worldviews.

Criteria: This bursary is intended for a full-time CMU graduate student with preference for international students enrolled in the MA-PCD program. The value of this scholarship will be a minimum of $1,000.

 

Other Funds Available for MA Students

Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Funds

EMC Leadership Development Scholarship Policy

This scholarship is offered by the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach. It is available to EMC ministers, missionaries and seminary students involved in or aspiring to church related vocations. To learn more about this scholarship and to secure an application form, contact Erica Fehr at efehr:@:emconf.ca or call 204.326.6401.

Mennonite Church Canada Fund

"Company of 1,000" Study Reserve Fund is a fund established to support the training of Pastors for Mennonite Church Canada congregations. Go here for more information.

This fund offers two things:

  • Forgivable loans for pastors pursuing studies through a sabbatical leave or persons open to a call for pastoral ministry who want to prepare for pastoral training.
  • Working Pastors Tuition Scholarship for pastors taking classes while they minister. Pastors submit their tuition receipts and receive a grant that covers 50 percent of their tuition fees.

Mennonite Disaster Service Scholarship

MDS hopes to promote service and volunteering and expose a new generation to the work of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) by providing a scholarship to current students. The scholarship will cover the cost of four, three credit hour courses following their service assignment. Priority is given to full-time returning students (undergraduate or graduate) in good academic standing. Students must complete at least four weeks of service and write a 500-word reflection on their experience. Applications are due January 31. Click here for information about MDS and contact financialaid:@:cmu.ca for a full list of criteria and application form.

Mennonite Church Manitoba Funds

MC Manitoba has a number of funds for those considering pastoral ministry or graduate theological training. Go here for more information.

D.F. Plett Graduate Fellowship

This fellowship of $7,500 is intended to encourage graduate students who are pursuing studies and research in the history of the forerunners and descendants of the 1870s Mennonite migrants of Manitoba.

Criteria for the Award: Students will have completed their course work in the program and will be ready to start their thesis work based on primary source research. To apply, students should contact Hans Werner (h.werner:@:uwinnipeg.ca), Executive Director of the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, c/o The University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9.

For more information, contact the Financial and Student Services Advisor at financialaid:@:cmu.ca.

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