The Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) today launches an exciting new initiative which will offer two scholarships to applicants from the Global South, aimed at building and strengthening relationships within the Anglican Communion.
The PhD scholarships in Divinity, Theology, and Religious Studies have been developed by the Global Partnerships Committee of the SEC. Each scholarship lasts for up to three years and must be undertaken in Scotland, at a Scottish university.
As well as strengthening ties within the Communion, it is envisaged that the new programme of financial support for students will assist theological research and encourage theological discourse. Successful candidates will also act as ambassadors of their local church and engage with the theological community, including the Scottish Episcopal Institute.
As part of their integration into the local SEC community, scholars will also be mentored during their studies.
Successful candidates will be active members of an Anglican Church in the Global South – which covers the regions of Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central and South America, Middle East and Pacific – who have been offered a place on a relevant PhD programme at a university in Scotland. The Scottish Episcopal Church will offer financial support of up to £15,000 per year to assist with living costs, with the funding designed to complement other grants or awards.
“The GPC is delighted to introduce this new scholarship aimed at strengthening our international relationships.” Said the Rev Dr Hamilton Inbadas, Convener of the Global Partnerships Committee.
“After reviewing its existing approach, the Committee identified a need to reimagine its purpose and function. Engaging in meaningful conversations with global partners and the wider Church led to a strategy focusing on relationship building and mutual learning. The development of this scholarship programme is part of this approach.
“In the past, the Church facilitated scholarship schemes that brought individuals from other continents to Scotland to study theology. However, with the growing availability of theological education within their own countries, those programmes came to an end. Through this renewed initiative, we aim to rebuild strong connections and foster greater mutual understanding with our partners across the Anglican Communion.”
Applications close on 31 March 2025, with recipients notified by 1 May 2025. Supporting documents, including references and a letter from the applicant’s bishop, are required.
The application pack and further details can be found here:
Dr Inbadas recorded the following short video as an introduction to the scholarships: