Protestantse Theologische Universiteit - Particuliere Fondsen

What you get

You get one-off grants from private foundations that support theology students at the Protestant Theological University (PThU) in the Netherlands. Most are single payments, and each foundation sets its own purpose and deadline. Amounts range from small book grants of about 200 EUR (for example three grants a year from the Steengracht de Souburg fund) up to around 3,500 EUR per year (from the Lieve Vrouwe ter Nood Leen and the Elisabeth van der Mieden fund, the latter for up to 10 years). Other funds pay for theological books, study trips or general study costs. The PThU keeps this list so its students can find the funds that fit them.

Who can apply

• Field of study: You study theology. Several funds specifically support students training to become a minister (predikant) in the Protestant Church.
• University: Most funds require you to study at the PThU. A few accept theology students at other recognised Dutch institutions.
• Church membership: Some funds require you to be a member of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN).
• Region: Some funds only accept applicants from a region, or give them priority, for example Zeeland, Over-Betuwe or Enschede.
• Age: One fund requires you to be at least 18.
• Family link: A few funds give priority to descendants of the founder, but this is a bonus, not a requirement.

How to apply

You apply directly to each foundation, not to the PThU. Every fund has its own deadline, spread across the year: for example 15 January (Anthony Hallet), 1 March (Steengracht de Souburg, Honderd Gulden Reis), 1 May (Lieve Vrouwe ter Nood Leen, Nanne Zwiepfonds), 1 August (Middelburgsch and Han Gerlach funds) and 1 November (Elisabeth van der Mieden). A couple accept applications all year. Check each fund's own rules before applying.

How realistic are your chances?

These funds target a narrow group, mostly theology students at one university, often with a church, regional or family condition on top. So few people compete for each one. If you clearly match a fund's conditions and apply by its deadline, your chances are good, since the amounts are modest and the applicant pools are small. Applying to several funds that fit you improves your odds.