Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation Scholarship
Offered by Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation
About This Scholarship
Stanley and Harriet van Reken started the Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation in 1992 after relatives returned to the mission field with no way to pay for their children's college education. More than three decades later, the foundation pays for missionary kids to attend a small group of Christian colleges. For 2026-27 it set aside $1.25 million for 127 recipients, whose families serve in 38 different mission fields.
Eligibility is narrow but clear. Applicants must be children of missionaries who are currently on the mission field or recently returned and whose families have made significant financial sacrifices to serve. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at one of five schools: Calvin University and Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, or Wheaton College in Illinois. Any major qualifies.
Award amounts vary, and scholarships renew for up to four years as long as the student stays full time and in good academic standing. Recipients who go on to medical school can receive further help. Both a student application and a parent application are required, and the current deadline is February 1, 2027.
Eligibility
- Child of missionaries currently on, or recently returned from, the mission field
- Family has made significant financial sacrifices to serve in missions
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree at Calvin University, Dordt University, Hope College, Kuyper College or Wheaton College
- Renewal requires full-time enrollment and good academic standing
How To Apply
- Confirm you will attend (or are attending) one of the five eligible colleges
- Complete the online Student Application on the foundation's website
- Have a parent complete the separate Parent Application (both are required)
- Submit both applications by February 1, 2027
- Email [email protected] with questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the scholarship?
Amounts vary by student. For 2026-27 the foundation planned to award $1.25 million to 127 students, an average of roughly $9,800 per recipient.
Which colleges qualify?
Calvin University, Dordt University, Hope College, Kuyper College and Wheaton College. Students can study any major.
Is the award renewable?
Yes, for up to four years if the student remains enrolled full time and in good academic standing. Recipients who continue to medical school may get further assistance.