The David Royle Scholarship Fund
Some of the most faithful pastors in the world serve without access to formal theological training. They lead congregations, preach every week, disciple believers, and shepherd communities through hardship — often with little more than a Bible and a calling.
The David Royle Scholarship exists to change that.
About the Scholarship
This scholarship is established in honour and memory of David Royle (1959–2024), a man whose life was shaped by a passion for missions and pastoral training. David served as a missionary in South Africa and gave himself wholeheartedly to equipping Christian leaders across multiple regions of the world.
David had a particular burden for pastors in developing countries. He believed that sound biblical education wasn’t a luxury — it was essential for the health of the Church. His vision was simple: give faithful pastors the tools they need to shepherd their congregations well.
This scholarship carries that vision forward. Through the David Royle Scholarship Fund, King’s Evangelical Divinity School (KEDS) is committed to providing high-quality, accredited theological education to pastors who could not otherwise access it.
Who Is This Scholarship For?
This scholarship is open to pastors and assistant pastors who are:
- Living and actively ministering in a developing country (as defined by the OECD)
- Called to pastoral ministry with a clear commitment to their local church or congregation
- Unable to access or fund formal theological education through other means
We currently award two scholarships per year.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Recipients receive significant financial support toward KEDS courses:
- 100% of fees for the Knowing Your Bible (KYB) module
- 100% of fees for Foundations in Biblical Interpretation
- 50% of fees for the Bachelor-Level Programme
All KEDS courses are delivered fully online, meaning pastors can study from anywhere in the world without leaving their ministry context.
Why Study With KEDS?
King’s Evangelical Divinity School is an accredited evangelical institution offering rigorous, biblically grounded theological education online. Our courses are designed for Christians who want to go deeper in Scripture — whether they are new to formal study or building toward a degree.
Scholarship recipients join a global community of students who are serious about their faith, their calling, and their understanding of the Bible.
Apply Today
To apply, download the application form below, complete it fully, and return it to office@kingsdivinity.org
We aim to respond to all applications within four weeks.
If you have any questions before applying, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
Know a Pastor Who Should Apply?
If you know a faithful pastor serving in a developing country who would benefit from this scholarship, please share this page with them or with their church network. Word of mouth is often how opportunities like this reach the people who need them most.
“The David Royle Scholarship is one small way we can honour a life well lived — and invest in the pastors who are building the Church around the world.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am a lay leader rather than an ordained pastor? The scholarship is currently focused on pastors and assistant pastors in active ministry. If you are a lay leader with a clear pastoral calling, we encourage you to apply and explain your context.
Do I need any prior theological qualifications to apply? No formal qualifications are required to begin with the Knowing Your Bible module. We welcome pastors at all levels of formal education.
Is the scholarship available for all KEDS courses? Currently the scholarship covers the KYB module, Foundations in Biblical Interpretation, and the Bachelor-Level Programme (at 50%). We hope to expand coverage in the future.
How are recipients selected? Applications are reviewed by the KEDS team. We look for evidence of genuine pastoral calling, active ministry in a developing country, and financial need.
Can I apply from any country? The scholarship is open to pastors in any country classified as developing by the OECD. See the full list here.
When can I apply? Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible as places are limited.