Embarking on a journey of religious scholarship is a significant commitment, often requiring substantial financial planning. For those dedicated to deepening their understanding and service within religious contexts, institutions like the Institute for Worship Studies (IWS) offer invaluable programs. Recognizing the financial considerations, IWS provides financial aid to eligible students to help make these programs accessible. This guide outlines the necessary steps and required documents for applying for financial aid at IWS, ensuring you are well-prepared to pursue your calling as a religious scholar.
To be considered for financial aid that can support your aspirations within religious scholar programs, you must submit the following items by the specified deadlines. It is crucial to submit all supporting documentation through Populi, IWS’s online student portal. Remember, all requests for aid or financial assistance must be formally initiated through the Financial Aid Application. Missing documents or incomplete submissions may unfortunately impact your eligibility.
The following documents are mandatory for your financial aid application:
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IWS Financial Aid Application: This application must be completed online via Populi. This is the primary step to formally request financial assistance and provides IWS with your initial information. You can access the application form here: Financial Aid Application. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely.
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IWS Asset Verification Form: This form is essential for IWS to understand your financial situation comprehensively. It helps the Financial Aid Committee assess your financial need and determine appropriate aid allocation. Download and complete the Asset Verification Form, and upload it through Populi.
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Tax Return Information: Providing tax information is a standard requirement for financial aid applications. The specific documents vary based on your country of residence:
- For Americans: Submit a completed 4506-T form along with the first two pages of your most recent IRS Form 1040. The 4506-T form allows IWS to verify your tax information directly with the IRS, ensuring accuracy and security. Please fill out sections #1-3 (and #4 if applicable due to a recent move), sign and date at the bottom. Leave the remaining sections blank as instructed on the form.
- For Canadians: Provide your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. This document summarizes your tax information and is a standard financial verification document in Canada.
- For All Other Countries: If you are not a US or Canadian resident, submit a concise description outlining your current occupation, your total annual income, and your regular monthly expenses. This will provide the Financial Aid Committee with a clear picture of your financial context.
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A One-Page Financial Situation Letter: This letter is a crucial component of your application as it allows you to personally explain your financial circumstances and demonstrate your efforts to secure funding. This letter should include:
- Explanation of your Financial Situation: Clearly and honestly describe your current financial situation, including any challenges or circumstances that necessitate financial aid.
- Church/Ministry Context Funding Request: Detail when you approached your church or ministry for financial support for continuing education and clearly state their decision. This demonstrates your proactive approach to seeking funding from your community.
- Outline of Other Financial Resources: Describe any other financial resources you have explored or are currently pursuing, such as personal savings, loans, or other scholarships. This illustrates your comprehensive effort to secure funding for your education.
It is vital to ensure that all required items are submitted in their entirety. Incomplete applications may unfortunately lead to a denial of your financial aid request. Therefore, please meticulously double-check all documents before submission through Populi.
Any financial aid awarded by IWS is specifically designated to be credited solely toward the student’s tuition balance. Students are responsible for covering all other fees, such as meals and orientation fees, as well as additional expenses like textbooks and travel.
Please be aware that financial aid resources at IWS are limited. The Financial Aid Committee is committed to distributing these resources fairly and equitably to as many deserving students as possible who are pursuing religious scholarship. Therefore, the Committee expects all applicants to request an aid amount that genuinely reflects their true financial need. Requesting financial aid does not guarantee that aid will be awarded, and the amount of available aid is finite. Requests for full tuition coverage will be carefully reviewed and typically returned unless the applicant can convincingly demonstrate that full tuition assistance is their unavoidable and true need to participate in religious scholar programs at IWS.
