Developing Self-Reliance through Education

Education changes lives. It opens opportunities for people to equip themselves with the skills, knowledge, and training necessary to contribute to society. Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have always taught its members the importance of obtaining both secular and spiritual education. 

President Russell M. Nelson, prophet and Church president, taught that getting an education increases a person's capacity to serve others. He said, "Education is yours to obtain. No one else can gain it for you. Wherever you are, develop a deep desire to learn. … Don’t be afraid to pursue your goals — even your dreams! There is no shortcut to excellence and competence. Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them."

As part of its commitment to provide opportunities for secular and spiritual educational growth, the Church offers several educational programs and initiatives.

Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

• Seminary is a four-year educational program for high school students. It is open to teenagers of all faiths. Students spend an entire school year studying one book of scripture: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants. By the time a student graduates, he or she will have completed the study of all four books. There are approximately 400,000 seminary students worldwide.

• Institutes of religion provide religious instruction for both Church members and nonmembers who are single and between the ages of 18 and 30. Married students also attend classes. Institute students study topics such as scriptures, Church history, doctrine, and preparation for marriage and missions.

• Enrollment for both the seminary and institute programs for the school year 2021-2022 is currently ongoing. For more information on how to enroll, click here.

BYU- Pathway Worldwide

• BYU-Pathway Worldwide is responsible for all online certificate and degree programs offered by the Church Educational System (CES). It provides access to spiritually based degrees at an affordable price. Its mission is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.
• As of 2020, BYU-Pathway Worldwide has served more than 50,000 students in 152 countries. Certificates and degrees are offered in partnership with BYU-Idaho and, beginning in 2021, Ensign College. 

EnglishConnect

• EnglishConnect is an English-language learning program sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its goal is to help people of all faiths increase English language proficiency through in-person lessons, online and audio modules, and other practice activities.

Perpetual Education Fund

• In March 2001, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the creation of the Perpetual Education Fund to provide members with opportunities to gain education and training which lead to employment opportunities in their own countries. Young men and women who are living in certain areas outside of the United States may apply for the fund. The fund gives loans, with minimal interest, to the student to pay for tuition and books. After the student completes school, he or she will repay the loan over an eight-year period. Members of the Church donate money to help the fund continue.

Ezra Taft Benson Scholarship Program

• The Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Scholarship helps members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in financial need obtain higher education or technical training in specific areas of study related to agriculture. Appropriate areas of study include (but are not limited to) agronomy, horticulture, animal science, and nutrition. The scholarship cannot be used for graduate or post-graduate studies. Certificate and diploma programs lasting 1-2 years will also be considered. Scholarships are generally used to help pay for school tuition, required fees, books, and supplies. This scholarship is made possible by special donations to the Church. Limited numbers of scholarships are available each year.