International Students

If you are a student who is not a US citizen or permanent resident and you plan to apply to one of our degree programs offered in English, scroll down to learn more about the application process, costs, and deadlines.

If you are looking for information about our programs offered in Spanish, visit the HMP page here.

Fall Semester Start (starts late August)

Apply by:

one

January

Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA applications!

one

March

Deadline for international students

Doctor of Ministry Degrees

Application deadlines for Doctor of Ministry degrees are based on the cohort start date. See the cohort page for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there income requirements for international students?

All International students will be asked to submit an Affidavit of Financial Support along with statements from persons or institutions providing any financial support. 

In addition, we will require copies of Bank Statements from financial institutions. These documents must be submitted before your application will be reviewed.

Do all international students need to take an english proficiency exam??

For applicants from countries whose primary language is not English, there are specific requirements you need to meet in order to apply to Western Theological Seminary.

You must take one of the following English proficiency tests:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Duolingo English Test (DET).

Be sure to register for the test as soon as possible, as the scoring and processing can take some time, and the results must be received by January 15 for enrollment in the Fall Semester. 

To be eligible for admission, you must meet the following English proficiency test scores:

  • TOEFL- the minimum acceptable scores are:
      • 550 (paper-based) with Test of Written English (TWE) 4 or
      • 213 (computer-based), or
      • 80 (internet-based).
  • IELTS – the minimum acceptable score is 6.0 overall
  • Duolingo English Test (DET) – the minimum acceptable score is 110

The TOEFL exam can be taken online. Information regarding times and locations for these can be found at www.ets.org.

The IELTS exam can also be taken online. For information, go to: www.ielts.org/en-us

The Western Theological Seminary code number for TOEFL and IELTS is 1912. 

The Duolingo English Test is taken online and can be accessed here: englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Select “Western Theological Seminary” when you register. 

 

What financial support is available from WTS?

Institutional Financial Aid is offered on a student-by-student basis and is subject to availability or changes in requirements. Financial Aid packages can range between $3000 to $6000 depending on a number of factors. This will be determined during the admission process.

Specific programs such as the Master of Theology (ThM) may provide higher scholarship but are limited to a specific number of students.

Financial Aid information is found on this page. You will find instructions for applying for financial aid, as well as the financial aid application.

International students are prohibited from working off campus and must maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, in accordance with immigration regulations. International students may get jobs on campus, but those funds can’t apply to their Affidavit of Financial Support.

Please be aware that international students cannot apply for loans from the U.S. Department of Education.

There is no financial aid for the Doctor of Ministry program.

Cost to attend WTS

The cost of the various degree programs can be found here.

International students can also expect to incur costs for getting their visa and traveling to and from the USA.

Housing costs can be found here.

Financial Aid or Scholarship

Institutional Financial Aid is offered on a student-by-student basis and is subject to availability or changes in requirements. To determine if you qualify, you must first complete an application for a degree program. 

Specific programs such as the Master of Theology (ThM) may provide higher scholarships but are limited to a specific number of students.

Apply quickly for consideration.

International students are prohibited from working off campus and must maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, in accordance with immigration regulations. International students may get jobs on campus, but those funds can’t apply to their Affidavit of Financial Support.

Please be aware that international students cannot apply for loans from the U.S. Department of Education.

There is no financial aid for the Doctor of Ministry program.

The F-1 Visa Application Process

Before students can apply for a F-1 student visa for the USA, they must apply to and be accepted by Western Theological Seminary (this school is approved by the SEVP).

After your Western Theological Seminary Application package and Affidavit of Financial Support are submitted and approved, the seminary will review your information for approval for acceptance.

Once accepted, you will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350) to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, Western Theological Seminary will provide you with a Form I-20. This form will be presented to the consular officer when you attend your F-1 visa interview.

Students are responsible for connecting with the U.S. Consulate Office in their home country. More information is here. If your spouse and/or children plan to reside in the USA with you while you study, they will be required to have individual Form I-20s, but they will not need to be enrolled in the SEVIS.

Applying for the F-1 student visa may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate you are dealing with. You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. An online visa application is available, allowing you to complete and print the Form DS-160 to take to your F-1 visa interview.

The following F-1 Visa Cycle from www.internationalstudent.com is a step-by-step instruction process:

The F-1 Visa Interview

You can schedule your F-1 visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. An F-1 student visa for the USA can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. You will only be able to enter the US with an F-1 visa 30 days before your start date.

The following documents are required for your F-1 visa interview:

• A valid passport
• The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
• The application fee payment receipt
• A passport photo
• A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form 1-20)

Additional documents may be requested to prove your eligibility for the F-1 student visa, including academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates. Test scores such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT may also be requested, as well as proof of your intent to depart the U.S. after your program is complete and proof of your financial stability.

Your F-1 visa interview will determine whether you are qualified to receive an F-1 student visa for the USA. Assuming that you have prepared the appropriate documents and meet all of the F-1 visa requirements, your visa will be approved at the discretion of the consular officer.

You may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. Digital fingerprint scans will be taken for records. Your passport will be taken so that you can get your visa and you will be informed when you can get it back, either by pick-up or in the mail.

Never make final travel plans until you have your visa approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason based on the section of law which applies to your ineligibility. Filing a waiver of ineligibility is possible in some cases.

More information.

For further questions, please contact admissions@westernsem.edu 

Accreditations

Western Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The ATS approves the MDiv, DMin, MA, and ThM degrees. WTS is approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program. Copies of the ATS standards and the accreditation process are available for review at the registrar’s office. A copy of Western’s current accreditation certification is also available for review at the registrar’s office.

The Commission’s contact information is:

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
ph: 412-788-6505
fax: 412-788-6510
www.ats.ed

Have questions?