International Applicants

Additional Information for International Applicants

English Language Requirements:

A TOEFL score of 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 89 with at least 22 in each of the four areas (internet-based) is the minimum score required for admission to the Boston University School of Theology.  Though the Admissions Committee prefers the TOEFL, master’s-level applicants who cannot take the TOEFL may take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test instead.  A score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required for admission.  All standardized testing scores need to be received directly from the testing organization (i.e. Educational Testing Service (ETS)).  Standardized tests submitted by applicants are not considered official until we receive the official scores from the testing organization.  The student may request that ETS forward a copy of their TOEFL scores to the School of Theology’s code:  3233, Department 99.

Applicants who do not meet the TOEFL requirement but are otherwise eligible for admission to the Boston University School of Theology may be considered for the “Bridge Program” between the School of Theology and the University’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP).  Applicants who are chosen for the Bridge Program will have TOEFL scores very near the School of Theology’s required minimum scores, and will be required to attend and successfully complete a CELOP English program as evidence of their readiness for graduate theological study in English.  If the student does not receive a positive evaluation from the CELOP instructor that taught her or his English program, that student will be asked to continue studying in the CELOP program until they do, which will indicate that they are prepared for full-time study at the School of Theology.  An applicant can always bypass the need to attend CELOP by achieving the required minimum TOEFL score prior to making an application to the School of Theology.

Admission to Degree Programs:

All degree programs at Boston University School of Theology are open to international students.  Students must provide the application credentials required for a degree program as described in the “application checklist” found on the School of Theology website.  Admission to the School of Theology for international students is completed in two parts.  First, the student will be notified that he or she is “academically” admitted to the degree program, if the credentials presented merit such admission.  Second, after documentation of significant financial support from personal resources, churches, or other agencies is provided by the applicant, the University’s International Student and Scholars Office will work with the United States government to secure the necessary Student Visa.  Once a student has received notification that their Student Visa has been issued by the U.S. government they will receive a letter of full admission into the School of Theology and will be prepared for matriculation.

Financial Considerations:

All international applicants to the Boston University School of Theology are required to show original documentation of financial resources and/or sponsorship in order to be considered by the United States government for a Student Visa.  The amount of sponsorship varies from year to year depending on the cost of living in Boston, and was more than $40,000 for the recent school year for a single student.  Students who plan to bring family members with them during their study will have to show additional sponsorship for the support of these family members.  Please consult the School of Theology Admissions Office (sthadmis@bu.edu) for current sponsorship requirements or refer to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) website (www.bu.edu/isso) for an estimate of expenses.

Though the School of Theology provides significant tuition scholarships to all of its students, the School is unable to provide complete financial sponsorship for international students to support their living expenses during their studies.  Therefore, without personal financial support from oneself or an outside source a student will not be able to secure a student visa from the U.S. government for study at the Boston University School of Theology.  For this reason, the Admissions Office urges all international applicants to seek financial sponsorship prior to making an application to the School of Theology.

In all cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to develop these resources and maintain them throughout study at Boston University.  The University requires payment of the semester’s tuition, fees, housing, etc., prior to the beginning of each semester.  International students are advised to collect all financial resources prior to enrolling if possible.  Students who lose their sponsorship during their degree program will not be able to be supported financially by the School, and will likely have to return home until they secure a new sponsor.

To be considered for a student visa your application must include:

  • Completed International Student data section of the online application (“International Student” tab)
  • Completed “International Student Data Form” (part of the online application, or available from the ISSO website (www.bu.edu/isso ).  You may have more than one way of spelling your name, especially in English, so make sure that the name you enter on the ISDF exactly matches the name in your passport.  The same is true for your spouse’s or children’s names.  Also, please be sure to answer every question. Unanswered questions delay the processing of documents.
  • Photocopies of your passport and any previous immigration documentation for you and anyone else who will be accompanying you to the United States on your student visa.
  • Proof of sponsorship:
    • If you are sponsoring yourself, you must provide an original bank statement showing the required amount available in U.S. dollars in a bank account.  You may not send proof of real estate ownership, stocks, or any other financial asset in order to satisfy this proof of sponsorship.  The U.S. government requires that sponsorship funds be available for your study in a bank account so they can be readily used for your support.
    • If sponsored by an individual other than yourself, you must provide the following documentation:
      • An original bank statement showing the required amount available in U.S. dollars
      • A completed “Sponsorship Certification Form,” which is available through the online application or on the ISSO website (www.bu.edu/isso).  This form requires an original signature from your sponsor as well as a statement that the funds shown in the provided bank statement are reserved for your support as you study at the Boston University School of Theology.
      • If sponsored by an institution, such as a church, denomination, or grant agency, you must provide the following documentation:
        • A completed “Sponsorship Certification Form,” which is available through the online application or on the ISSO website (www.bu.edu/isso).  This form requires an original signature from a representative of your sponsoring agency as well as a statement confirming that the required amount of funds are reserved for your support as you study at Boston University School of Theology.

Once the above visa paperwork has been completed and is ready for submission:

  • Print the International Student Data Form
  • Print the International Applicant Coversheet
  • Staple all required financial documents, photocopies of passports, and other immigration documents behind the International Applicant Coversheet
  • Forward the International Applicant Coversheet and all attached documents to the School of Theology Admissions Office, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 108, Boston, MA 02215.

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