International Admission Requirements

ANDERSON SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS EDUCATED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES

You, as the applicant, must complete the regular admission application process that is required of those who hold U.S. college degrees as well as the other requirements as outlined below.

1.        The regular admission application process includes:

a)       Presentation of formal evidence that the applicant holds a standard four-year baccalaureate beyond high school level. Transcripts must be sent directly by the Registrar of your university. Transcripts mailed by the student will NOT be accepted.

b)       Submission of the application fee of $25.00 (non-refundable).

c)       Completion of the Application Form, including five (5) essays.

d)       Submission of three (3) reference forms.

2.        All items for your application file (including fee) must be completed and in the Office of Student Services before June 1 of the year in which you desire admission consideration for the Fall Semester. The earlier the better! After June 1, there is little possibility that the Committee can process any form in time for the I-20 form for your visa and currency control requirements to reach you for travel. All financial arrangements must be completed before the University will issue I-20 form. Transportation costs are always the student’s responsibility.

3.        You will need to acquire a student visa (category F-1) to study full-time at an American university or other educational institutions. To obtain your visa, you will need to submit the following:

a)       Completed visa application form (to be obtained from the U.S. Consulate of Embassy).

b)       Your valid passport

c)       One recent passport-type photograph

d)       Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover all of your expenses while in the U.S. This requirement may be satisfied by:

i)         a detailed statement from your bank or your parents’ bank showing that adequate funds are available; or

ii)       evidence that you have been awarded an all-expense scholarship or grant; or

iii)      a detailed affidavit of support from relatives in the U.S. guaranteeing your support (documented by bank statements or other evidence showing that they are financially able to support you). Copies of financial documentation must be mailed to School of Theology Admissions Office if you do not have an all-expense scholarship/grant; or

iv)     evidence that you have received an all-expense study grant from your government or employer; or

v)       a combination of the above.

e)       Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility” issued by the educational institution which has accepted you for full-time studies. The student visa cannot be issued without this form. Your I-20 will be issued by the University’s Admissions Office when you have met the previously listed requirements, have been acceptance, and provided the required financial documentation.

NOTE: THE I-20 WILL ONLY BE ISSUED WHEN EVIDENCE OF SUFFICIENT FUNDING IS PROVIDED.

f)        Evidence that you have an established residence abroad to which you intend to return upon completion of your studies in the U.S.

As soon as you are found qualified for a visa, it will be issued to you. However, no assurance regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance and it therefore is not advisable to make final travel or any other arrangements such as making non-refundable payments for tickets before a visa is actually issued to you.

A STUDENT MAY NOT ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT WHILE IN THE U.S. ON A STUDENT VISA.

If you are married and your spouse and children intend to come to the U.S. with you, they will be granted an F-2 visa. The spouses and children of students are not permitted to work in the U.S. A separate application form (OF-156) is required for each traveler regardless of age. Photographs are not required of children under age 16.

Download Supplemental Application for International Students