International Applicants

Approximately one in every six students at North Park Theological Seminary comes from outside the United States, and our whole community is enriched by the global diversity international students bring. The Office of Admission is here to help you in the application process and in the transition to life in the United States.

Application Requirements

In addition to completing the section in the Seminary Application entitled "International Students Only," students should refer to the Application Timeline and note the following requirements:

1. Affidavit of Financial Support

The United States government requires that international students be able to show evidence of sufficient financial resources that will allow a year of study in the United States. The evidence must be shown before permission to enter the country is granted. This means international students need to show personal or family resources or sponsorship from friends, churches, or scholarships that would permit them to pay for schooling and living expenses. (More than one sponsor is allowed for each student.) This evidence is recorded in an Affidavit of Financial Support. We will send you this affidavit once we have received your application, or you may download it here.

2. Test of English as a Foreign Language

All international students for whom English is not their primary language must meet the University's requirement for English language proficiency, submitting the appropriate test scores and documentation. Seminary students will also be required to take an exam administered by North Park to verify test results and assure students can successfully complete course requirements. This exam is given during new student orientation. Learn more.

3. Transcripts

Students who have attended any post-secondary educational institution outside the United States and Canada must:

have their original academic transcripts sent directly to us, and also
have those transcripts evaluated by an agency that will provide us with an academic translation of the documents.

We recommend World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE).

4. Additional Documents

Copy of Passport
Copy of visa & I-20 (if applicable)

5. Visa

Students are responsible for attaining their own visas once they have received the I-20. See further information about obtaining an F-1 visa.

Application Deadlines

	Fall terms	Spring terms
Currently outside the U.S.
— needing I-20 issuance	June 1	November 1
Currently inside the U.S.
— on an F-1 visa (at another school, transferring to North Park)		December 1
— on a B-1 or J-1 visa (needing change of status, see notes below)		October 1

B-1 and J-1 visas may not expire more than 30 days prior to the first day of classes.
Application must be submitted 30 days or more before B-1 or J-1 visa expires.
Supporting documents for a change of status must be submitted 21 days or more before a B-1 or J-1 visa expires.