International Students
Southern California Seminary welcomes international students. In addition to meeting all traditional admissions requirements, international students must also meet the requirements for acceptance as F-1 (nonimmigrant) students by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (USINS).
The admission process for an international student takes more time and planning. It is recommended that international students begin the application process as early as possible. All parts of a student’s application should be received by SCS six months before the beginning of the trimester in which he/she wishes to begin his/her studies.
Application Process and Requirements
The Admissions Office will thoroughly review the student’s completed application and notify him/her of its decision. Only completed applications with the application fee paid may be considered. Apply online here. Upon notification of acceptance, deposit $1,000 (U.S. dollars, refundable) with SCS to be applied toward the first trimester's tuition and registration. Next, the student will receive the Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Student Status (Form I–20). Then he/she should:
- Apply for a passport from the country of origin, if not already obtained.
- Pay the SEVIS fee and obtain a receipt.
- Apply to the local U.S. Consulate for a non-immigrant student visa.
SCS will not be responsible for students’ medical or hospitalization expenses. If students do not have proof of coverage at the time of registration, they will not be allowed to attend classes. More information about health insurance may be obtained from the Admissions Office.
English Language Proficiency
All applicants and enrolled students whose primary language is not English, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Undergraduates: Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL) score of 500 or higher (173 computer based) and a satisfactory Test of Written English (TWE), each taken not more than two years prior to the date of application.
- Graduates: A TOEFL score of 550 or higher (213 computer based) and a satisfactory Test of Written English (TWE), each taken not more than two years prior to the date of application.
Applicants with a satisfactory assessment score may continue the enrollment process and take courses as soon as enrollment is completed. Applicants with an unsatisfactory assessment score are prohibited from registering for courses taught in a language other than their native language until adequate preparatory studies are successfully completed.
SCS may require language assessment as a condition for admission or continuation and reserves the right to make the final determination in such cases. Students who fail to show sufficient mastery of English (or other subjects) will be required to do further preparatory work until ready to continue their studies.
Exceptions:
A TOEFL score is not necessary for students who have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from an American college or university deemed acceptable by SCS.
Students enrolling in a non-English degree – such as the Korean Biblical Studies Program, are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Contacts and Further Information:
For more information, please read our catalog, pages 29-30. Download a copy.
To begin the process:
apply online now.
To contact the International Admissions Office:
Daniel Mullen (619) 201-8974, Email
Bob Wilson (619) 590-2114, Email