Timothy Bassett (M.A. ’19)The diversity at GRTS has caused me to be slower to speak and quicker to listen. I’ve learned that my perspective is not always the majority nor is it the correct one. I’ve appreciated that element to my education here.
Seminary International Students
Christ’s church is all around the globe, and we love when our brothers and sisters from around the world are able to join the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary learning community. It is a gift to learn from diverse perspectives, this helps us better understand God’s Word and world.
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01
Seminary Application and Supporting Documents
First, you will need to complete the application for admission and send copies of all required supporting documents. The application includes both a ministry reference and a personal reference form. These need to be completed by two individuals who have known you for at least a year, are not relatives and can attest to your Christian character and aptitude for graduate education
Supporting documents include:
- An official transcript evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators.
- The certification of finances form.
- The seminary scholarship application.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Test results from the approved testing organizations are valid for two years. If your test results are older than two years, you must take the test again.
We are not currently accepting international applications for the Spring 2023 semester.
02
Acceptance and Registration
After you have been accepted to GRTS, the admissions staff will register you for classes.
03
Tuition Deposit
Once accepted for admission, you must send a tuition deposit of at least the cost of your first semester’s tuition and fees. This total includes a tuition deposit and registration fee.
If for any reason you do not enroll as planned, we will return all of the funds to you and/or your financial supporters.
04
Student Visa
After receiving your tuition deposit, we will send you a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This form is more commonly called the I-20. You can then apply for your student visa at the US consulate/embassy in your home country. You will also need to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System processing fee as part of the visa process. The following documents are required in addition to the I-20:
- A valid passport, which must be valid six months past the last date you expect to be in the U.S.A. (your expected time of graduation).
- Proof of sufficient finances, which is your completed student financial support form, letters of support from each supporter and copies of bank statements verifying that those funds are available.
- Proof of English proficiency, which may be either citizenship in an English-speaking country or TOEFL/IELTS scores.
05
Travel and Starting Classes
Once you have your visa, you can purchase your plane ticket to come to Grand Rapids. You are able to arrive up to 30 days before your semester begins. Please make sure to keep your admissions counselor updated on your travel plans.
Supporting Documents
Additional Information
At GRTS, our academic calendar operates around a three-semester schedule. Our fall semester begins in September, our spring semester begins in January, and our summer semester begins in May.
International students should identify a semester they would like to begin, and then begin an application as soon as possible. Because of the many variables that surround international student applications, the application process can sometimes take several months. Please ask your admissions counselor about the specific start dates for the upcoming semesters.