International Student Admissions

International students applying for a graduate program at the School of Education must meet the admissions requirements for their program of choice, in addition to the international student admissions requirements found below. These requirements detail varying application deadlines, required documents and more.

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Our International Student Admissions office is here to help you navigate the application process. Contact us with your questions!

Graduate International Admissions
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Email: grad.international@biola.edu

Admissions Requirements

International students must follow the requirements listed below. All documents must be received before your application will be considered.

1. Submit an application

   Follow the steps to apply provided on the School of Education graduate admissions page. Application deadlines vary based on program of choice and semester of entry. Pay close attention to the application steps and additional program-specific admissions requirements.

2. Provide proof of English proficiency

   School of Education requires all students whose first language is not English to provide proof of English proficiency. Ways to provide proof of English proficiency includes one of the following (please view detailed English proficiency requirements as well):
   • Meet minimum TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test score (TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS : 7.5, Duolingo 125).
   • Provide official transcript showing accredited degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) completed/taught fully in English.
   • Successfully complete Biola’s English Language Scholars with passing status on the ELS Exit Exam.

3. Submit official transcripts

   • All International transcripts need U.S. grade equivalencies noted (e.g. GPA on a 4.0 scale). If your transcripts do not show U.S. grade equivalencies, you must have them evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like SpanTran (Biola Discount), International Education Evaluation (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS).
   • Be sure to choose "Course by Course Report" and have the evaluation agency send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.
   • Official transcripts can also be physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution.

4. F-1 Student Visa Required Documents

   The following are the required I-20 documents needed to create a Form I-20, which is needed to apply for your F-1 student visa. Please note that if you will be coming with dependents (spouse and/or children), you will need to provide additional documents and funding. NOTE: Please disregard the following if studying in the online format.
   1. Submit a copy of your passport
      Submit a copy of valid passport, which should be valid after 6 months of the program start date. Upload passport(s) in the Online Application Portal.
   2. Submit an Affidavit of Support(s)
      • An Affidavit of Support is a document that shows your financial sponsor’s support for your study in the U.S. Before we issue you a Form I-20, you must demonstrate full financial support for at least the first year of study on-campus.
      • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not allow us to issue I-20 forms (used to obtain student visas) without documented proof that the student has sufficient funds to study in this country.
      • This Affidavit of Support form assures us that you will receive continued financial support from your sponsor(s) for your education at Biola University.
      • Download and upload the Affidavit of Support in the Online Application Portal.
   3. Bank Statement
      For each Affidavit of Support submitted, a bank statement must be sent in from each sponsor. Each bank statement must match the level of support pledged by the sponsor. Many students choose to send Certificates of Deposit as bank statements. Upload bank statement(s) in the Online Application Portal.
   4. Apply for the F-1 Student Visa (hybrid/on-campus students only)
      • Once the required I-20 documents are verified by the International Admissions Office, the Form I-20 will be mailed to you.
      • Pay the required SEVIS Fee to schedule an F-1 visa appointment at your nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate. For an easy transition into the U.S., make your appointment at least two months prior to first day of class. See Embassy/Consulate Interview Tips for more information.
        
        

        Financial Aid

        It is important to understand the cost of attending a private university in the United States before beginning the application process.

        • Before requests for financial aid can be considered, the applicant must complete and return the application with the required transcripts, references, Affidavit of Support, etc., and be accepted for admittance.
        • It is essential that the university clearly understands the applicant's qualifications and sponsor's financial resources before evaluating eligibility for scholarship assistance. Incomplete or un-notarized affidavits will be returned to the applicant.
        • Applicants who wish to be considered for financial assistance should specify this request with their completed application forms.

        
        

        Student Scholarships

        In addition to the departmental scholarships and church-matching scholarship available to all students, these are additional scholarship opportunities for international students.

        • International Student Aid Grant
          Although some financial aid is available, international students should be prepared to show financial support for the full cost of tuition, living expenses and student health insurance. Please see the following requirements for aid:
          • Must have an F-1 Student Visa
          • Maintain minimum academic standing of 70% / "C"
          • Must be a full-time student during the academic year at Biola student