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Apply to Calvin Theological Seminary

Your seminary journey starts with a few steps.

Apply to Calvin Theological Seminary

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At Calvin Theological Seminary, we are committed to getting to know you and discovering how our stories meet. The admissions process is an essential step in your journey, and we want to make it as smooth as possible.

Below, you will find the admissions requirements and an overview of the application steps.

Admission Requirements

General

The Registrar’s Office, with oversight from the Admissions and Standards Committee, will examine the academic, professional and ministry background of each applicant. If it is determined that an applicant would benefit from further study in a particular area, a learning plan will be developed which could include specific seminary electives or additional courses from another academic institution.

By Seminary Program

International Students

International students are eligible for the following programs and formats:

Program In-Person Hybrid Online
Master's Program
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
YesYesNo
Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
YesYesYes
Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
YesYesYes
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
YesNoYes
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
YesYesYes
Master of Theology (ThM)
YesNoYes
Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
NoYesNo
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
YesNoNo
Other Programs
Certificate in Christian Leadership
NoNoYes
Ecclesiastical Program for Ministerial Candidacy (EPMC)
NoNoYes

To be considered for the in-person and hybrid formats, international applicants must apply for a full-time pace of study.

As part of the hybrid format, students are required to come to campus twice a year for a five-day “intensive” for face-to-face class interaction. For international distance learning students, Calvin Seminary will issue one I-20 per academic year (as long as the two intensives are less than 5 months apart) to F-1 international students.

Application Steps

We’re so glad you’re considering Calvin Theological Seminary! Our application process is designed to be clear and accessible, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth experience. Follow these steps carefully, and if you have any questions, we’re here to help!

1. Determine Application Deadline by Start Term

Application deadlines are based on when you plan to start. The cut-off dates are in the table below. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.

Program Fall Semester Spring Semester
MDiv/MA/MTS/ThM
Certificate
Non-Degree
EMPC
Priority Scholarship Consideration: March 1
International Student Final: June 1
U.S. and Canadian Student Final: August 1
International Students: November 1
U.S./Canadian Students: January 1
PhDJanuary 15Not Applicable
DMinFebruary 10Not Applicable

2. Application Materials Needed

To apply, you will need the following:

Program Fee? Official Transcripts? References
MDiv/MA/MTS/ThM$50Yes4 (Church, Writing, Speaking, Personal)
PhD$75Yes3
DMin$75Yes3 (two from fellow ministry leaders, one writing)
Certificate in Christian Leadership$25Yes1
Non-Degree$25NoNone
EPMC$25Yes4 (Church, Writing Speaking, Personal)

Taking a little extra care now can make a big difference! When everything is submitted correctly, we can process your application more quickly and get you one step closer to joining our community. Check out the instructions below carefully:

2.1 International Students

Applicants who are not native English speakers must submit official TOEFL or IELTS exam results as a part of their application for admission. 

Exam Masters Program PhD & DMin Programs Writing Section Requirement Institutional Code
TOEFL (iBT*)Minimum total score: 80Minimum total score: 90231096
IELTSMinimum overall: 6.5Minimum overall: 6.56.51096

*iBT stands for internet-based test.

Waivers: Waivers to this requirement are handled on a case-by-case basis. Earning a previous degree at an English-speaking college or university does not automatically exempt someone from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. You may request a language waiver if you are a non-native English speaker who matches the following criteria: 

  • Completed your primary and secondary education in English,
  • English is an official language in your country

You may request a waiver. To do, send us an  email  at admissions@calvinseminary.edu, describing your experience and background with the English language.

3. Application Decision

All applicants will receive an electronic decision letter via email, notifying them of their acceptance or denial. If accepted, the next steps are as follows:

  • Enrollment Decision: Fill out the Enrollment Form and pay the non-refundable Enrollment Deposit. 

Deferral Policy: We understand that plans can change, and we offer the flexibility to defer your enrollment for up to one year. You may choose to defer only once, either to the Spring or Fall semester. Please consider what is best for you.

  • Apply for Housing (If Applicable): Fill out the Housing application.

Begin Your Online Application

APPLICATION FORMS

Once you feel ready, start your application through our online portal!

  • Fill out your information and submit your materials.
  • Keep an eye on your email—we’ll send you updates and next steps along the way

Our Seminary Admissions Team

Your journey to seminary matters, and we would love to connect with you. Meet our admissions team and let us help you start your journey at Calvin Seminary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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