International Seminary Students
At Calvin Theological Seminary, you’ll join a global Christian community rooted in the Reformed tradition. With students from more than 20 countries, Calvin is truly an international seminary, fully committed to the success and well-being of our international students. The purpose of this page is to provide a hub for frequently asked questions by international students.
Application & Eligibility Requirements
For each program's admissions requirements, eligibility, and application steps, please visit our Apply Now page.
Tuition and Scholarship
Although we do not offer full tuition or full-ride scholarships, Calvin Theological Seminary is committed to making a seminary education affordable for international students. Visit our Tuition and Aid page for current tuition rates, how to calculate it, an estimated cost sheet, and information on other ways to offset the cost of attendance.
Visa and Immigration
International students admitted to an in-person or hybrid format program are required to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa.
| Step | Visa Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Admitted students first receive an Official Electronic Letter of Admission (which will be required to proceed with the F-1 or J-1 visa application process). |
| 2 | Fill out the enrollment decision form and pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit. |
| 3 | Contact Sarah Chun, Dean of International Students and Scholar Services, to begin the I-20 process. |
| 4 | Pay SEVIS I-20 fee. |
| 5 | Schedule a consular interview. |
NOTE: Admitted students are responsible for all costs associated with the visa process.
English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL/IELTS)
Applicants who are not native English speakers must submit official TOEFL or IELTS exam results as part of their admission application. Non-native English-speaking individuals from countries where English is an official language and who have completed their primary and secondary education in English may submit an English proficiency exam waiver. The waiver is located in the application itself.
NOTE: Any exceptions 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 English Proficiency exam requirement.
Seminary Housing
Calvin Seminary offers seminary-owned housing for rental. With a variety of housing options, we can accommodate most situations–from a single student to a family. Visit our Seminary Housing page to learn more, including rental prices.
Take Your Next Steps with Calvin
Calvin Theological Seminary is here to support you. It is our joy to welcome international students to Calvin, and we are excited for your next steps. Please apply now or request information.