International Students

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For applicants to the M.Div. program whose undergraduate education was not in English, the TOEFL test must be taken and scores sent to SFTS, whose institutional code number is 4685. A minimum score of 550 (213 on the computer-based TOEFL test) must be earned before participating in courses in residence in San Anselmo/Berkeley or English-language-only courses in the Southern California programs. English language support is available in Southern California.

Students from institutions of collegiate standing outside the United States in which a bachelor’s degree is not granted may be admitted if they present satisfactory evidence of having completed work comparable to that required for a BA degree in American institutions.

International students may submit an SFTS Financial Aid Application and are eligible for tuition grants. However, they must have other substantial financial support to meet visa requirements.

International applicants should be aware that SFTS cannot provide grants or on-campus employment sufficient to support a student's family. Before issuing a visa application (I-20), the Seminary must have evidence in the form of bank statements or affidavits of support that the student has resources to finance living expenses incurred by undertaking the program of study.

Prospective International Students
All prospective international students must submit an original bank statement showing financial support for at least the first year at study. I-20 applications are sent upon the student's acceptance to a degree program.

Continuing International Students Due to recent national and world events, the process for application and maintenance of F-1 student visas is subject to change and modification. All continuing students are required to meet with the Associate Dean of Enrollment at the beginning of each school year. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Dr Kyle Matsumoto Burch.

Southern California International Students
An intensive year –long Theological English Course is available as a part of the program in Southern California. The course concentrates upon vocabulary building, simple writing skills, basic grammar, and test-taking skills. The goal of this course is to enable students to pass TOEFL with a score of 550 or above, thus allowing them to fully enroll in the SFTS Master of Divinity program.

Other English Language support services and theological English courses are available as well.

For further information, please contact:

The Rev. Dr. Kyle Matsumoto Burch Associate Dean of Enrollment
E-mail:	admissions@sfts.edu
Phone:	415.451.2832
Toll-Free	800.447.8820 x832
Fax:	415.451.2854