International Student Services

Garrett-Evangelical strives to cooperate with churches in other countries by admitting those students who, in the judgment of their churches, will enrich their future ministry through the experience of ecumenical study abroad.

Priority is given to applicants who are qualified to enter a doctoral degree program or a second master's program. It is expected that students desiring a first professional degree will undertake such a program in their home country or a nearby area whenever possible.

The United States of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires complete documentation of financial resources for one full academic year prior to issuing a student visa. The seminary must receive a deposit equal to the total published budget for educational and living expenses for the first year of study prior to the granting of full admission and issuance of student visa documents. The seminary is only authorized to issue documents for the F visa.

All students for whom English is not their first language must satisfactorily pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum comprehensive score on the paper test of 570 (230 on the Computer Based Test or 88 on the Internet Based Test) for M.Div. and MA applicants and 600 (250 on the Computer Based Test or 100 on the Internet Based Test) for Ph.D, D.Min., and M.T.S applicants is required in order to be considered for admission to Garrett-Evangelical. Newly enrolled international students must participate in a an orientation transition program before the start of the fall semester.

Due to F-1 regulations, international students are not allowed to work off campus. Limited financial aid is available from the seminary. Therefore, international students must contribute substantial personal financial resources toward their education or secure adequate financial sponsorship from church agencies, family, or friends to ensure financial stability during the study period.

F-1 International Students Transferring Enrollment out of GETS

Students with an F-1 visa, who have been accepted admissions at an institution other than Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, must have their immigrant status verified before their form I-20 will be transferred out. In order to comply with federal government regulations, students must be in good standing in order to process transfer documents. See SEVIS Transfer Out of GETS for F-1 Students.

The following links provide additional information. Also, inquiring students may visit Northwestern University's International Student Office for additional links.