International Applicants
Approximately one in six students at North Park Theological Seminary comes from outside the United States. Our whole community is enriched by the global diversity international students and faculty bring. The Admissions Office is here to help you in the application process and in the transition to studies at the Seminary and life in Chicago.
Application RequirementsIn addition to completing the section in the Seminary application titled “International Students Only,” students should refer to the application deadlines below and note the following requirements:
1. Take the English as a Foreign Language Test
All international students for whom English is not their primary language must meet the University’s requirement for English language proficiency, submitting the appropriate test scores and documentation.
Upon arrival, all international students are required to take North Park University’s English language exam to confirm test results and assure students can successfully complete course requirements. Based on the results of this test, students may be required to enroll in specific ESL courses as a part of seminary studies. This exam is given during new student orientation.
2. Submit your Transcripts
Students who have attended any post-secondary educational institution outside the United States and Canada must:
- Have their original academic transcripts sent directly to us, and also
- Have those transcripts evaluated by an agency that will provide us with an academic translation of the documents. We recommend World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE).
3. Provide Additional Documents
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of visa & I-20 (if already in the U.S.)
4. Submit the Financial Resources Form
The United States government requires that international students be able to show evidence of sufficient financial resources that will allow a year of study in the United States. The evidence must be shown before permission to enter the country is granted. This means international students need to show personal or family resources or sponsorship from friends, churches, or scholarships that would permit them to pay for schooling and living expenses. (More than one sponsor is allowed for each student.) This evidence is recorded on the Financial Resources Form.
5. Visa
Students are responsible for attaining their own visas once they have received the I-20. Learn more about the U.S. student visa process.
Application Deadlines
| Fall Term Applicants | Spring Term Applicants | |
| Currently outside the United States,
needing I-20 issuance |
March 1 | October 1 |
| Currently inside the United States,
on an F-1 visa (at another school, transferring to North Park) |
March 31 | November 1 |
| Currently inside the United States, on a B-1 or J-1 visa (needing a change of status)
|
March 31 | November 1 |
Questions?
Contact the Seminary Admissions office via email at semadmissions@5bg12w.com or at (800) 964-0101 or (773) 244-6229.