international prospective student info

Welcome to Fuller 

Welcome to Fuller Theological Seminary, the largest multi-denominational evangelical seminary in the world. Fuller has always been focused on helping students develop two capabilities: a heart for the Gospel and a mind for scholarship. This passion and commitment is reflected in every member of the faculty, student body, and staff. Whether you are enrolled in the School of Theology, Psychology, or Intercultural Studies, you can be certain that the education you receive is grounded in scripture and built on a solid foundation of academic study.  The leaders Fuller produces spark renewal in the church, integrate the heart and the mind to promote true healing, and spread the gospel with unprecedented success to people across the globe.  If you desire to explore new ways for God to use your talents and skills in an academically challenging and spiritually nurturing environment, we invite you to join us.

Is Fuller For Me?

Below are some preliminary questions you may want answered before you apply to Fuller:

Q: Who Teaches at Fuller?

A: The resident faculty of Fuller Theological Seminary is composed of more than 70 men and women who are committed to the highest standards of teaching, research and writing in the various fields of theological, psychological and missiological study.  They provide students with biblically centered academic programs within a community fostering personal spiritual growth and superior professional development. In recent years, members of the seminary faculty have published more than 100 books, as well as numerous chapters or articles in books, periodicals and professional journals. Fuller professors serve as officers of professional societies and organizations and as editors of theological and professional journals and series. In addition to their teaching ministries at Fuller, they are actively involved in various kinds of ministry with area churches.  Our Southern California location in Pasadena affords the opportunity for hands-on training in a diverse social and cultural environment that prepares you for life, while your studies equip you for a lifetime of service.
 

Q: What Degrees Does Fuller Offer?

A: Fuller Theological Seminary offers over 20 different graduate degrees from three schools: the School of Theology, the School of Psychology, and the School of Intercultural Studies.  In addition to English speaking programs, Fuller offers a limited number degree programs in Korean and Spanish.  For more information on degrees, click here: Degrees.

Q: What Can I Do with a Degree from Fuller?

A: A Fuller degree prepares men and women for a variety of ministries.  Graduates of our Schools of Theology and Intercultural Studies serve in pastorates and ministries all over the United States and the world. For those called to teach, Fuller alums enroll at some of the most prestigious doctoral programs in the world, including Harvard, Emory, Princeton, University of Chicago, Loyola, Vanderbilt, Duke, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge. Graduates of our School of Psychology programs are uniquely qualified to provide effective counseling rooted in Christian faith.

Q: What is the International Community Like at Fuller?

A: Pastors, teachers, missionaries, and lay ministers from over 70 nations come to learn and to prepare for ministry in a complex, global community in desperate need of the redeeming truth of the gospel. With our three Schools of Theology, Psychology, and Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary is able to offer over 20 different master’s and doctoral degrees, with specializations and concentrations designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the church in today’s world.

Cost of Studying at Fuller

Admissions Process

English Language Requirements

ESL Program

Visa Application Process

Declaration of Financial Support

Visa Requirements

Financial Aid

Apply Now

Deadlines

Housing

Campus Visits

New Student Orientation

Student Arrival Checklist

FAQs

Cost of Studying at Fuller

Depending on the degree, Fuller resident tuition ranges from $12,000 to $24,000 per year.  Before being admitted to Fuller, international students are required to show proof of financial support for all of the school and living expenses that will be incurred during the duration of their desired degree program.  International students and their families normally will not be permitted to work during the time of their studies.  To calculate the amount of financial support needed for a degree, download the estimated minimum cost sheet below to calculate the cost per year.  Multiply that amount by the number of years needed to complete the degree adding 10% each year for inflation.

Estimated Minimum Cost Worksheet

Admissions Process

International applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications at least six months prior to the quarter in which they intend to enroll. The application file should be completed (including transcripts, Declaration of Financial Support, etc.) at least 60 days before the planned date of arrival in order to allow time for the student to receive the visa application papers.

Appropriate visa application forms will be sent to the student upon receipt of an acceptable Declaration of Financial Support. The student may be required to deposit in advance a portion of the financial guarantee with the seminary to ensure that sufficient funds are available for initial housing and registration expenses upon the student's arrival in the United States.

International students on F and J visas are required to maintain valid immigration status throughout their stay at Fuller in order to remain in good standing with the seminary. These visas are only available for study at the seminary's Pasadena campus.

English Language Requirements

If English is your second language, you are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Format as part of your application to Fuller Theological Seminary. Most applicants can obtain a TOEFL Bulletin by visiting the TOEFL website (www.toefl.org), by writing to TOEFL Services, Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6151, USA, or by calling (609) 771-7100. IELTS is offered in over 100 countries. Information about the IELTS can be obtained by going to the IELTS website (www.ielts.org). The following scores are required for non-native English speakers applying to Fuller:

School of Theology applicants to the Th.M. or Ph.D. programs who fall below the minimum acceptable scores in the verbal or analytical writing sections of the GRE test may elect to submit a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper), 250 (computer), or 100 (internet) or an IELTS Academic Format score of at least 7.0 in addition to the GRE.

Applicants to the MA in Family Studies, MS in Marital and Family Therapy, Doctor of Psychology, and PhD in Clinical Psychology for whom English was not their principal language or their primary language of instruction in their college or university are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS Academic Format in addition to the GRE.

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies and Doctor of Missiology programs in the School of Intercultural Studies may fill out and submit a TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Addendum if English is not their native language and they have completed an English-based master's program. Applicants who have not completed an English-based master's program will be required to submit an official score from either the TOEFL with minimum scores of 600 (paper), 250 (computer), or 100 (internet) or the IELTS Academic Format with a minimum score of 7.0.

Please note the following:

1. All TOEFL and IELTS scores must be less than five years old.
 
2. The TOEFL is administered in three formats: paper, computer, and internet. In most countries it is administered as a computer-based test, while in others it is available only as a paper test. Since paper tests are given on a limited basis each year, and preregistration is required, the student should allow sufficient time for the results to be included in the admission process. In addition, the TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) has recently been introduced (please click here for more information about the TOEFL iBT).

English as a Second Language Program

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Fuller Seminary is designed to help students facilitate their transition to Fuller's graduate-level studies in English. It is intended for applicants to the following programs who score between 533 (200 computer, 72 internet) and 583 (237 computer, 93 internet) on the TOEFL or who score a 5.5 on the IELTS:

• Master's-level programs in the School of Theology (excluding Th.M. in Theology)

• Master's-level programs in the School of Intercultural Studies (excluding Th.M. in Missiology and M.A. in Global Leadership)

• M.A. in Family Studies, Certificate in Marriage and Family Enrichment, and Limited Enrollment Student programs in the School of Psychology

To be eligible for this program, applicants must be qualified for admission to a particular degree program in every other way. 

For more information about Fuller's ESL Program visit their website by clicking on the following link: Fuller ESL Program.

Visa Application Process

1. Get accepted by Fuller Theological Seminary as a student

2. Provide the Declaration of Financial Support (DFS)

a. You can find detailed information about it on the "Application for Admission" you received from Fuller on pages 36 and 37. If you don't have this material, you may download it by clicking on the following link: International Application Packet.

b. Note that the DFS may consist of one or a combination of the following:

• Personal Bank Statement, with U.S. exchange rate, showing sufficient resources to complete your degree program

• Family Bank statement, with supporting letter of that family member stating specific monthly/annually support intentions

• Church/denomination/organization letter stating its specific monthly/annually support intentions and its bank statement

c. The DFS must be sent by regular mail. Scanned copies or faxed cannot be accepted.

3. Visa Application Form

a. Fill out the Visa Application Form that was sent to you in the International Application Packet (pages 43 and 44).

b. You can also print this form from the internet by clicking on the following link: International Application Packet.

c. The best thing to do is to send this application with the DFS documents. As an alternative, it may be sent electronically (fax or e-mail). If you want to send send by fax or mail, you must contact us to make sure that we received it.

4. Getting your VISA

a. After receiving the documents and information described above our office will issue a document called Certificate of Eligibility (it also called “I-20”) and send it to you by mail. Note that we will send the original documents that you sent to us regarding the DFS, which are the letters of support and bank statements.

b. Once you receive the Certificate of Eligibility/I-20 forms, you need to make an appointment with the American Embassy or Consulate in your country to apply for the F-1 Visa.

5. Arriving in the USA
 

a. After you get you Visa (F1) you will be allowed to enter in US as an International Student.
 

b. Note that the immigration regulations require that you arrive not more 30 days before the date of your registration for class.
 

c. If you don’t have friends or relatives to pick you up at the airport, let us know so that we can plan for one of our staff members waiting for you there.
 

d. Once you arrive, please come to the International Student Services office during the first week. We need to make copies of your documents (please bring with you the I-20 form, passport, and other documents). We also want to meet you personally and give you some information.
 

Declaration of Financial Support

International students who do not have permanent resident status in the United States will be considered for admission to Fuller Theological Seminary only if they can meet the requirements of a declaration of financial support for themselves and all dependents (spouse and children) who are accompanying them to the United States. If the dependents are remaining in their home country, the seminary strongly recommends that appropriate financial arrangements be made to care for them during the entire time the student is away, in addition to the student's expenses in the United States.

The Declaration of Financial Support may come from one or a combination of the following sources that will actually provide the resources necessary for study and living expenses. This information must be reflected in a bank or financial statement reflecting the equivalent in American dollars, the date the account was opened, the average balance and the current balance.

• Church/Denomination or Organization letter stating specific monthly support intentions and their bank statement
• Personal Bank statement with US exchange rate
• Family Bank statement with supporting letter of that family member stating specific monthly support intentions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE DECLARATION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT (DFS)
1. The DFS must be fully and properly completed. It must be typed or clearly printed in ink.
 

2. Support from individuals: If you have more than one sponsor, please make copies of the DFS and have it signed by the different people. Note that the DFS must be signed by the sponsor (s) and by the student, as witness.
 

3. Church, Organizations and/or Government Sponsors: The director(s) of the organization should fill out the DFS and enclose a signed letter from the organization, and bank statement, guaranteeing their support to you.

4. Supporting evidence of financial resources must be attached to the DFS. It may consist of one or a combination of the following:

a. Your personal Bank Statement, with the U.S. exchange rate, if you are going to sponsor yourself
during your studies. It has to show sufficient resources to complete your degree program
b. An original letter from a bank or other financial institution in which the sponsor has savings deposits, certificates of deposit, money market certificates or other types of accounts. Note that the letter must be in official stationery and states: (1) date when the accounts were opened and (2) the availability of the individual’s or the organization's funds.

Note that:

a. The supporting documentation must be dated within 6 months of the intended date of enrollment at Fuller.
b. Income tax statements or returns, proof of property ownership, and statements of retirement accounts are not acceptable as evidence of the availability of funds.

You may download the appropriate form by clicking on the link below:

Declaration of Financial Support

Visa Requirements

Fuller Theological Seminary is authorized to issue the documentation for two different visas for student use. The I-20 for the F-1 Student Visa status and the DS-2019 for the J-1 Exchange Visitor (student status). Please be aware that the US immigration law is constantly changing. You must confirm the accuracy of the following information with the International Services Office. Students must have one of these forms from Fuller before going to the U.S. Consulate/Embassy to apply for
their visa.
 

F-1 Student Visa Status

• Financial Support may come from personal, private, and organizational sources
• The student must register full-time while in the United States
• Spouse has no employment options
• Student employment is limited to 20 hours maximum on campus and strict off campus guidelines
• Health insurance for student and family required continuously while in the United States

J-1 Exchange Visitor Status

• Financial Support must be primarily from church, denomination or organizational sources
• The student must register full-time while in the United States
• Spouse may apply for employment authorization
• Student employment is limited to 20 hours maximum on campus and strict off campus guidelines
• Health insurance for student and family required continuously while in the United States
• Student may be required by immigration regulations to return home after completion of program for two years
• Student should be aware that many other U.S. schools do not issue this status, so transfer at a later date may be difficult

Permanent Residents of the United States (students with Green Card)

• Student must submit a copy of their resident card with their application for admission.
• No Declaration of Financial Support is required.

For more information on travel documents, click on the link below:

Travel Documents

Financial Aid

For information about Fuller grants and scholarships available for international students, click on the link below:

Fuller Financial Aid

Apply Now

Students wishing to being the application process should visit the Admissions website by clicking on the link below.  You may download the appropriate application forms for your specific degree program or apply online.

Apply Now

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines are different depending on the degree program, to find out deadlines for a specific degree, please click on the link below:

Deadlines

Housing

In figuring apartment costs, it should be noted that American landlords generally require that families with one child have a two-bedroom apartment and families with three children have at least three bedrooms. If you want on-campus housing, you should sign up on the wait list as soon as you apply to Fuller. Campus housing costs increase from 5-10% each year.  For information (costs, availability, applications, floor plans, etc.) on temporary and permanent housing units available through Fuller Housing, and listings of available off-campus housing in the Pasadena area, please visit the Fuller Housing website by clicking on the link below:

Fuller Housing

Campus Visits

Fuller Seminary welcomes and encourages visits from prospective students and has several prospective student events scheduled throughout the year. Please click on the link below for more information on campus visits and upcoming events:

Campus Visits

New Student Orientation

During the week before Fall Quarter classes begin, Fuller invites all new students to participate in Welcome Week.  For International Students, Monday of Welcome Week is specifically focused on the needs and concerns of students and families that are coming to Fuller from abroad.  For students beginning their studies at Fuller in a quarter other than Fall, student orientation is available on a smaller scale than Welcome Week.  For more information on Welcome Week and for a detailed schedule for a specific program of study, click on the link below:

New Student Orientation Information

Student Arrival Checklist

The following form should be filled out and mailed or faxed to the office at least two weeks before your arrival so that we can make the necessary arrangements for your visit:

Student Arrival Form

FAQs