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International Student Admissions

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary takes seriously the task of providing quality education toward preparation for leadership in gospel ministry for international students who have taken full advantage of the best theological education available in their own countries. Applicants are selected on the basis of potential for significant contribution to the Christian Church in their own homelands. International students are expected to return to their native countries to provide leadership in ministry upon completion of their studies at Gordon-Conwell.

Policies Regarding Admission

1. Requesting Application Materials
International applicants should write to the Director of Admissions requesting special information on the policies and procedures pertaining to admissions for international students. The Admissions Office will request preliminary application information before determining whether full application papers can be sent. A basic college degree at a superior level of performance on the bachelor's level is required.

2. Potential for Contribution to the Church
Applicants are selected on the basis of potential for significant contribution to the Christian church in one's homeland. International students must commit themselves to returning to their countries to give leadership upon completion of their studies at Gordon-Conwell. Also, letters of endorsement are required from a denominational official and a local church leader.

3. Competency in English
Competency in understanding and using the English language is necessary for all international students. The ability to handle graduate studies requires facility in English. Therefore, students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This test must be taken even if English is the applicant's second language. The results must be sent to Gordon-Conwell. A TOEFL score of 570 (230 computer-based) or better is required and 575 (233 computer-based) or higher for the Th.M. Applicants showing a particular weakness in English may be required to complete an intensive language program at a local college either prior to or concurrent with enrollment at Gordon-Conwell. Information regarding the TOEFL may be obtained by writing to the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. The Gordon-Conwell code number is 3424.

4. College Education
A four year college degree at the bachelor's level is required for all international applicants. Normally, a diploma is not the equivalent of a bachelor's degree. Superior academic work should be evident. Where an educational system differs in structure from that of the United States, Gordon-Conwell may require the applicant to submit a catalog from the school where the degree was received. An applicant may also be asked to provide a statement from a college official explaining particular aspects of the education received.

5. Master of Arts in Counseling & Master of Theology (Th.M.) Candidates
If you are applying into one of these two degree programs please be aware that both carry Admission prerequisites. Applicants applying into the Master of Arts in Counseling must have followed an undergraduate or prior graduate degree program that included a recommended minimum of 20 semester hours in the areas of psychology, sociology and counseling.

When applying into the Master of Theology degree program please specify which track you are pursuing. Applicants applying into the Master of Theology (Th.M.) must have obtained an M.Div. or its equivalent with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Appropriate knowledge of the Biblical languages is also required.

6. Financial Support
All international applicants must show evidence of financial support for educational and living expenses. Serious consideration of the high expense of living and studying in the United States must be made. We recommend that international students seek support from family members, friends, denominational agencies, local churches and missions boards.

Each year Gordon-Conwell is able to offer a limited number of full-tuition scholarships to highly qualified international students. The scholarship, if awarded, does not include living expenses, books or travel. International applicants who wish to be considered for a tuition scholarship must complete the admission application process by November 30 preceding the date of expected matriculation.

All arrangements made with Gordon-Conwell concerning financial support apply only to full time degree students at the seminary. Concurrent study for a second degree at another institution is not possible.

Accepted students who desire to bring their family members with them to Gordon-Conwell must receive approval from the seminary prior to arrival in the United States. They must show proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and all transportation costs for family members. The United States government requires that proof of financial support be given before the proper forms for entrance to this country can be granted.

Students arriving in the United States without proper visas are normally deported at the expense of their national governments and are not eligible for readmission to the United States. Severe employment restrictions are imposed on international students by our government, meaning that employment opportunities for such students are limited. Any questions regarding international student employment should be addressed to the Assistant Director of Student Life Services, Susan Bridges at (978) 646-4062 or send an email to ssletten@gcts.edu.

7. Vocational Goal and Christian Witness
The vocational goal of the applicant must be clear and the Christian testimony must be strong. Gordon-Conwell desires to help train Christian leaders who have a sure sense of call from God to a particular task and who evidence consistent Christian living.

If you would like to receive a current catalog and the application materials, simply fill out our interactive request form. Comments and queries can be directed to adminfo@gcts.edu

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