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What International Students Have Said

"I learned English listening to Pastor John, and the Lord graciously allowed me to come across the world and to be personally blessed under his ministry. The Master’s Seminary has given me a love for the church I did not know before. A high view of Scripture and life-on-life relationships with professors make this school unique."

Marco Bovino

Current M.Div. Student

"I look back on my time here at TMS and I can clearly see God’s providential hand in every part of my life. I am incredibly grateful for the faculty and staff that has gone above and beyond to care for me, teach me the Bible, disciple my heart, and provide wonderful Godly examples of faithful living. I am abundantly thankful for the relationships, knowledge, and growth God has graciously allowed at TMS."

Esteban Gaviria

M.Div. '20

I am grateful for God’s providence in allowing me to grow up in Italy, ordaining my family situation to expose my need to depend on Him. I’m so thankful to Him for allowing me to meet John MacArthur, for using him in my life to help me think properly about God and His Word, and then for moving me to Los Angeles so I could train at the best seminary on earth.

Jordan Standridge

M.Div. '14

Marco Bovino

Current M.Div. Student

Esteban Gaviria

M.Div. '20

Jordan Standridge

M.Div. '14

Frequent Questions

What are the international student requirements?

In addition to the usual application materials and procedures, international applicants must submit the following requirements:

  1. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score dated within the last two years. The minimum required score on the IBT version of the TOEFL test is 90. Applicants whose college/ university studies were taught in English do not need to complete a TOEFL test.
  2. Course-by-course Translated and Evaluated Transcripts may be required for all prerequisite degrees. Transcripts in English or Spanish do not need to be translated. The Seminary will first conduct in internal evaluation of the transcripts and if a conclusive evaluation cannot be made then the applicant will be required to submit the transcripts to a third-party service. The translation and evaluation of the transcripts must be done by a service that holds a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services membership, and it must include 1. name of degree earned, 2. degree conferral date and 3. GPA. We recommend World Education Services.

What is the international student application process?

  1. International students at The Master’s Seminary must obtain an F-1 student visa in order to join us for classes on our campus. Following receipt of a letter of acceptance from the admissions department, and subsequent payment of the advance tuition deposit, the incoming international student will be contacted by the seminary’s Designated School Official who will gather the information needed to produce the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, also known as the Form I-20. As a part of this process, the student will be required to provide evidence of adequate funding to cover tuition and living expenses for the first academic year for himself as well as the support and care of any F-2 dependents who will be coming with him. The seminary is unable to issue an I-20 until an affidavit of support guaranteeing these funds has been received and all application forms, transcripts, and other necessary materials have been officially approved. Without a form I-20, a student visa cannot be obtained.
  2. International students who are admitted to the United States on a student visa are required by law to maintain full-time status.
  3. No off-campus employment is permitted without prior authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States Department of Justice. F-1 student’s dependents in F-2 status are not authorized for employment under any circumstances.

What are my financial aid options as an international student?

The Master’s Seminary offers scholarship to incoming and continuing international students. A complete list and descriptions of our scholarships are available on our Financial Aid page.