International Students FAQ's

Admissions

  1. When is the international student application deadline?

    The deadline for completed international student applications is June 1st, no exceptions. ALL materials must be submitted and properly completed by this date.

  2. What is the pre-application for international students?

    If you are seeking to study at one of Biola University's graduate programs on an F-1 student visa, we require that you first submit this pre-application with information regarding your educational background and financial resources. PLEASE NOTE: This form must be completed in full and signed before we can process an application for admission. Please answer all questions completely and honestly. Unsigned or uncompleted forms will not be processed. Applicants wishing to be considered for University financial assistance must submit this form no later than February 1 for preferred consideration. F-1 students are not eligible for spring admission.

  3. Can international students be admitted in the spring semester?

    Unfortunately, international applicants can ONLY be admitted in the fall semester of the academic year.

  4. What are the TOEFL requirements?

    The minimum TOEFL score required to display English proficiency is 100 IBT/250 computer/600 paper. If you have a score lower than this, but higher than 80 IBT/213 computer/550 paper, you may be admitted in an academic program while taking required English courses. You also may be accepted without TOEFL scores or scores lower than 80 IBT/213 computer/550 paper, but must take the Biola English Placement Exam (BEPE) during orientation week of your first semester at Biola. You are assigned English courses in Biola's English Language Studies Program based on your test results. Students with a TOEFL score lower than 80 IBT/213 computer/550 paper or with no score should note that a low BEPE score may necessitate up to a year and a half of ELSP only full-time studies before being eligible to participate in courses from their degree program.

  5. When will I find out if I have been accepted?

    Once an international file is completed (application, application fee, references, transcripts, affidavit of support, TOEFL, etc.) your counselor and/or committee will then begin the process of making a decision for acceptance. Generally, an applicant can expect to know within four weeks of completing their file whether or not they have been accepted.

  6. How does the I-20 process work?

    To obtain the I-20 form, you must be accepted to the University, and pay a deposit of US $2,000 toward your tuition. This deposit will also cover the $50 enrollment deposit.

Cost & Financial Aid

  1. How much financial support will my affidavit of support need to show?

    Your affidavit of support will need to cover tuition, living expenses and other costs (such as health insurance and books) for the length of your program. If you intend to support yourself from your own personal finances, you must demonstrate enough funds to cover the total duration of your program at the time of application. You can use the figures below to calculate your tuition, estimated living expenses and other costs.

  2. How much will the program cost?

    Tuition Expenses

    Talbot
    Program Cost per unit
    Masters Programs $396
    Ph.D. in Christian Education $753
    Doctor of Ministry $204
    Rosemead
    Program Cost per semester
    PhD $8788 (9-16 units)
    PsyD $8788 (9-16 units)
    SICS
    Program Cost per unit
    Master's Programs $387/unit
    Doctoral Programs $753/unit
    SAS
    Program Cost per unit
    MA in Education $387/unit
    School of Professional Studies
    Program Cost per unit
    MA Apologetics $387/unit
    MOL $471/unit
    MA Science & Religion $387/unit
    School of Business
    Program Cost per unit
    MBA Prerequisites & Theology $387/unit
    Core and Electives $645/unit
    Note: International studies must take 9 or more units per semester

    Estimated Living Expenses

    Student $9,000/yr
    Spouse $8,000/yr
    Child $4,000/yr

    Other Costs

    Health insurance (required for student only), books, supplies, professional development fees: $1,500/yr

  3. What financial assistance is available?

    Financial aid is limited and normally does not exceed 25% of a student's yearly costs. The remaining costs must be from the applicant's personal resources and/or sponsor(s).
    • International Student Aid Grant – The International Student Aid Grant (ISAG) is a small need-based grant ($650 – $1,300 per year) that F-1 (student visa) international students are eligible to apply for. Once an applicant has submitted an application for admission to the University, they can request the ISAG application. Completed application must be returned to the school by March 15th.
    • Church Matching Scholarship – Biola can match up to US $500 of support donated to you by your church each year of attendance. Applications are available through the Financial Aid department. Due dates do apply.
    • International Leadership Grant – Available to international students who have been accepted to Biola University. Eligibility is based on leadership potential and financial need. Students interested in the ILG should set up a phone or in person interview with the graduate international admissions counselor.

Miscellaneous

  1. Is housing available?

    Limited off-campus housing options are available through the Graduate Housing office at Biola (grad.housing@biola.edu). Apply early for a better chance at getting in. Housing is ultimately the responsibility of the student.

  2. How many graduate international students are there currently studying at Biola?

    Biola is home to over 300 international students from over 30 different countries.