International Students Admissions Process

Steps to Apply

Note: Some programs require additional supplemental items and have different admission standards. Please refer to the specific requirements for:

• Cinema and Media Arts
• Torrey Honors College
• Conservatory of Music
• Pre-Clinical Nursing Program

1. Start your official application

2. Submit a non-refundable $45 application fee

3. Submit required documents

   First-Time College Student (Freshman)

   • Note: First-time college students will have graduated from secondary school before enrollment at Biola, or have taken less than 15 college credits.

   • Admissions Essay

     The student must be a believer in the Christian faith (the applicant's statement of faith will be articulated in the personal essay section of the application).

   • High School Transcripts

     The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent to that according to the grading system used by the country that a student is applying from. In the absence of a transcript, a GED test score may be submitted.

     Transcripts will be considered official only when a) sent directly from the institution to Biola, or b) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution.

   • Proof of English Proficiency

     To meet this requirement, submit one of the following:

     	SAT	ACT	TOEFL	IELTS	PTE Academic	IB	Duolingo
     Standard Requirements	26 (Reading)	19 (Composite)	80	6.5	58	5 on IB English A courses	115
     Admission with Biola Committee Review	24 (Reading)	16 (Composite)	70	6.0	50	5 on IB English B courses	95

     Students who don’t yet meet this requirement should consider Biola’s English Language Program.

   • Documents for I-20 Issuance

     • Copy of a valid passport
     • Affidavit of Financial Support (Sponsor Form)
     • Supporting bank statements

   Transfer Student

   • Note: Transfer students should have completed 15 or more college credits that can be transferred to Biola.

   • Admissions Essay

     The student must be a believer in the Christian faith (the applicant's statement of faith will be articulated in the personal essay section of the application).

   • Official College Transcripts

     The student must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative college GPA.

     Transcripts will be considered official only when a) sent directly from the institution to Biola, or b) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Submit a final transcript from each college attended (final transcripts from high schools are only required if you have completed less than 15 transferable credits post-high school).

     If transferring from a school outside of the United States:

     • Students who desire to get transfer credit for college courses taken outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency located in the United States, such as SpanTran (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS).
     • Be sure to choose "Course by Course Report" and have the evaluation agency send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order for the transcript to be considered official.
   • Proof of English Proficiency

     To meet this requirement, submit one of the following:

     • Official transcript showing a minimum one year study in a U.S. undergraduate program.

     	SAT	ACT	TOEFL	IELTS	PTE Academic	IB	Duolingo
     Standard Requirements	26 (Reading)	19 (Composite)	80	6.5	58	5 on IB English A courses	115
     Admission with Biola Committee Review	24 (Reading)	16 (Composite)	70	6.0	50	5 on IB English B courses	95

   • Documents for I-20 Issuance

     • Copy of a valid passport
     • Affidavit of Financial Support (Sponsor Form)
     • Supporting bank statements

4. F-1 Visa Application Process

   • After accepting Biola’s offer of admission by submitting an enrollment deposit, a Form I-20 will be issued to you. Explore the process on how to obtain an F-1 visa.
   • Transfer Authorization Form: For students who are currently studying in the U.S. with an F-1 visa, there is a transfer of SEVIS record that must be done by the school that has issued your current I-20.