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International Admissions

Applying to Biola

Learn more about the admission requirements and application process for international students. Follow @biolaadmissions on Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything admissions!

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Undergraduate Students

First-Time Freshman

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

Admissions Requirements

  • The student must be a believer in the Christian faith.
  • The student must have at least a 3.0 high school grade point average (GPA).
  • The student must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent degree (GED) before they start at Biola.
  • The student must provide proof of English proficiency.

Application Process

  1. Submit Undergraduate Application Form

    Complete and submit your FREE undergraduate application form for admission.

    This year, we’re making it easier for you to apply and waiving your application fee. Enter the code BUWANTSYOU to apply for free.

    Apply Now

  2. Answer Short Response Questions

    View the three short response questions

    Complete these three brief questions within the application.

    Prompts:

    • Describe how and when you made a decision to follow Christ. (300–400 words)
    • Using personal examples, share about your recent spiritual growth. (300–400 words)
    • Why are you interested in attending Biola University? (100–200 words)
  3. Check Additional Program Requirements

    Check to see if your program has additional requirements

    The following programs require an additional application process. Review admission requirements for:

  4. Submit Transcript

    View how to submit your transcript

    Submit a transcript from each high school attended, current through the time of application, in the “Supplemental Items & Documents” tab within the application.

    An unofficial transcript is acceptable for your application submission, and can be uploaded as a .jpg, .png or .pdf file. Transcripts can also be emailed to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.

    Note that an official transcript is required once you have been admitted. Official transcripts may be submitted by one of the following ways:

    • Sent directly from the institution to Biola using a digital service, such as Parchment.
    • Sent directly via email from the institution to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.
    • Physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final official transcripts must be submitted upon completion of course of study and must include graduation date.

    In response to the impacts of COVID-19, we are accepting “Pass/Fail” coursework completed in Fall 2022 for applications. In lieu of a letter grade, we are accepting “Pass/Fail” high school and college credit for incoming applicants, assuming the course is otherwise transferable.

  5. Submit Proof of English Proficiency

    View how to meet this requirement

    To meet this requirement, submit one of the following:

    Standard Requirements:

    • SAT: 500 (Reading and Writing)
    • ACT: 19 (Composite)
    • TOEFL: 80
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • PTE Academic: 58
    • IB: 5 on IB English A courses
    • Duolingo: 125

    Admission with Biola Committee Review (admission is not guaranteed)

    • SAT: 480–499 (Reading and Writing)
    • ACT: 16 (Composite)
    • TOEFL: 70
    • IELTS: 6.0
    • PTE Academic: 50
    • IB: 5 on IB English B courses
    • Duolingo: 110-124
  6. Submit Documents for I-20 Issuance (F-1 Visa Students)

    View documents that need to be submitted
    • Copy of a valid passport
    • Affidavit of Financial Support (sponsor form)
    • Supporting bank statements

    Note: Biola University is a SEVP certified school authorized to issue I-20s for F-1 Visa students. If you are on a different visa type, find out if you are eligible to study in the U.S.

  7. Apply for F-1 Visa

    View how to apply for the F-1 visa

    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.

View Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Undergraduate Students

Transfer

Transfer students have taken more than 15 college credits.

Admissions Requirements

  • The student must be a believer in the Christian faith.
  • The student must have at least a 2.5 cumulative college GPA.
  • The student must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent degree (GED) before they start at Biola.
  • The student must have taken 15 credits or more post-secondary school. If you have fewer than 15 semester credits, then you must apply as a freshman-transfer student and meet the admission requirements for First-Time Freshman, which includes submitting your high school transcripts.
  • The student must provide proof of English proficiency.

Application Process

  1. Submit Undergraduate Application Form

    Complete and submit your FREE undergraduate application form for admission.

    This year, we’re making it easier for you to apply and waiving your application fee. Enter the code BUWANTSYOU to apply for free.

    Apply Now

  2. Answer Short Response Questions

    View the three short response questions

    Complete these three brief questions within the application.

    Prompts:

    • Describe how and when you made a decision to follow Christ. (300–400 words)
    • Using personal examples, share about your recent spiritual growth. (300–400 words)
    • Why are you interested in attending Biola University? (100–200 words)
  3. Check Additional Program Requirements

    Check to see if your program has additional requirements

    The following programs require an additional application process. Review admission requirements for:

  4. Submit Transcript

    View how to submit your transcript

    Submit a transcript from each college attended, current through the time of application, in the “Supplemental Items & Documents” tab within the application.

    If you have fewer than 15 semester credits, then you must apply as a freshman-transfer student and meet the admission requirements for First-Time Freshman, which includes submitting your high school transcripts

    An unofficial transcript is acceptable for your application submission and can be uploaded as a .jpg, .png or .pdf file. Transcripts can also be emailed to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.

    Note that an official transcript is required once you have been admitted. Official transcripts may be submitted by one of the following ways:

    • Sent directly from the institution to Biola using a digital service, such as Parchment.
    • Sent directly via email from the institution to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.
    • Physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final official transcripts must be submitted upon completion of course of study and must include graduation date.

    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), International Education Evaluation (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.

    In response to the impacts of COVID-19, we are accepting “Pass/Fail” coursework completed in Fall 2022 for applications. In lieu of a letter grade, we are accepting “Pass/Fail” high school and college credit for incoming applicants, assuming the course is otherwise transferable.

  5. Submit Proof of English Proficiency

    View how to meet this requirement

    To meet this requirement, submit one of the following:

    Standard Requirements:

    • SAT: 500 (Reading and Writing)
    • ACT: 19 (Composite)
    • TOEFL: 80
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • PTE Academic: 58
    • IB: 5 on IB English A courses
    • Duolingo: 125

    Admission with Biola Committee Review (admission is not guaranteed)

    • SAT: 480–499 (Reading and Writing)
    • ACT: 16 (Composite)
    • TOEFL: 70
    • IELTS: 6.0
    • PTE Academic: 50
    • IB: 5 on IB English B courses
    • Duolingo: 110–124
  6. Submit Documents for I-20 Issuance (F-1 Visa Students)

    View documents that need to be submitted
    • Copy of a valid passport
    • Affidavit of Financial Support (sponsor form)
    • Supporting bank statements

    Note: Biola University is a SEVP certified school authorized to issue I-20s for F-1 Visa students. If you are on a different visa type, find out if you are eligible to study in the U.S.

  7. Transfer Form I-20 to Biola

    View how to transfer your current Form I-20 to Biola

    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.

View Undergraduate Application Deadlines


Undergraduate Students

Application Deadlines

To qualify for an application deadline, all materials must be received in the Admissions Office by the appropriate deadline date. If a student qualifies for a specific application deadline, they will be notified of admission by the corresponding notification date.

Semester Deadline Type Apply By Notified By
To Start in the Fall Semester Early Action 1 November 30 January 15
Early Action 2 January 15 February 15
Regular March 1 As Processed
Rolling Admissions We are still accepting applications for Fall 2024
To Start in the Spring Semester Regular

November 15

As Processed

Important Notes:

  • If a student completes their application by an Early Action deadline, they will learn about admittance earlier than the standard application and notification dates. Early Action is non-binding. Students are encouraged to notify Biola of their intent to attend by May 1, the National Decision Day.
  • Some programs have different application and notification deadlines and may require separate applications. For more information please visit application steps for Cinema and Media Arts, Torrey Honors College, Conservatory of Music and the Pre-Clinical Nursing Program.
  • There is only one application deadline when applying for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted after October 15, but are processed if space is available and time allows.

Apply Now

Admissions Requirements & Application Process

Graduate Students

Your mission should change the way you lead — and learn. Come join one of Biola’s top-tier graduate programs with degrees ranging from Master’s to Doctorate to advance your calling and career. Explore our graduate schools and programs below.

 

Please note that each school and programs have their own admissions requirements, application process and deadlines.

For questions, contact grad.international@biola.edu.

English Language Scholars

The English Langauge Scholars is available to undergraduate and graduate students, and provides the opportunity to improve their academic English skills while earning their undergraduate or graduate degree at Biola.

Tuition, Scholarships & Aid

Find out how much your education at Biola will cost, and the scholarships, grants and institutional aid opportunities available to international students.

Learn More About Tuition & Costs

Learn More About Scholarships

You are encouraged to research and apply for external scholarships to help fund your education, but please note that Biola does not endorse any of these external scholarships.


Contact Us

Biola’s International Admissions team would love to connect with you! We understand that there may be a time difference, so we want to provide as many options for you. Explore the opportunities below.

Phone Appointment

Make a phone appointment with an International Admissions team member.

Undergraduate Students

First-Time Freshman

Territories: China, South America, Europe, U.S.
Counselor: Ty Mussack
Make a Phone Appointment

Territories: All other countries
Counselor: Rachel Kim
Make a Phone Appointment

International Admissions Representative
Make a Phone Appointment

Transfers, Athletes, Readmits

Counselor: Ty Mussack
Make a Phone Appointment

International Admissions Representative
Make a Phone Appointment

Graduate Students

Graduate Programs

International Admissions Representative
Make a Phone Appointment
Email: grad.international@biola.edu