International Students Admissions Process

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

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Once you’ve submitted the initial portion of your application, complete these three brief questions within the “Supplemental Items” tab of the application.

Prompts:

1. Describe how and when you made a decision to follow Christ. (300–400 words)
2. Using personal examples, share about your spiritual growth over the past 3 years. (300–400 words)
3. Please share why you're interested in attending Biola University. (100-200 words)

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

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

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:

1. Sent directly from the institution to Biola using a digital service, such as Parchment.
2. Sent directly via email from the institution to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.
3. 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. 

See specific transcript requirements based on your application type:

• 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.

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

• Transfer Student

  The student must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative college GPA.

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

  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.

To meet this requirement, submit one of the following:

• Official transcript showing a minimum one year study in a U.S. undergraduate program (transfer students only).
• Standard Requirements
  • SAT: 26 (Reading)
  • ACT: 19 (Composite)
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 58
  • IB: 5 on IB English A courses
  • Duolingo: 120
• Admission with Biola Committee Review
  • SAT: 24 (Reading)
  • ACT: 16 (Composite)
  • TOEFL: 70
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE Academic: 50
  • IB: 5 on IB English B courses
  • Duolingo: 115

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

Due to limited testing availability during the COVID-19 season, Biola is currently accepting Duolingo test scores as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS scores. Submitting Duolingo scores may also result in a brief internal English proficiency assessment as part of the admissions 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.

Submit documents for I-20 issuance

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