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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:



  1. Start your official application

  2. Submit a non-refundable $45 application fee

  3. Submit required documents

    First-Time College Student (Freshman)

    • 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.

    • Proof of English Proficiency

      To meet this requirement, submit one of the following:

      • SAT: A minimum 1000 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing+Math score and a 26 Reading Test score.
      • ACT: A minimum composite score of 19.
      • TOEFL: A minimum iBT score of 70.
      • IELTS: A minimum band of 6.0.
      • PTE Academic: A minimum score of 50.
      • IB: A minimum score of 5 in English (Language A).
      • Duolingo: A minimum score of 115.

      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

    • 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 sent directly from the institution to Biola.

      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: A minimum 1000 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing+Math score and a 26 Reading Test score.
      • ACT: A minimum composite score of 19.
      • TOEFL: A minimum iBT score of 70.
      • IELTS: A minimum band of 6.0.
      • PTE Academic: A minimum score of 50.
      • IB: A minimum score of 5 in English (Language A).
      • Duolingo: A minimum score of 115.

    • 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.

First-time college students:

  • Will have graduated from secondary school before enrollment at Biola.
  • Have graduated from secondary school, and have taken less than 15 college credits.

Transfer students

  • Have completed 15 or more college credits that can be transferred to Biola.

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.

Apply for Fall Semester

Deadline Type Apply By Notified By
Early Action 1 November 15 January 15
Early Action 2 January 15 February 15
Regular March 1

Note: Some programs have different application and notification deadlines and may require separate application. For more information please visit application steps for Cinema and Media Arts, Torrey Honors College, Conservatory of Music and the Pre-Clinical Nursing Program.

Learn More About Early Action Deadlines


Apply for Spring Semester

Deadline Type Apply By Notified By
Regular October 15 As Processed

Note: There is only one application deadline when applying for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted after November 15, but are processed if space is available and time allows.

Tuition, Costs & Scholarships

Learn more about costs and scholarships available for international undergraduate students. Students will be automatically considered for an academic scholarship with a completed application to Biola.

View Tuition & Costs View Scholarships

Helpful International Student Resources

Preparing to start your journey at Biola University? Here's some important information you'll need to know. Take a look at the resources below to get started.