International Students

Join Biola’s Global Community

Biola University is home to a thriving community of international students! If you are a student living outside the United States, we invite you to explore the resources and opportunities that will prepare you in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

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A Top University for International Students

Biola is one of only a few Christian universities selected for U.S. News & World Report’s list of the “Top Universities for International Students.” The prestigious list is based on a range of criteria, including graduation and retention rates, housing, ESL programs and support specifically designed for international students.

Read the Full Report

About Biola

As one of America’s leading Christian universities, Biola University has a strong record of preparing international students for successful and meaningful careers. Each year, more than 6,000 students from around the world enroll in Biola’s highly regarded programs, whether online or at our campus near Los Angeles — a global center for business, technology and entertainment.

With more than 150 academic programs and a strong biblical foundation, Biola offers a learning environment that will strengthen your mind and deepen your faith.

The library and Metzger lawn on a sunny day

Virtual Campus Tour

If you can’t make it to campus, you can take an interactive tour of Biola right from your own computer screen.

Take the Tour

Biola's Culture

Biola’s vibrant campus community offers endless opportunities for you to get involved in something fun and unique.

Explore Our Culture

History and Heritage

Since 1908, Biola has stood as a beacon of hope for the intellectual, spiritual and moral growth of its students.

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Undergraduate

Named one of the top universities for international students by U.S. News & World Report, Biola is a globally minded liberal arts college with 4,300 undergraduate students who represent over 60 different countries. Whether you decide to pursue the sciences or the humanities, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected Christian professors in America.

Majors and Programs

Choose from over 150 academic programs, ranging from biological sciences and journalism, to theatre and education.

Explore Our Programs

Admissions Process

Need help getting your application together? Find out more about the international student admissions process.

Apply to Biola

Financial Aid

Biola works hard to make a private Christian education affordable and distributes more than $30 million in scholarships each year to students.

Get Financial Aid Info

Student Resources

Global Student Programs & Development provides community-building opportunities to make you feel a part of the Biola family.

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Graduate Schools

Talbot School of
Theology
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A premier school of theology committed to the unchanging truth of God’s word, offering degrees such as a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership and others.

Crowell School of
Business
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A nationally accredited business school offering rigorous and biblically centered Master of Business Administration, Master of Professional Accountancy and other degree programs.

Rosemead School of
Psychology
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A leading school of psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association, offering Psy.D. and Ph.D. degree programs and accredited clinical training opportunities.

School of
Education
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A graduate school of education serving future teachers through degree programs like the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Education and others.

Cook School of
Intercultural Studies
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A school committed to equipping students to communicate, live and work effectively in culturally diverse contexts through degree programs in TESOL, intercultural studies and more.

School of
Science, Technology and Health
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The newest graduate school at Biola, offering a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, seeking to equip a new generation of ethically thoughtful professionals in the sciences and health care.

English Language Program

The English Language Program (ELP) at Biola University offers an immersive language-learning experience for both international students and students for whom English is not their primary language. The program focuses on preparing students for success in their academic, career, or ministry goals to provide the highest level of individualized support, and increase their proficiency in speaking, writing and reading in English — including academic and Christian communication.

The ELP offers the following three English-support tracks:

Short-Term Academic Language & Culture Track: This track is for domestic or international students who would like to experience American culture, explore popular Southern California locations and study academic English, STEM English or business English for a short period of time.
Language-Learning (Lang-Learn) Track: This track allows domestic or international students to improve their English-language proficiency to reach their university, career or ministry goals. Students who successfully complete ELP Level 3 and pass the final exit exam will receive a language waiver to Biola’s undergraduate or graduate program.
Degree Track: This track offers all students (monolingual and bilingual) the opportunity to improve their academic English skills while earning their undergraduate or graduate degree at Biola.
1. Accelerated Learning Placement (ALP) — Undergraduate Level
2. Academic English Program (AEP) — Graduate Level

For more information, please contact jackie.chang@biola.edu or visit the English Language Program page.

“My professors integrate both lectures and practicums, allowing for deeper knowledge of classroom content. We are continually applying what we learned in class to real world situations.”

Diana — Business
Indonesia

Nicholas, music in worship student from China

“There are plenty of useful resources that make Biola's admissions process straightforward and streamlined. The admission staff and student advisors were friendly and helpful and guided me throughout my journey to study here at Biola.”

Nicholas — Music in Worship
China

“Pursuing a doctoral degree through Talbot School of Theology at Biola University has broadened my mind, fed the spirit, ministered the heart and strengthened my hands that I may better serve Christ and his church.”

Joseph L.
Singapore