Additional Requirements

The following is also required of international applicants as part of the application process:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Examination

If English is not your first language, you are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam as part of the application process. A score of 600 on the written TOEFL (100 on the internet based version) normally demonstrates the minimum of English language mastery for graduate level education. The scores will be used to evaluate your reading, writing, speaking, listening and comprehension skills for success in theological studies. You can find more information about the TOEFL examination from this website (www.toefl.org). The examination results are sent directly to the Union.

Evaluation of Official Transcripts (Record of Grades)

In addition to having official transcripts sent to Washington Theological Union, you will normally be required to obtain a professional evaluation of your academic record, especially for records from foreign universities whose grading systems differ from the U.S. system. You must submit copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcript(s) (your complete academic record) to World Education Services (WES) for this evaluation who then submits a report to the Washington Theological Union. The WES website (www.wes.org) provides additional information. Consult it to determine whether WES will accept a copy of your transcript(s) or if you will need original transcript(s) sent directly from the school/university. You are required to pay the fee (currently $160) directly to WES.

NOTE: This means you may be required to obtain two sets of original transcripts; one sent directly to the Union and a second set of originals to send to WES. Please check the WES website to determine what is required.

US Visa

Any person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and who intends to study at the Union) must have a visa, primarily the F-1 (Student).

• Applicants needing a Student (F-1) visa will require a US Certification of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20) to be issued by the Washington Theological Union after formal admission is given and financial certification is provided (see below). See this Union webpage for detailed instructions.


• Applicants who already have a Student (F-1) visa and have received a formal letter of admission from the Union must contact their current school and have their visa record transferred to the Union. Once this is accomplished, the student will receive a new I-20 certificate from the Union. A photocopy of this visa must accompany your application.


• Applicants who have a Religious Worker (R-1) visa should be aware that this visa permits study only incidental to their ministry in the United States and cannot normally be used for full-time study. A photocopy of this visa must accompany your application.

Financial Certificate

You must submit one or more of the following financial documents with your application form for admission to the Union. The amount of funds required in these documents must total at least one full year of education and living expenses and the amount must be expressed in US dollars.

• Personal Funds An official bank statement addressed to you (using your official passport name), stamped and certified by a bank official listing funds available to you directly for your education; the statement must be dated within three (3) months of submission.


• Sponsor Funds An official bank statement addressed to you (using your official passport name), stamped and certified or notarized by a bank official listing funds available to the sponsor providing financial support for your educational and related expenses; the statement must be dated within three (3) months of submission.


• Religious Order Funds An official document addressed to you (using your official passport name), signed by the treasurer or other official of the religious community certifying financial responsibility for the educational and related expenses.