| Columbia invites international
students (persons who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
to apply to any of our advanced degree programs. We do not ordinarily
accept international students in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) programs.
All international students applying to Columbia should submit a
written recommendation from their denomination as well as a statement
of their plans for future work in their home countries. In addition,
they should submit the materials specifically required for their
area of interest (Master of Theology, Doctor of Theology, or Doctor
of Ministry).
Persons from non-English speaking countries should also furnish
evidence of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score
of at least 220 (new format). The test score must be no more than
two years old.
To receive admission information, send a request to the attention
of The Office of International Programs at
the address below. Requests for admission information or an application
must include the program of interest. Catalogs and applications
will be sent to inquirers seeking admission. Persons seeking general
information should see the online catalog.
We regret that we are unable to accept downloaded, faxed, or copied
applications from international students.
International applicants should send their completed application
to:
Columbia Theological Seminary
Director of International Programs
P.O. Box 520
Decatur, GA 30031
USA
Please note: We advise applicants not to come to Atlanta
until they have received a formal letter of acceptance to the program
from the Admissions Committee. Without the properly issued immigration
documents, accepted students will not be allowed to enroll for classes.
Financial Requirements
Upon admission, and before the visa application process can begin,
accepted applicants must provide documented proof of financial support
for expenses that include, but are not limited to, travel, tuition,
room, board, books, medical insurance, and all educational and personal
expenses. Documented funding must be adequate to meet the total
cost of tuition and estimated living expenses.
International students are not eligible to apply for financial
aid. Part-time work on campus is very limited.
Scholarships awarded by the seminary to international students
are limited to those students in established exchanges programs
with partner institutions.
Columbia Seminary strictly prohibits international students from
soliciting funds from individuals or congregations in the United
States
Insurance
International students are required to carry the school-sponsored
hospitalization insurance for themselves and all accompanying family
members.
Doctor of Ministry Special Requirements for
International Students
In addition to the above, international students applying
to the
D.Min. program must meet the following additional requirements:
1. A minimum of 16 months residency
in the Atlanta area (beginning in fall semester) to complete program
components through the qualifying examinations and approval of project
proposal;
2. Letters of approval, with detailed
plans for a specific project in ministry, from the student’s church
authorities;
3. Identification of two persons who
hold doctoral degrees and are residents in the country in which
the applicant ministers; these persons should be familiar with the
ministry of the applicant and be willing to serve as members of
his or her doctoral committee. This committee advises the applicant
regarding a course of study and supervises and evaluates his/her
doctoral project.
For more information:
Office of International Programs
Columbia Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 520
Decatur, GA 30031
USA
404 687-4618
404 377-9696 (fax)
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