Application Guidelines
The following are required: an application for admission, transcripts and a $45 undergraduate application fee (waived with the code found in the application). Depending on the program selected, additional supplemental items may be required. The graduate application fee is $65.
Official Transcripts
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students are required to have completed the equivalent of 12 years of education. Transcripts from all secondary schools and post-secondary institutions must be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Admissions in order to be considered official. All transcripts must be official and accompanied by a certified English translation that documents coursework and examinations taken, indicates grades received, identifies passing and maximum marks and shows evidence of secondary graduation. International students must have successfully completed college preparatory courses in their home country. If the student has attended a university in his/her home country and would like transfer credit, he/she must have transcripts evaluated by a professional credential agency. Undergraduate transfer international students must have completed satisfactory course work with a 2.5 academic GPA. Information is available in the Office of Admissions or the Office of the Registrar.
Graduate Students
All transcripts not originally in English should be accompanied by a certified English translation that documents coursework and examinations taken, indicates grades received, and identifies passing and maximum marks. To confirm accreditation and equivalency, a third-party agency credential evaluation may be required prior to admission. The following are also required:
- A completed Affidavit of Support form that certifies the student has sufficient funds to study in the U.S. must be on file prior to issuance of the I-20. The Affidavit of Support form must be accompanied by supporting bank statements, along with a copy of current passport with a minimum of 6 months before it expires. In addition, a tuition deposit may be required prior to issuance of the I-20.
- Reference forms – Reference forms are provided by the university and are included with the application. Graduate students are required to provide references appropriate to their program, which may include pastoral, character, or academic references.
- An official TOEFL or IELTS score (see requirements under English Proficiency Requirements).
- Additional application items, such as essays, resume, and other test scores may be required. See the specific admissions requirements for each program.
Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student's academic file and cannot be returned or copied for distribution.
MASTER'S DEGREES AND ROSEMEAD
An official transcript which shows a conferred bachelor's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required as Talbot requires all transcripts that reflect graduate credits. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.
TEACHING CREDENTIALS
An official transcript which shows a conferred bachelor's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For all foreign transcripts, an official third-party evaluation from a CTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing) approved agency must also be submitted as part of application to the credential program.
DOCTORAL DEGREES
An official transcript which shows a conferred master's degree and all other transcripts containing a conferred degree are required. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the school or physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution to Biola's Office of Graduate Admissions to be considered official. In addition, transcripts with prerequisites, leveling courses, advanced standing, and any other courses relevant to your desired program should be submitted. For certain degrees, additional or all transcripts may be requested or required. Review the admissions requirements of your individual program or contact Graduate Admissions for details.
Application Deadlines
Biola University accepts undergraduate international applications for Fall and Spring semesters. Graduate admission deadlines vary. Check the individual program's website for the correct deadline.
Undergraduate Deadlines & Notifications
Fall
| File Completed By | Notification |
|---|---|
| November 30 (Early Action #1) 1 | January 15 |
| January 15 (Early Action #2) 1 | February 15 |
| March 1 (Regular Deadline) | April 1 |
Files completed after March 1 will be processed on a bi-monthly basis with notification of admittance beginning after April 1. Applications are considered late after March 1 and will be processed if space is available and time allows.
- 1
If a student submits their application by an Early Action deadline, they will learn about admittance earlier than the standard application and notification dates. Early Action is non-binding.
Spring
| File Completed By | Notification |
|---|---|
| October 15 | Rolling Basis |
The application process may take 3–6 months. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadlines. Applicants interested in financial aid must apply several months before the stated deadlines. Late applicants will assume expenses for documents needing express postal delivery to and from the university.
Graduate Deadlines & Notifications
Graduate admission deadlines vary. Check the individual program's website for the correct deadline.
Financial Responsibility of International Students
The student must supply information attesting to their ability to provide United States dollars in the minimum amount required to support the costs of tuition, room and board, and health insurance, in excess of the cost of a round-trip fare from his/her native country, visa fees, books, and other course fees.
Applicants who do not have the finances to pay all of their expenses must come under the sponsorship of an approved agency. Sponsorship must include financial responsibility toward the sponsored student for the entire cost of the program.
Enrollment Requirements
International students admitted to the United States on a student visa are required by law to be registered as full-time students (undergraduate and credential students: a minimum of 12 credits; graduate students: a minimum of 9 credits; doctoral students: a minimum of 6 credits). All EL-only students, taking EL courses preparing for undergraduate or graduate programs, must be enrolled in 12 credits.
Employment
No off-campus employment is permitted for international students without written permission of the United States Immigration authorities. On-campus employment, while not guaranteed, is permitted for international students up to 20 hours per week.
