International Admissions
Welcome to International Admissions at Dallas Theological Seminary!
We love supporting students from around the world as they pursue their calling to ministry and theological education. Here you will find everything you need to navigate the admissions process, along with information about visas, scholarships, and academic requirements. Our global community is dedicated to equipping you for fruitful ministry, no matter where you're from. We look forward to walking alongside you in this journey of teaching truth and loving well.
Why Choose DTS
DTS exists to glorify God by equipping godly servant-leaders for the proclamation of his word and the building up of the body of Christ worldwide. As such, we offer a curriculum with the depth and breadth to prepare you for a lifetime of ministry.
Important Dates
| Deadlines – Fall Admission | Deadlines – Spring Admission | |
| International Scholarships | February 1 | n/a |
| Need-Based Scholarships | March 1 | September 1 |
| International Application | April 15 | October 1 |
| for Transfer Students | July 1 | November 15 |
| Proof of Funding | June 15 | November 1 |
| for Transfer Students | July 15 | November 15 |
| Visa Obtained for DTS Housing | May 15 | October 15 |
| F-1 Visas Obtained | June 15 | December 1 |
| Transfer Student Paperwork Submitted | August 1 | December 1 |
Simplified Admissions Process
There are four main areas for the international admissions process:
1. The Application
To fill out the application, visit the apply now page.
2. References
Fill out the reference page on the application. The reference types for master’s degrees are the following: pastoral, personal, supervisor, and church validation. Your references cannot be a relative.
3. Transcripts
We need transcripts from every past college or university at which you completed at least twelve hours of credit (about four classes). These transcripts should be sent directly from the institutions. Transcripts can be sent electronically or by mail.
Once you have submitted your materials for all four areas, your application will be reviewed by the committee for acceptance. If you plan to come to Dallas on an F-1 visa, see below for more details about the process of working with our Designated School Officials (DSO) to secure a visa.
After Acceptance
- Visa Process: One of our Designated School Officials (DSO) will assist you through the proof of funding and visa interview process (see below).
- Apply for Housing: After you have received your visa, you can apply for on-campus housing.
- Move to Dallas: Book flights!
- Attend International Student Orientation: This is a mandatory event for all incoming students and spouses. Orientation is typically held on the Monday before classes begin during the fall or spring semester.
- Begin Classes!
Support Services
After Acceptance:
- Visa Services (Dallas Students) – Tom Lee – [email protected]
- Visa Services (Houston Students) – Jimmy Wen [email protected]
International Student Testimonials
FAQs
What programs are available to international students?
International students who intend to study on a student visa (F-1) can apply for any degree except the GCCS or MBTS.
Students who are in the United States on a dependent visa (F-2) may only study part-time.
If students wish to study on any other visa, they should speak with International Student Development for regulations.
DTS no longer accepts students on J-1 visas.
What campuses are available to international students?
International students may study only at the Dallas or Houston campuses.
What are the English proficiency requirements?
International students are required to show proficiency in English through either the TOEFL or the IELTS exam.
This applies to anyone whose first language is not English, who was not born in the United States, or who did not complete both their high school and college degrees in the United States. Please be aware that DTS may request testing for any reason they deem necessary.
ThM, STM, PhD
TOEFL: 90
Subscores:
22 Reading/Listening
23 Speaking/Writing
IELTS:6.5
Subscores:
7.0 Speaking
6.5 Reading/Listening
6.0 Writing
MA Programs
TOEFL: 86
Subscores:
21 Reading/Listening
22 Speaking/Writing
IELTS:6.5
Subscores:
6.5 Speaking
6.5 Reading/Listening
6.0 Writing
What are the proof-of-funding requirements?
All international students must prove that they can support themselves and any dependents for the first year of their studies. The amount students need to prove is adjusted annually.
2024-2025 Numbers
Masters
Single–$34,483
& Spouse–$44,413
+1 Dep–$54,343
+2 Dep–$64,273
+3 Dep–$74,203
+4 Dep–$84,133
Doctoral
Single–$30,883
& Spouse–$40,813
+1 Dep–$50,743
+2 Dep–$60,673
+3 Dep–$70,603
+4 Dep–$80,533
What are the requirements to maintain visa status?
International students must meet certain requirements in order to maintain their visa status.
- F-1 students must remain in full-time study during their entire duration in the United States. This means they must be enrolled in nine credit hours each semester (at least six on campus; three can be hybrid or fully online).
- F-1 students cannot work more than twenty hours per week. Outside of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), they can work only on campus.
Contact Us
Admissions – [email protected]
ISD Services – [email protected]