Our community is enriched by the global diversity international students bring.

Approximately one in six students at North Park Theological Seminary (NPTS) comes from outside the United States. The admissions office is here to help you in the application process and in the transition to studies at the seminary and life in Chicago.

In addition to completing an application to NPTS, international students must also meet the following requirements.

1. Take the English as a Foreign Language Test

English proficiency is required for success at NPTS. International students must submit official test results (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) as part of the admission process. For more details, see the English Language Proficiency page.

Exceptions for seminary applicants:

• Canadian students
• Students with a bachelor’s degree taught in English from English-speaking countries
• Students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or 30+ master’s level credits from a US-accredited institution, with a “C” average

Additional requirements
NPTS may request extra materials, such as a writing sample or TOEFL/IELTS scores, before making an admission decision. Education USA advising centers offer guidance on testing, financial aid, and immigration.

2. Submit transcripts

From a US institution
Request an official transcript via Parchment, Clearinghouse, or another electronic service, or have it mailed to:

North Park University
Office of International Admissions, Box 19
3225 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Student-submitted transcripts are not acceptable.

From a foreign institution
A course-by-course transcript evaluation is required from one of the following:

• One Earth Evaluations
• ECE
• WES
• Educational Perspectives

If using a different service, contact semadmissions@northpark.edu to verify the evaluation will be accepted. If admitted while a semester is in progress, submit a final transcript and updated evaluation upon completion.

3. Provide additional documents

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of visa and I-20 (if already in the US)

4. Submit the Financial Resources Form

The US government requires international students to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support a year of study in the US. The evidence must be shown before permission to enter the country is granted. This means international students need to show personal or family resources, or sponsorship from friends, churches, or scholarships, to pay for schooling and living expenses. More than one sponsor is allowed. This evidence is recorded on the financial affidavit of support form.

5. Visa

International students need a visa sponsorship to study in the US. To apply for a student visa, you must obtain a Form I-20. North Park can issue your Form I-20 only after admission and submission of:

• Passport ID page (scan and email to medrake@northpark.edu)
• Bank statement (showing at least six months of deposits in the sponsor’s name)
• Financial affidavit of support

Learn more about the US student visa process.