International Students

DTS exists to glorify God by equipping godly servant-leaders from around the world for the proclamation of his word and the building up of the body of Christ worldwide. Our community is committed to supporting students from around the work as you begin your journey at DTS.

Schedule A Call with Admissions

Whether you are exploring an in-person campus experience, or the convenience of in-home study, or a little of both, Team Admissions is here to help at every step of your journey to DTS.

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Simplified Application 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. Reference

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. 

4. English Proficiency

DTS requires all applicants who did not complete both high school and college in the US to take either the TOEFL or the IELTS. See the FAQ page below for score requirements. 

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!

Meet the Admissions Team

Adrian Pina

Director of Admissions

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Whether you are exploring an in-person campus experience, or the convenience of in-home study, or a little of both, Team Admissions is here to help at every step of your journey to DTS.

Request Information

Tuition & Aid

Explore a breakdown of the actual costs of Dallas Theological Seminary. Our cost calculator can help you gauge how much you will need to pursue your path at DTS.

More About Tuition & Aid

FAQs

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.

International students may study only at the Dallas or Houston campuses.

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 overall
22 Reading/Listening
23 Speaking/Writing

IELTS: 6.5 overall
7.0 Speaking
6.5 Reading/Listening
6.0 Writing

MA Programs

TOEFL: 86 overall
21 Reading/Listening
22 Speaking/Writing

IELTS: 6.5 overall
6.5 Speaking
6.5 Reading/Listening
6.0 Writing

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

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.

Get Started

Are you ready for the journey? Join 2,600 students and a global network of 16,000 alumni serving around the world. Your calling is our mission.

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