English Proficiency

It is essential that students from other countries be able to understand directions and lectures in English and also to be able express their thoughts clearly in spoken English immediately upon arrival on campus. In order that the applicant's proficiency in English may be determined, the applicant must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as administered by the Educational Testing Service at the nearest overseas examination center. The minimum score for admission is as follow:

Masters' Students: 550 paper / 213 computer
Th.M. Students: 575 paper / 231 computer
Doctoral Students: 600 paper / 250 computer

For graduate students, scores of 55 or above must be achieved for all three sections of the TOEFL. Applicants with scores between 550 / 213 and 599 / 248 will be required to take up to four English courses in addition to their program. The D.Min., Ph.D. and Ed.D. in Educational Studies programs also require a score of 4.0 or above on the Test for Written English (TWE). Preference in admission will be given to applicants with TOEFL scores of 600 paper / 250 computer or over, and 4.0 or over on the TWE. However, those scoring between 580 paper / 237 computer and 599 paper / 248 computer on the TOEFL will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants who have not reached an English proficiency equivalent to a score of 600 paper/250 computer on the TOEFL may enter Biola University's academic programs in one of two ways:

Biola English Language Studies Program (ELSP)
Non-native English speakers without a TOEFL score or TOEFL scores below 600 paper/250 computer may enter most Biola degree programs if they have met all the other requirements for admission. Every non-native English speaking student with a TOEFL score below 600 paper/250 computer or without a TOEFL score is required to take the Biola English Placement Exam (BEPE) the week before registration of their first semester at Biola. Students are assigned English courses in Biola's English Language Studies Program based on their test results. Courses assigned may range from "one semester part-time" to "three semesters full-time and three semesters part-time" of English language courses.

Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score the minimum requirement for the intended academic program.
Non-native, English-speaking students may be admitted in an academic program with the minimum TOEFL requirement for their program while taking required English courses. The minimum TOEFL score requirement for most graduate programs is 550 paper/213 computer.

Admissions Process

The following documents must be received before an application will be considered:
• Application for admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Completed Affidavit of Support form: Completed Affidavit of Support form that certifies the student has sufficient funds to study in the U.S. must be on file prior to acceptance and issuance of the I-20. The Affidavit of Support must be notarized and accompanied by supporting bank statements or tax return forms.
• Three character reference forms: One reference from a pastor/minister, one from a school administrator/teacher, and one from employer who has known the applicant for at least one year. Reference forms are provided by the university and are included with the application.
• TOEFL scores of 550 paper or 213 computer or above for master's-level programs.
• TOEFL scores of 600 paper or 250 computer or above for Ph.D., Ed.D., and D.Min. programs. Students will be referred to the English Language Studies Program for preparatory courses in English if the scores are below the requirement

International Admission Requirements

1. All international students must meet the same requirements for admission as U.S. citizens, and have successfully completed a course of study in their native country.

2. Transfer international students must have completed satisfactory course work with an academic GPA equivalent to the program of application and obtained transfer authorization from previous institution.

3. International students must verify financial support through an 3. affidavit of support form (PDF) supplied by the University before the application can be considered.

4. International students must subscribe to the Biola University international student health insurance policy and maintain coverage throughout their entire stay at Biola University.

5. International students are required to attend the international student orientation program prior to initial enrollment.