News And Events
Assistant Professor of Homiletics Named
Students Explore Cross-Cultural Trips
Prospective Students Visit Campus March 12-13
Event Addresses the Future of Christian Education
Seminary Hosts Community Open House
WMI Holds Mission Conference March 19-20
Lectures Explore Theological Education and Ministry
Environmental Justice and the City
International Students
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary recognizes the global nature of the Christian church and seeks to play a role in educating leaders for churches around the world. To that end, the Seminary encourages application by students whose citizenship is held outside the United States, who have completed their primary theological degree in their own country, and who seek further theological education for the purpose of service to the church in their homeland.
All international students applying for study at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary must submit (1) transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate degrees from internationally recognized colleges or universities, and (2) a current Test of English as a Foreign Language scores of no less than 570 (paper), 230 (computer) and 89 (IBT), if English is not the first language of the applicant. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 1 of the year before the intended year of enrollment.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary welcomes applications for one year of study as a full-time, non-degree student with academic credit for the purpose of attaining a specific educational and professional objective. In this program, students may take any courses they wish without having to satisfy specific degree requirements. Upon completion of required course work, a grade will be issued and recorded on the student's official transcript.
Students who have completed an M.Div degree (or its equivalent) and seek a higher degree for purposes of special service to the church in their home country, may apply for admission to the Master of Sacred Theology program (S.T.M.). The S.T.M. program requires one year of on-campus work at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a thesis of 80 pages that should be completed within this year of study.
Requirements for application (other than those mentioned above) include
- a letter from a church or seminary official in the student's home country recommending the student for higher degree work at the S.T.M. level
- a proposal for the S.T.M. thesis of three-five pages (in English)
- a paper of 10-15 pages that demonstrates the applicant's ability in scholarship and written English.
All Seminary degree programs are described in the catalog and are open for application by students who qualify. International students from non-English-speaking countries must participate in a non-credit weekly seminar in English conversation and writing. The seminar meets throughout the year when the Seminary is in session; there is no cost to the student.
Student Visas
Form I-20, which is needed to apply for the F-1 student visa, will be issued only when the Admissions Office has been provided with the required documentation of financial resources to support the student for the duration of the visa. Those entering the country of F-1 student visas, their spouses and dependents are not eligible for work permits in the United States. The F-1 student visa limits employment opportunities to jobs on the Seminary campus (for the student only). Financial aid is available to all international students who qualify.
Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance coverage is required for all international students. International students are members of the International Student Association, which provides peer support and special social activities. Other opportunities are made known to students as they become available.
All correspondence concerning admission to the Seminary should be addressed to the Director of Admissions.