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Specific Requirements for English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is other than English must achieve either a
score of at least 570 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
and 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE), or a score of at least 230 on the
computer-based
TOEFL with a 4.5 minimum on the essay portion of the exam.
If electing the paper-based TOEFL/TWE, students should apply to take the exam
at least three months prior to the date that test results are needed for
submission to Westminster Seminary California. The applicants should make
arrangements directly with Educational Testing Service (ETS) at their website
www.toefl.org or by calling TOEFL
Services (609-771-7100) or by writing P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151,
USA.
Applicants who must take the TOEFL and TWE should request that the results be
sent directly to Westminster Seminary California. The student’s copy of the
results cannot be used for admissions purposes. Westminster Seminary
California's school code is 4980.
All applicants who are admitted to the Seminary with the minimum required
score of 570 but less than 640 on the TOEFL, or with the minimum required score
of 4.5 but less than 5.5 on the TWE, must register for PT400 Graduate
Theological Writing during their first fall semester on campus and during each
subsequent fall semester until the course is passed. The course must be passed
in order for the student to graduate. There is a tuition fee for this course
(see course description for PT400).
Financial Assistance
International applicants should note that, while some limited financial
assistance may be
awarded by the Seminary toward tuition costs, complete financial support is not
granted to any student. International students must seek and show certified
proof of additional means of support.
It should be noted that due to recent changes in the law towards foreign
students, prospective students are urged to start the application process at
least one year in advance of when they wish to start school.
F-1 Visa/I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student
Status)
In order for the applicant to receive from the Seminary the Certificate of
Eligibility (Form I-20) necessary to obtain the F-1 visa for nonimmigrant
students, the following conditions must be satisfied:
- The applicant must have final approval of admission as a full-time student.
- International applicants are required to supply certification that they
have financial resources adequate to provide for their expenses while in
seminary without resorting to unauthorized employment. United States law
administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services restricts the
employment of international students. Funds may come from personal savings,
family, church or denomination, sponsoring agencies or individuals, or some
other dependable source. If expenses will be paid from personal or
family savings, the applicant must supply official bank records demonstrating
that the account (or accounts) contain funds sufficient to cover expenses for
the entire degree program. If expenses will be supplied by assistance from
family members or other sponsors on a year-by-year basis, the applicant must
send certification from these sources that the sponsor (or sponsors) have the
resources to guarantee the expenses for
at least the first year of study, and that the sponsor (or sponsors) are able
and committed, barring unforeseen circumstances, to provide adequate funding for
the subsequent years of the student’s degree program at Westminster Seminary
California.
*An applicant with dependents must show, by statement from some responsible
organization or individual (including bank statements or tax returns), funds
which are committed to and sufficient for the support and care of the dependents
at home while he is in the U.S.; or sufficient funds for round-trip tickets and
the entire support of the dependents during their stay in the U.S., if they are
to accompany him.
Please note that the regulations regarding the issuing of student visas
may change at any time and it is the
student’s responsibility to investigate
requirements through the local United
States Consulate. International
students should also visit the Immigration website for forms
and policies regarding coming to the
United States as a foreign student.
Once these conditions have been met
the Designated School Official (DSO) will issue the Certificate of
Eligibility (I-20). Students who come to
study on an I-20 must register as fulltime
students.
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