Students from outside the United States are a vital part of the life of the Theological School at Drew University. We therefore welcome applications from women and men throughout the world who would like to engage in theological studies. The deadline for completed international applications is April 1 for enrollment in the fall semester and October 1 for enrollment in the spring semester. Online applications are free and can be completed on our website.
TOEFL and TOEFL Waivers
Apart from exceptional circumstances, applicants whose native (first) language is not English must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score and a TWE (Test of Written English) score when applying for admission. TOEFL scores can be submitted to Drew Theological School, Code 2193, Dept. 21. The University of Cambridge language examinations may be submitted as an alternative to the TOEFL examination.
Applicants that have completed a previous degree at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction may request a waiver from the Office of Theological Admissions. The TOEFL waiver form can be found on our website.
Scholarships
Financial aid awards for eligible international applicants are announced when the candidate is notified of an admissions decision. The Theological School's financial aid resources do not permit full coverage of student expenses; thus, like other Theological School students, international students should seek additional financial support to underwrite the cost of Drew studies. International agencies related to major denominations are often a source for additional financial aid.
In order to receive financial aid from Drew University, admitted students must complete and return the Supplemental Financial Aid form.
Additional resources can be found on our website: www.drew.edu/moneyforseminary.
I-20 Process and F/J Visa
International students should not plan to pay for their education through employment in the United States. While occasional field education positions and on-campus employment may become available, a student cannot rely in advance on such opportunities, especially not during the first year. International students must demonstrate adequate funds to cover tuition and the cost of living for themselves and any dependents during the first year of a degree program. This funding can be demonstrated by the applicant’s personal funds or through sponsorship by an individual or organization. In either case, funds must be demonstrated that equal or exceed the total amount required for tuition and the cost of living. A supporting bank statement that is no older than 6 months must be provided for each sponsor or to demonstrate the applicant’s personal funds.
To calculate the total amount required to secure an I-20, please see our I-20 calculator.
Once a student has secured the funds required for an I-20, the following documents must be submitted to Drew University in order to receive the I-20:
- Signed Intent to Accept Form
- $300.00 Enrollment Fee
- Sponsor Support Forms (Individual / Organization) and Corresponding Bank Certification Statement
- Student’s Personal Bank Certification Statements
- Immigration Status Transfer Form (transfer students only)
- Copy of Passports for all individuals entering the United States
- Copy of Green Card, Naturalization/Citizenship Papers, F/J/R visa (if available)
- Supplemental Financial Aid Information Form
- Housing Application (or US address of residence)
- Vaccination Records (or intent to be vaccinated at Drew University)
If you are ready to submit your documents, please complete, print, and return the I-20 checklist with your materials.
Submission of the above documents does not guarantee that a student will be granted a visa to study in the United States. Once an I-20 has been issued by Drew University, students must schedule an interview with the United States Embassy in the country of their citizenship. Students should pay the interview fee before arriving at the US Embassy and take the I-20 issued by Drew University to the interview.
In most cases, students will be issued an I-20 for an F-1 visa and F-2 visas for family members. Occasionally, students who have entered into contractual agreements with supporting organizations will be granted J visas.
English Language Program
International students and non-native English speakers will spend approximately three weeks prior to their first semester in an intensive language program, in which they will be trained in American English and culture, as well as English for theological students. The intensive language course is a requirement for most international and non-native English speaking students. For more information, please see the ESOL website.
Health and Housing
Students who desire to live on the campus of Drew University should submit a housing application after their admission to Drew. The housing application can be printed from our website. International students may arrive at Drew Theological School up to one week prior to the start of the English Language Program.
All full-time and part-time students who attend class on campus at any time are required to provide the following:
- Completed Student Information Form
- Health History Form to be completed by the student
- Proof of two Measles vaccines after age one and thirty days apart, or laboratory proof of immunity if born after 1956
- Proof of one Rubella vaccination after age one or laboratory proof of immunity if born after 1956
- Proof of one Mumps vaccination after age one or laboratory proof of immunity if born after 1956
- Proof of three Hepatitis B vaccines if enrolled in 12 or more credits
- Proof of current Meningococcal Meningitis A,C,Y, & W-135 vaccination if planning to live in campus housing
- Completion of the Information on Meningococcal Disease and Vaccination Form (page 4 of health form packet)
- Completion of the Tuberculosis Risk Questionnaire (page 4 of health form packet)
- Completion of a negative Tuberculosis (PPD) Skin Test within 6 months of the start of class if you are at risk
Students will not be allowed to move into campus housing until all vaccinations have been administered at Drew or verified by submitted health forms. If you have not received your health form packet you can print it from our website. If you plan to have your vaccinations administered at Drew, please plan to arrive on campus no later than 1pm to receive your vaccinations and secure keys to your campus housing.
