Welcome, international students

If you are looking for a quality theological education in a setting with the best of small-town and big-city American life, you'll want to seriously consider MTSO. Downtown Columbus, Ohio State University and John Glenn Columbus International Airport all are within a 30-minute drive.

One more thing to consider: International students often are pleasantly surprised by the low cost of living at MTSO compared to other U.S. seminaries.

Please note: New international students are admitted for the Fall Semester only. The Fall 2025 admission deadline has passed. We are no longer accepting Fall 2025 applications.

• The Fall 2026 application will be available October 1 through December 15, 2025
• The Fall 2026 application deadline will be December 15, 2025
• Admission decisions will be made after February 15, 2026

Financial planning

• Scholarships may be available for qualified international students. Housing scholarships are not available. Prospective F-1 students receiving a scholarship must still have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This is a federal requirement.
• MTSO cannot guarantee on-campus employment before attendance. On-campus employment cannot be used for I-20 documentation.
• Please see MTSO’s annual estimated expenses for one academic year. This is the information you will need for your affidavit of support.

International students must attend classes on the MTSO campus

• International students on an F1 visa must take all but one class residentially on campus each semester. You are permitted to count only one online class each semester toward your full course of study, per U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations.
• The MA in Social Justice degree is primarily online, so international students who are interested in the MASJ will need to pair the degree with one of our other master’s degrees.
• Because of online residency requirements, the Doctor of Ministry degree is not available to international students.

Requirements for admission

In order to apply for admission, all of these items must be received by the admission deadline.

• The Fall 2026 International Student Application Form (available October 1, 2025 through December 15, 2025)
• Transcripts from all schools attended.
• Three references.
• TOEFL score of 79 (MTSO’s institution code is 1540), unless previous undergraduate coursework was completed in English.
• Affidavit of Support with a sponsor. Estimated expenses available here.
• Bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover expenses during the intended degree program.
• Personal statement.
• Resume or CV.

Let’s connect

We look forward to talking with you. Please contact us at admissions@mtso.edu