Welcome, international students

MTSO recognizes the global nature of Christianity and welcomes you to our beautiful campus in the American heartland.

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. International student applications for Fall Semester 2024 have closed. Notification of admission or denial will occur by March 10. Fall 2025 applications will be accepted beginning Sept. 1, 2024.

Financial planning

Prospective F-1 students must have the financial resources to live and study in the United States, even if they receive an MTSO scholarship.

Scholarships may be available for qualified international students. Housing scholarships are not available.

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.

A note about online education

International students on an F1 visa are permitted to count only one online class each semester toward their full course of study, per U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations. Other courses will need to be taken residentially on the MTSO campus. 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 at this time.

Let’s connect

We look forward to talking with you. Please contact us at admissions@mtso.edu or 800-333-6876.

Requirements for admission

In order to apply for admission, all of these items must be received by Feb.1, 2024, and the application (at the bottom of this page) must be completed.

  • Transcripts from all schools attended.
  • Three references.
  • TOEFL score of 79 (MTSO’s institution code is 1540).
  • 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.