International Students
In addition to the regular application requirements, international students must:
Demonstrate English Proficiency
Proficiency in the English language is required for success as a student at North Park University, and more advanced degrees require greater proficiency. International students must submit evidence of English proficiency in the form of official test results such as the TOEFL or IELTS as a part of the application process.
Testing: Requirements for Admission
TOEFL
|
Masters Level |
Doctoral Level |
| Internet Based Test (iBT) |
90 |
100 |
| Reading |
24 |
25 |
| Listening |
21 |
22 |
| Speaking |
21 |
22 |
| Writing |
24 |
25 |
| Paper Based Test |
577 |
600 |
IELTS
|
Masters Level |
Doctoral Level |
| IELTS |
6.5 |
7.0 |
Test results must be:
- Current, meaning that the testing date must be within two (2) years of applying for admission into North Park.
- Sent directly to the North Park Office of Admission by the testing agency. The North Park TOEFL code is 1556. The ACT code is 1098.
Validation of Proficiency – Testing Upon Arrival at North Park
Upon arrival at North Park, North Park administers its own English language proficiency test to all new international students during new student orientation at the beginning of a student’s first semester.
New students who test below standards will be required to take appropriate ESL or other English courses during their first semester, or until they demonstrate the required proficiency for academic work. These courses are variable credit, are billed at regular course rates, and do not count toward the masters or doctoral degrees. See the catalog for further information about academic policies regarding credit and fulfillment of graduation requirements.
Exceptions to Submission of Test Results
International students in certain categories do not need to submit a test score for an admission decision. However, all new international students are required to take the North Park English Proficiency test during new student orientation.
Seminary and Other Graduate Program Exception
- Canadian students.
- Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree taught in English in a country where English is the primary language (the United Kingdom, British West Indies, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand).
- Students who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree or have at least 30 hours of Masters degree level credit with a C average at a US accredited college or university and in which they have had to take courses developing proficiency in English composition and research methods.
- Students from Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark) must submit a TOEFL or IELTS test score only when applying for a DMin degree program.
Additional Requirements
North Park University reserves the right to require additional material, such as a writing sample or the TOEFL or IELTS before making an admission decision.
Non-United States-based Curriculum
A local Education USA advising center can provide valuable advice about testing, financial aid and immigration issues.
Submit a Financial Resources Form
Anyone applying for an international student visa (F-1), the United States government requires evidence of sufficient financial resources to allow a year of study in the United States. The evidence must be demonstrated in order to apply for a visa. International students need to show personal or family resources or sponsorship from friends, churches or scholarships that would permit them to pay for tuition, books, insurance (if needed) and living expenses. This proof is recorded in an affidavit of financial support. Contact the Seminary Admission Office for information as to the current budget required to pursue a seminary degree. The affidavit form may be downloaded from the international student application page of the website.
Arrange for Evaluation o f Transcripts
If a student has attended any college or university outside the United States and Canada, they must have their transcripts evaluated by an agency that will provide NPTS with a translation and evaluation of the documents. A recommended organization is Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. at www.ece.org. Another is the World Education Service at www.wes.org. This is in addition to requesting transcripts from any college or institution attended to be sent directly to the Seminary Admission Office.
Following the receipt of all the application materials, the completed application will be reviewed and a decision made. If the student is admitted into North Park Theological Seminary, North Park will issue an I-20 form, which will allow the student to apply for a visa to study at North Park in the United States.