International Student FAQ

International applicants must provide a test score from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - Applicants must attain a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based exam, 213 on the computer-based exam, or 80 on the internet-based exam.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - Applicants must attain a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS exam.
• Duolingo - Applicants must attain a minimum score of 125 on the Duolingo exam.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are not required (1) if the applicant has a degree conferred by a U.S. accredited higher education institution, or (2) if the official language of their country, or region of their country, is English. TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores are valid for two years. After that time, the applicant must retake the test and submit the new scores to Truett Seminary.

Students who do not meet the above requirements are ineligible for admission to Truett Seminary.

While tuition is a major factor when determining the cost of attending Truett Seminary, it is not the only factor. Here is an estimated outline of the cost of attendance for one academic year (assuming an 11-hour course-load):

If you are considering applying for one of the Seminary's competitive scholarships, please note that recipients of the scholarships are still responsible for non-tuition costs including insurance, housing, meals, etc.

Yes! Learn more about scholarship opportunities.

When considering whether to bring a dependent with you, there are several important considerations. The first semester of any academic program can be challenging for any student. When a student is coming to a new culture and will also be communicating in a language other than his or her primary language, this can create an even more difficult situation. For this reason, the Center for Global Education recommends that students come for one semester without any dependents so they can focus on transitioning to the new culture and on beginning their academic program. There are benefits and drawbacks to bringing dependents the first semester as well as for waiting for one semester. Each student in consultation with his or her program advisor will need to consider what is best. This information is put forth as the CGE's recommendation. It is not a policy.

Some issues for the student to consider:

• How strong are the student's English language skills? How strong are the dependent's English language skills?
• What previous experience does the student or their dependents have in the United States?
• What will the dependents do while the student is in classes/studying? (remember they cannot work)
• Does the student have the financial means to support them while they are here?
• Will the dependent be able to drive? Will the student or dependent have a car?

International graduate students are required to maintain insurance coverage through Baylor's student health insurance plan. Learn more about insurance requirements.

F-1 students are generally permitted to work part-time at the campus that issued their currently valid I-20, while they are attending that school and maintaining their F-1 status.

Students must be fully enrolled while employed during fall and spring terms and may only work a maximum of 20 hours each week during fall and spring semesters. Summer and holiday work may be available as well.

Find more information about on campus employment for international students.

Once offered acceptance, international students must submit an enrollment deposit. International students are encouraged to pay their deposits using Flywire.

Following receipt of the deposit, the student's admission will be processed, and Baylor University's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office will send communication regarding the next steps. For questions about visa processing and immigration requirements, please contact ISSS directly at ISSS_Support@baylor.edu or (254) 710-1461.

If you are in the United States, you must be enrolled in at least one in-person class. If you are outside of the United States, you may take all courses online.

Baylor University's Center for Global Engagement provides helpful information about living in Waco (and the United States).

A transcript evaluation is required of Truett Seminary applicants for any and all academic degrees earned outside the United States.

• This transcript evaluation is to be requested and paid for by the applicant (starting at about $150) and is a requirement before your admissions application will be considered complete.
• Truett Seminary recommends students request an evaluation through SpanTran or WES.
• Only one transcript evaluation is necessary and will include all degrees earned outside the US. Please allow several weeks for processing time.
• If your transcript has already been evaluated by a transcript evaluation provider other than SpanTran or WES, please contact Truett_Admissions@baylor.edu to confirm that the company is approved for use.
• Transcript verification is not required for any degree if the student already holds a degree from Baylor University.

Please be watching for upcoming changes to Truett's requirements for international applicants verifying their financial status.

At this time, all accepted and deposited international students will work with Baylor's International Student and Scholar Services office to complete the CFR (Confirmation of Financial Resources) documentation process before they can be issued an I-20 form and begin the visa application process.

*Please note that the CFR is an important legal document. Any attempt to represent financial resources in a misleading way will be a violation of Truett's code of conduct.

Truett offers a number of occasional online classes each semester but does not offer any degrees that can be completed 100% online. However, Truett does offer a Certificate Program that can be completed entirely online.

At this time, international students are able to complete all degree requirements in Waco. International students may begin their degree program in Houston, but may be required to take courses in Waco to complete the degree. International students are currently unable to pursue a degree in San Antonio.