Admission of International Students

Eden Theological Seminary is committed to a significant presence of international students, and the Seminary is committed to flexibility in its admissions policies and procedures to enable the presence of international students and a significant learning opportunity for them while at Eden.

Many of the students who apply for our limited international slots come to Eden by way of the World Council of Churches’ scholarship program, with the recommendation of their church or denominational judicatory office.

The Degrees
International students may spend up to two years at Eden. Degrees that can be earned in that time are the Masters of Theological Studies (MTS) and Masters of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS).

Scholarships and Costs
We offer a limited number of generous international scholarships. However, international students who apply need to be a member of a denomination that has a relationship with the Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. The student must be sponsored by his or her denominational judicatory.

Other international applicants are eligible for consideration if they apply through the World Council of Churches (WCC). Students applying through this process must go through their denomination to their National Council of Churches.

While we offer a generous international scholarship, it is not enough to cover all expenses, thus the need for further scholarships through the WCC or denomination. Students need $7000 USD to cover their expenses for each year of study.

Admissions Criteria
International students will be required to meet the criteria for the degree program for which they are applying. However, admissions decisions regarding international students at Eden Seminary will be guided by the particular circumstances of each applicant and include consideration of factors such as:

• Prior theological education

• English language ability of the student

• The student’s personal goals

• Goals or expectations of any sponsoring church body or organization

• Financial resources available to the student

• The length of time the student may have to study at Eden

As the Recruitment and Admissions Committee weighs all factors regarding an international student’s application, it may recommend to the international student a degree program other than the one for which the student has applied.
International students are admitted only in the fall semester.

Deadline for application is November 15 for the following fall semester.

Certificate of Recognition
International students who will only be able to study at Eden for one academic year will be considered for admission using the criteria of the MTS degree program. They will be designated a Master of Theological Studies Special Student. At the completion of one academic year of study in which they complete a minimum of eighteen hours, they will be awarded a Certificate of Recognition.

For more information, please contact:

Office of Admissions
Eden Theological Seminary
475 East Lockwood Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63119

Phone: 314-918-2628
Fax: 314-918-2640
Toll-Free: 877-627-5652
e-mail: sdelong@eden.edu