International Applicants to Biola

An international student is one who will be attending a college or university in America without residency or citizenship, typically on an F-1 visa. To apply to Biola as an international student, follow the steps below.

Scroll down for more information on TOEFL scores or transferring international units.

U.S. citizens living abroad should follow the application guidelines for First-Time College Students or Transfer Students.

International Steps to Apply

1. Complete and submit your official application for admission. Every advantage goes to the early applicant, and late applications are charged a non-refundable $55 application fee.

2. Submit a non-refundable $45 application fee to Biola University.* If applying online, you may submit the fee by credit card. Otherwise, please send a check or money order with the student's name on the check to the address below.

3. Submit an official transcript from each secondary and post-secondary school attended, current through the time of application. Transcripts must arrive with a certified English translation documenting your coursework, examinations taken, grades received, passing and maximum marks, and evidence of secondary school graduation. Transcripts will be considered official only when sent directly from the institution to Biola via the address below.

4. Submit your scores from the TOEFL or SAT (Code 4017) or ACT (Code 0172).

5. Submit a reference form from a member of the pastoral staff of your church that supports your Christian testimony. In addition, you have the option to submit a reference from a high school teacher, counselor, or a college instructor that attests to your academic ability. Both references should be provided by persons outside of your own family and be sent to the address below.

6. Submit your completed affidavit of support.

* Biola will accept the College Board fee waiver or appropriate letter verifying family financial hardship.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

International students studying on an F-1 visa may submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) rather than the SAT or ACT. The necessary level of English proficiency for admission to Biola is demonstrated by a TOEFL score of at least 600 paper / 250 computer / 100 iBT.

Admission to Biola is based on the understanding that a student either already has a sufficient TOEFL score or is actively progressing toward this level of English proficiency. Applicants who do not have this score may still be admitted to Biola in one of two ways:

1. TOEFL scores between 500-599 paper / 173-249 computer / 64-99 iBT

   Students in this range are required to take the Biola English Placement Exam (BEPE). Students are assigned English courses in the English Language Studies Program (ELSP) based on their test results. Courses assigned may range from one semester part-time to three semesters full-time plus three semesters part-time of English as a Second Language (ESL).

2. TOEFL scores below 500 paper / 173 computer / 64 iBT

   Students in this range may still be admitted to Biola through the English Language Studies Program (ELSP). Contact ELSP for more information.

Transferring International Units

International applicants must have their college or university transcripts evaluated by a professional credential agency, such as the American Education Research Corporation. A 2.5 GPA is required for international transfer students.

Admission Requirements

• The student must be an evangelical believer in the Christian faith.
• The student must have at least a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA.

• The student must have one of the following:

  • 920 Critical Reading / Math score on the SAT
  • Composite 19 score on the ACT

  • 600 Paper / 250 Computer / 100 iBT score on the TOEFL

  Note: Students without a TOEFL score or a TOEFL score below 600 paper / 250 computer / 100 iBT may enter most Biola degree programs if they meet all other requirements for admission. More information on TOEFL scores

• The student must have graduated from secondary school or earned an equivalent degree (GED).

Application Deadlines

To qualify for an application deadline, all materials must be received in the Admissions Office by the appropriate deadline date. If a student qualifies for a specific application deadline, they will be notified of admission by the corresponding notification date.