International Applicants

International applicants are required to submit scores from the TOEFL iBT or IELTS or to receive an English proficiency exam waiver from the Director of Admissions. A waiver will not be granted until after an applicant’s interviews. 

All applicants are encouraged to take an English proficiency exam. 

• Applicants must achieve at least 4 on each section of the iBT TOEFL taken after January 21, 2026 or at least 20 on each section of the TOEFL iBT taken prior to January 21, 2026 to be considered for admission.
• Scores from the paper-based TOEFL test will no longer be accepted. 
• Alternatively, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 8.0 in each section of the IELTS. 

Test information is available from Educational Testing Services at www.ets.org. Our institution code is 5805.

To contact the director of admissions about a TOEFL waiver, please email admissions@upsem.edu. 

Common reasons to request a TOEFL waiver include the following: 

• English is the applicant’s primary language
• the applicant has completed all their education in English
• the applicant completed a post-baccalaureate degree in English
• or the applicant is from a country where English is the official language. 

UPSem’s International Student office is responsible for assisting admitted students with obtaining the necessary documents for their visa and entry into the United States. Further information about visa requirements and procedures can be found on the U.S. government’s website, Study in the States

Admitted students must provide proof of sufficient funding in order to be approved for the U.S. Form I-20. Total expenses for 12 months for tuition, books, and living expenses for a single student living on campus are approximately $30,000 – $35,000, including approved health insurance. A deposit equal to 40% of first-year costs is also required.

Financial aid includes full tuition and International Living Expenses Grants. A majority of Union Presbyterian Seminary students receive some type of financial aid.

Financial Aid and International Students 

• International Students are eligible to be considered for full tuition aid scholarships of up to 100%.  
• International Living Expenses Grants: Students are eligible to apply for living expenses grants of up to $5000. This is a separate application that can be completed as soon as an applicant is admitted. 
• International students are encouraged to look for additional aid and resources beyond what is available from Union Presbyterian Seminary. 

Click here for more information on tuition, housing and living expenses.

Study in the States is a helpful U.S. government website with a wealth of information and resources for prospective students in the U.S.

Union Presbyterian Seminary does not discriminate among applicants to, or participants in, its degree programs on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, or physical disability.

• UPSem recommends international students not bring family members with them for the first year of study.