Biola University offers admission to international students in the terms of fall and spring. With an acceptance rate of 70%, the university manifests a lightly competitive admission policy. The 9 schools of the nationally-ranked Christian institution offers admission to over 150 programs at Biola University.

The application fee for undergraduate programs at Biola University is 45 USD (~3,300 INR) and for graduate programs is 65 USD (~4,800 INR). The university admits students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (~83-86%). Students taking admission to Biola University have an average SAT score of 1080-1310 and ACT score of 21-28. Students applying to the graduate programs have an optional GRE or GMAT score requirement.

Highlights

Application Portal Online
Application Fee 45 USD for undergraduate(non-refundable)
65 USD for graduate(non-refundable)
Acceptance Rate 70%
Average SAT score 1180
Average ACT score 19
Mode of payment Online payment/money order
Academic calendar Semester based
Intake sessions Fall/Spring
Work experience Required for graduate students
Financial aid Students scholarships, loans and grants available
International Admissions UG: International Freshmen
PG: grad.international@biola.edu

Biola University Admission Deadlines

The university offers admission to international students in the fall and spring semesters. Following are the admission deadlines for International students
Term/Semester Deadlines for Undergraduate Programs Deadlines for Graduate Programs
Fall Early Action 1: November 15 June 1
Early Action 2: January 15
Regular Decision: Variable
Spring October 15 October 1

Biola University International Student Admissions

The application process for international students is somewhat different from that of domestic students. In addition to the minimum requirements needed for the domestic students, they are needed to submit some extra documents.

Application requirements

Applicants have to submit the following documents:

  • Completed application form
  • Number of essays
  • All the official high school and college transcripts issued within the time mentioned by the University
  • All International transcripts need U.S. grade equivalencies (GPA on a 4.0 scale). 
    • If an applicant's transcripts do not show U.S. grade equivalencies, he/she must have them evaluated by the credential evaluation agency.
  • Different standardized scores.
  • The applicants whose first language is not English have to submit English proficiency which is TOEFL/IELTS scores.
  • Verification of financial support.
  • Copy of passport.

International students are welcomed to apply for admissions given that they are believers in the Christian faith. In addition, they have to have completed their secondary and post-secondary education from their respective education board and met the minimum required grade point equivalency, verified financial support for the calendar year, provided all the required academic records before the respective deadlines of their desired course. 

English Proficiency Test Requirements

Biola University admission requires excellent scores in English proficiency tests from international applicants. The required scores are listed below: 
Tests Required Scores
TOEFL iBT 26
IELTS 7.5
Duolingo 120

Visa Process for International Students

Admitted international applicants need to obtain a US student visa to be able to study at Biola. The following documents should be submitted for the issuance of I-20 form:

  • Copy of passport valid for at least six months after the commencement of the program at university.
  • Dependents(if any) must also provide valid copies of passport.
  • Affidavit of support.
  • Verified bank statement.
  • After these documents are verified, an I-20 visa document will be generated.
  • Students have to check and sign their I-20 form and pay the SEVIS fee.
    • It can be paid via online6 or by check/money order.

After this, the student has to apply for an F-1 visa and pay the required visa fee. After that, the student will be asked for an interview at the nearest U.S embassy. Students have to bring the following documents along with them:

  • Proof of permanent residency
  • A valid passport
  • Form I-20
  • Affidavit of Support
  • Proof of financial ability to support yourself (bank statements)
  • A copy of your TOEFL/IELTS test scores

After passing the interview, the student will be issued a student visa for his future study.

Biola University Undergraduate Admissions

Biola University offers a large number of programs through its undergraduate program. Most popular programs include Accounting, Biblical and Theological Studies, Business Administration, Cinema and Media Arts, and Computer Science. Students are required to submit an essay along with all the official transcripts from their previous schools attended.

Application Portal: Online portal 

Application Fee: Non-refundable 45 USD (~3,300 INR)

Admission Requirements:

  • Applicants have to be believers in Christian faith.
  • The applicants must have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA in high school.
  • The applicant should have a 26 reading test score on the new SAT pattern
  • ACT score of 19 to be considered for admission

Biola University Graduate Admissions

International students can choose among on-campus and online graduate programs at Biola University. The university provides various graduate programs through its 7 graduate schools.

Application Portal: Online Application

Application Fee: Non-refundable 65 USD (~4,800 INR)

Admission requirements: Following are the general requirements for the graduate programs at Biola University:

  • Transcripts sent directly from the institution or through electronic medium or physically.  
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%).
  • A competitive GRE score is required if the GPA is less than 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 (89-90%). 
  • Verified bank statements.
  • Valid visa.
  • LOR.
  • Resume/ CV.
  • Evidence of financial support.
  • Proof of English proficiency.

Here are specific academic requirements for some of the popular graduate programs at Biola University:

Admission requirements Transcripts Graduate Admission Tests Essay Resume/ CV Additional Requirements
MBA Required Optional GMAT or GRE Required Required 3 years of relevant professional experience
MA in Education Required Not required Required Required Work experience
MS in Special Education Required Not required Required Required Not required
MA in Teaching Required Not required Required Required Not required
MA in Applied Linguistics Required Not required Required Required Not required

Most of the courses at Biola University are designed for on-campus although the online facility is also available in the most popular courses. A student has to keep in touch with the University website after applying for admission. As the acceptance rate is not that significantly high so the applicants are requested to apply as early as possible although University follows the rolling application model.

If the application form gets accepted, the applicant will receive the admission form. Upon receiving the admission letter, they should do all visa related work in a hurry.

The international students may contact the following for any admission related query