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International Students

A Global Center of Excellence for Ministry and Mission

At Wesley Theological Seminary, international students are at the heart of our global vision for the Church. As a diverse and dynamic learning community, Wesley DC serves as a hub where students from Seoul, Harare, Kingston, and beyond engage in rigorous theological education shaped by global perspectives.

Here, international students are empowered to lead with excellence—whether in pastoral ministry, prophetic witness, or cross-cultural mission. Through deep spiritual formation, contextual learning, and rich intercultural exchange, you’ll be equipped to serve your community and the wider world with wisdom, compassion, and theological insight.

Wesley DC is more than a seminary—it’s a launchpad for global Christian leadership.

사역과 선교를 위한 글로벌 탁월성 센터

웨슬리 신학교에서 유학생들은 교회를 향한 우리의 글로벌 비전의 핵심입니다. 다양하고 역동적인 학습 공동체인 웨슬리 DC는 서울, 하라레, 킹스턴 등 세계 각국의 학생들이 세계적인 관점을 바탕으로 한 엄격한 신학 교육에 참여하는 중심지 역할을 합니다.

이곳에서 유학생들은 목회 사역, 예언적 증거, 타문화 선교 등 어떤 분야에서든 탁월하게 리더십을 발휘할 수 있는 역량을 갖추게 됩니다. 깊은 영적 형성, 상황에 맞는 학습, 그리고 풍부한 문화 간 교류를 통해 여러분은 지혜, 연민, 그리고 신학적 통찰력으로 지역 사회와 더 넓은 세상을 섬길 수 있도록 준비될 것입니다.

웨슬리 DC는 단순한 신학교가 아니라, 세계적인 기독교 리더십을 위한 도약대입니다.

Contact Us

Dr. Kyunglim Shin Lee, VP of International Relations
kshinlee@wesleyseminary.edu

Office of International Student Services

Welcome to Wesley Theological Seminary’s Office of International Student Services

Discover a world of theological education at Wesley Theological Seminary, where diversity enriches our community and enhances your journey. Our Office of International Student Services is dedicated to supporting students from every corner of the globe, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural richness and theological exploration.

Whether you’re joining us from Seoul, Harare, Kingston, or beyond, our team is here to ensure your smooth transition and success. From immigration guidance to cultural integration programs, we provide comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs.

Embrace the global experience at Wesley Theological Seminary, where your journey becomes part of a vibrant tapestry of faith, learning, and fellowship. Explore, learn, and grow with us as you prepare for impactful ministry in a multicultural world.

Your Global Journey Begins Here

국제학생지원처

웨슬리신학대학 국제학생지원처에 오신 것을 환영합니다.

다양성이 공동체를 풍요롭게 하고 여러분의 여정을 더욱 풍요롭게 하는 웨슬리신학대학에서 신학 교육의 세계를 경험해 보세요. 저희 국제학생지원처는 전 세계 각지에서 온 학생들을 지원하고, 문화적 풍요로움과 신학 탐구를 장려하는 포용적인 환경을 조성하는 데 전념하고 있습니다.

서울, 하라레, 킹스턴 또는 그 외 지역에서 저희 팀에 합류하시든, 저희 팀은 여러분의 순조로운 적응과 성공을 위해 최선을 다합니다. 이민 안내부터 문화 통합 프로그램까지, 여러분의 고유한 필요에 맞춘 포괄적인 지원을 제공합니다.

웨슬리신학대학에서 글로벌 경험을 만끽하세요. 여러분의 여정은 신앙, 학습, 그리고 교제의 활기찬 한 폭의 일부가 될 것입니다. 다문화 사회에서 영향력 있는 사역을 준비하며 저희와 함께 탐구하고 배우고 성장하세요.

글로벌 여정이 바로 여기서 시작됩니다.

Contact Us

Karen Santiago, Director of International Student Services
ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu

Admissions for International Students

Yes. If English is not your first language, you must submit official scores from one of the following:

TOEFL (www.toefl.org – Wesley code: 5899)

  • Paper-based: 550
  • Computer-based: 213
  • Internet-based: 80


IELTS (www.ielts.org)

  • Minimum score: 6.5


Duolingo English Test (englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants)

  • Minimum score: 110
  • This online test includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample. Results are typically available within 48 hours.


Note: If you have earned a previous academic degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, you may request a waiver of the language proficiency requirement. Please contact the Admissions Office for details.

The required documents vary slightly by program. Below is an overview of the materials needed for Master’s degree applicants. For Doctor of Ministry applicants, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@wesleyseminary.edu for a separate list of requirements.

Application Materials for Master’s Degree Programs:

  1. Application Form
    1. Submit a completed online application and pay the $60 USD non-refundable application fee.
  2. Official Transcripts
    1. Submit transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
    2. If your transcripts are from outside the U.S., you may need to have them evaluated by World Education Services (WES) at www.wes.org.
    3. Transcripts must be sent directly to:
      Wesley Theological Seminary
      Office of Admissions
      Attn: Transcripts
      4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
      Washington, DC 20016
    4. E-transcripts may be sent to: admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
  3. English Proficiency Scores (see details above)
  4. Personal Statement
    1. A 500-word essay discussing:
      1. Key people and events that shaped your personal and faith journey
      2. Your vocational call and professional goals
      3. Why you want to study at Wesley DC
  5. Recommendations
    1. Enter the names and emails of your four recommenders in the online application. They will receive an email with the recommendation form.
    2. Requirements vary by program:
      1. M.Div. and M.A.: Recommenders include a pastor or minister, denominational administrator, professor/employer, and a layperson.
      2. M.T.S.: Two professors/employers and two laypersons.
  6. Statement of Intent to Return Home
    1. A brief written statement outlining your plans to return to your home country after completing your studies.

Yes, if your transcripts are from an institution outside the United States.
You must demonstrate that your academic preparation is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. In most cases, this requires an evaluation by World Education Services (WES). Visit www.wes.org for instructions and fees.

This evaluation must be completed before your application can be reviewed. Contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about this requirement.

Financial Aid and Work Opportunities for International Students

International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, awarded based on academic excellence and demonstrated potential for ministerial leadership. In some cases, need-based grants may also be considered. Please note that funding is limited and not all applicants will receive financial aid.

Once your financial aid is credited to your Wesley student account and all tuition and fees are covered, any remaining balance will be refunded to you via check from the Business Office.

Yes — with restrictions.
International students (F-1 visa holders) are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week, though most positions at Wesley offer approximately 10 hours per week. A limited number of student worker positions (paid on-campus jobs) are available for international students. Wages earned are credited to the student’s account at the end of the semester.

Important:
During your first year of study, U.S. immigration regulations prohibit off-campus employment, including paid or compensated work at churches. Compensation includes salary, stipends, housing, book allowances, or transportation reimbursements.

F-2 dependents (spouses and children) are not allowed to work during their stay in the U.S.

After completing your first year, you may be eligible for off-campus work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), if certain conditions are met. For more information, consult Wesley’s Director of International Students.

The cost of attendance can vary depending on your marital and family status. To get a detailed overview, please refer to the 2025–2026 International Student Cost of Attendance.

Doctor of Ministry for International Students

Wesley DC is proud to welcome international students into all Doctor of Ministry tracks. We also offer specialized options designed with global perspectives in mind, such as Spiritual Leadership for the Global Church: the Asian Track and programs in partnership with Wesley House, Cambridge.

Immigration Information for International Students

Most international students pursuing a master’s degree at Wesley enroll under an F-1 student visa. If you currently hold a different visa type and wish to study at Wesley DC, please contact the Admissions Office to discuss your eligibility.

To begin the F-1 visa application process, you must first:

  1. Be admitted to Wesley Theological Seminary as a degree-seeking student.
  2. Provide proof of full financial support for one year of study (including tuition, fees, living expenses, and other personal costs).

Once these conditions are met, Wesley DC will issue you an official Form I-20. With the I-20, you will:

  • Pay the SEVIS immigration fee
  • Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country
  • Present your I-20 and supporting documents during the interview


Important Deadline: All I-20 request forms and supporting financial documentation must be submitted to the Admissions Office no later than May 1.

You may submit one or more of the following:

  • Official bank statement
    A current statement (dated within the last three months) showing sufficient funds to cover one full year of educational and living expenses. The document must be stamped and signed by a bank official.
  • Affidavit of Support (from a sponsor)
    A signed statement from your sponsor (along with their bank statement) indicating how much financial support they will provide.
    • If your sponsor is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, they must also submit Form I-134 with valid financial documentation.
  • Scholarship award letter
    A letter from a sponsoring organization or church stating the amount, duration, and conditions of your scholarship.
    • If you are awarded a scholarship from Wesley, you will receive an official letter from the seminary confirming the details.

Download the F-1 Student Request for I-20 Form and submit it along with your financial documentation to the Admissions Office.

For questions or assistance, please contact:
admissions@wesleyseminary.edu
202-885-8659

In accordance with District of Columbia law, all students under the age of 26—regardless of their program of study—must provide proof of immunization.

Before arriving on campus, please:

  1. Download the Immunization Form
  2. Have it completed and signed by your physician
  3. Submit the completed form to the Office of Community Life and Housing


If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Community Life and Housing at communitylife@wesleyseminary.edu.

Housing Information for International Students

  • Spring semester: Apply between September 15 and November 20
  • Fall semester: Apply between February 20 and May 1

Wesley Theological Seminary offers a variety of housing choices—from commuter dorm-style rooms for students who stay a few nights a week to apartment-style units designed for students with families. For detailed descriptions and to help you find the best fit, please visit our Housing Webpage.

Applications for both permanent and commuter housing are available on the housing webpage. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Please note that on-campus housing is limited and availability is not guaranteed.

For information on housing costs and to help you plan your overall living expenses, please visit the Financial Aid – Cost of Attendance page on the Wesley Theological Seminary website.