What You Should Know Before Applying
In partnership with the Samford Global Office, we strive to support the academic, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all international students at Beeson.
Approved Degree Programs
Beeson is currently authorized to issue F-1 or J-1 visas to international students who are admitted to the MDiv, MATS and MACC degree programs. We are awaiting governmental approval to issue F-1 and J-1 visas to students admitted to the PhD and ThM degree programs.
Scholarships
Due to the generosity of donors, Beeson Divinity School has several scholarships for international students that cover up to 100% of tuition. Priority consideration is given to Master of Divinity applicants who submit the tier one scholarship essay in their application. International students who apply to other degree programs will also be considered for scholarships.
Residential Status
All international divinity students are required to live in Birmingham, Alabama. Samford does not currently have on-campus housing for graduate students, so international divinity students must live off-campus and procure their own transportation. Beeson has a list of housing recommendations for admitted students. Your admission counselor will discuss housing and transportation with you after you apply. Our tuition scholarships do not cover the costs of housing and transportation. Students may be considered for living stipends as funds are available. Consideration for stipends will be made after admission and scholarship decisions on a case-by-case basis
Financial Considerations
If admitted to Beeson, an international student will be required to pay a nonrefundable $200 deposit in order to enroll. Students will also be required to complete a financial form, a requirement of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), to receive an I-20. The form requires students to demonstrate proof of funds (in one or more bank accounts) totaling anywhere from $7,000 to $42,000. The total amount required is determined by scholarship awards, the costs of health insurance and the availability of housing and campus jobs. Therefore, we recommend assembling a team of friends, family and sponsors who can help provide the necessary additional funding before starting an application.
Application Process:
- An official course-by-course transcript of academic work that has been evaluated by World Educational Service from each college or university attended*
- An English Language Proficiency Test Score for anyone whose native language is not English.** These are the following acceptable tests and scores:
- TOEFL (iBT: 90 or above; computer: 232 or above; paper: 575 or above)
- IELTS: 6.5 or above
- Duolingo: 120 or above
*A WES evaluation is not required for degrees completed at U.S. institutions or at institutions with comparable standards to those of the United States. If you are unsure, please ask your admission counselor if a WES evaluation is required for your transcripts.
**TOEFL waivers for applicants whose native language is not English are granted on a case-by-case basis. Determination is based on the student's previous academic record, writing samples and interview.
Additional Application Information
Post-Admission Onboarding Information
Upon being admitted to Beeson Divinity School, you will receive an email requesting the financial documentation necessary for the Samford Global Office to issue an I-20 for you to apply for a visa in order to study at Samford University.
The Samford Global Office will review all required documentation, process immigration documents and contact you to set up a shipment for receiving documents and information on how to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa.
Getting Ready to Enter the US
- First-time F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must pay the SEVIS fee. Keep a copy of your receipt.
- Make your visa interview appointment with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a U.S. visa that will allow you to enter the United States. Here are some government resources to help you prepare for your visa interview.
Health Services
All new students will receive an email from Samford University Graduate Programs with instructions for providing your health information. Medical forms must be completed and submitted before arriving at Samford. When you arrive at Samford, the University Health Services office will administer a TB skin test and provide a record of immunization for you to upload to your application status page. Students should have a Tb test on file within two months of their arrival on campus.
Health Insurance
- Medical Expense (per Accident or Sickness) - $50,000
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment - $10,000
- Medical Evacuation - $50,000
- Repatriation/Return of Mortal Remains - $50,000
Arrival and Immigration Check-In
International students cannot arrive more than 30 days before the program start date as listed on the I- 20. The Samford Global Office wants to be the first to welcome and assist you when you arrive. ALL International students are advised to plan their travel so they can attend the mandatory Immigration Check-In Day. The Samford Global Office provides airport pick-up for all international students who arrive to the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) on the scheduled arrival days between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. In order to receive arrival services, students must complete the Immigration Check-In form located on the Application Status page. If you arrive after 8 p.m., you will need to arrange your own hotel arrangements and transportation for that evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I academically eligible to apply to Beeson Divinity School with a degree from an international institution?
Applicants from any country should have an accredited bachelor’s degree or its educational equivalent. International academic backgrounds are reviewed individually. If you are unsure whether your previous degree meets Beeson’s admission requirements, you can submit your transcripts for review before or during the application process.
Do international students need a World Educational Service (WES) evaluation of their transcripts?
Not always. A WES evaluation is not required for degrees from U.S. institutions or institutions with comparable standards. Applicants who are unsure should consult their admission counselor.
Do I need to take an English-language proficiency test?
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency, although waivers may be considered case by case based on an applicant’s academic history, writing samples and interview. If a waiver is granted but the admission committee needs further evidence of an applicant’s English proficiency, the student may be required to take a proficiency test later.
Are scholarships available to international students?
Yes. Beeson has several scholarships for international students that can cover as much as 100% of tuition. International MDiv applicants receive priority consideration for certain awards when they complete the applicable scholarship essay with their application.
When is the application deadline for international students?
Students applying to begin in a fall semester must apply by Feb. 1 of the same calendar year. Students applying to begin in a spring semester must apply by Sept. 1 of the previous calendar year.
Do you offer application fee waivers for international students?
Yes. We automatically waive the $35 application fee for all international applicants.
Can Beeson provide full funding for both tuition and living expenses?
Beeson may award full-tuition scholarships, and living stipends may sometimes be available. However, students should not assume that tuition scholarships and stipends will cover their entire cost of attendance.
How much money should an international student expect to need for living expenses?
Samford University’s annual estimated graduate cost of attendance is available online. Students who receive a full-tuition scholarship and a housing stipend should plan for approximately $1,000–$2,000 per month in living expenses. Students who do not receive a full-tuition scholarship and stipend should plan for more expenses per month.
Can students work on-campus jobs to help cover living expenses?
Yes. Many international students hold on-campus jobs while enrolled at Beeson. International students may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session; they may work more hours during university breaks. Federal regulations do not permit F-1 students to work off campus without special authorization. Students should plan to arrive in Birmingham and begin classes before seeking campus employment.
What is Form I-20, and what do I need to do to receive one?
The Form I-20 is an immigration document issued by the university to admitted international students. It is required to schedule a visa interview with a U.S. embassy and enter the U.S. To receive a Form I-20, students must demonstrate the financial resources sufficient to cover the cost of attendance for at least one academic year on a Financial Form.
How is the cost of attendance calculated on the Financial Form?
The cost of attendance on the Financial Form includes tuition, fees, housing and living expenses and miscellaneous costs for one academic year. These estimates are conservative university-established averages and cannot be adjusted for individual circumstances.
How much financial documentation will I be required to demonstrate on the Financial Form?
The total amount a student must document will vary depending on scholarship awards and housing stipends. Students receiving a full-tuition scholarship and housing stipend should generally plan to show access to at least $7,000 in personal or sponsor funds. Those receiving less institutional support may need to document up to approximately $42,000.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes! However, if students plan to bring F-2 dependents (spouse and children), the total amount of documentation needed for the Financial Form will increase by at least $6,000 per dependent. Additionally, the university’s cost of attendance estimate is for individual students without dependents.
What kinds of financial documents will I need for the Financial Form?
Evidence of financial support includes scholarship letters, sponsor letters, and recent bank statements. Once admitted to Beeson, the Immigration Specialist from the SamfordGlobal Office will help students better understand the immigration forms and the visa process.
