International applicants who are Lutheran are advised and encouraged to apply for an ELCA International Scholarship through their national (home) church body to ELCA Global Mission. For example, if an applicant is a member of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania he/she should apply through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) following the ELCT's procedures for scholarship. The application must be submitted by October 15 the year before a student intends to enroll.

The complete application to the ELCA Global Mission can also serve as an application for admission to Luther Seminary.

Students of other traditions, and those who do not need financial aid, can apply directly to Luther Seminary through the Office of International Student Services. 

Application Steps

The application procedures and deadlines for international students are different than those for US Citizens.

International application deadlines for most degree programs are April 30 for Fall enrollment and October 31 for J-Term or Spring enrollment.  For Ph.D. students, the deadline is January 1.

You may apply online or download the International Student Application and application supplement (both in PDF format).

Requirements for those applying directly to Luther include:

• Completion of the application form:
  Apply online or download the International Student Application
• Official academic transcripts from institutions where you have studied.
• Complete the application supplement (PDF) which includes:
  • A church endorsement form
  • A certificate of health, to be completed by a doctor
  • Four recommendation forms, two from teachers and two personal recommendations
• Required TOEFL scores:
  • M.A./M.Div./M.S.M. - TOEFL score of 70
  • M.Th./D.Min. - TOEFL score of 80
  • Ph.D. - TOEFL score of 89 (or GRE score if TOEFL is exempt)
  • Our TOEFL institution code number is 6377.
• A brief 2-5 page narrative description of your history, training, experiences and special interests.  This could also include the events or persons that have influenced you and a brief statement of your Christian faith.  Include your past, present and future goals.
• Students applying to the Ph.D., M.Th. or D.Min. programs should also print out and submit the appropriate application for these degree programs. These forms should be sent directly to the Office of International Student Services. The recommendation forms required for these degree programs are acceptable in lieu of the four recommendation forms indicated for M.A./M.Div./M.S.M. students.

While the seminary offers financial assistance to those international students who do not apply through the ELCA Global Mission, such assistance is provided after we have met our commitment with the ELCA. Financial aid application forms must be received by the Office of International Student Services by December 31st prior to the year the scholarship is needed. Download a Luther Seminary international student financial aid application form.