LTSP is authorized by federal law to enroll non-immigrant international students. Normally, international students are admitted to our graduate programs (STM, PhD and DMin). International applicants are encouraged to take advantage of theological education in their home countries or geographical regions before seeking additional education at LTSP. International students currently engaged in first-professional theological degree are, however, welcome to apply for a year of study at LTSP as special students. Applicants from overseas must meet the general requirements for admission to any of the LTSP programs. In addition, they must meet the following requirements.

1. Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless this requirement is waived by the admission committee.
2. Applicants must provide necessary financial certification of their ability to meet the cost of their round-trip travel, tuition, housing and personal expenses. LTSP is required by the federal law to issue the I-20 (for F-1 visa), necessary to enter the United States, only to those who provide this financial guarantee.
3. A letter of endorsement/recommendation from the applicants’ home church issued by the head of the church, a competent ecclesiastical authority, or religious institution.

Financial Aid/Scholarships for International Students

LTSP encourages international students to seek financial sponsorship through their respective churches or institutions. LTSP normally does not provide scholarships to international students other than those officially sponsored by their churches through the Scholarship Program of the ELCA/Lutheran World Federation/World Council of Churches.