International Students
Are you an International Student?
We are honored that you are considering moving to the United States to study at RTS. Here you can find more information concerning the application process as an international student. Our admissions team looks forward to helping you on this journey. We have five campuses that accept International Students. Please feel to reach out to the Director of Admissions at the campus you are interested in.
There are FIVE steps to complete as an international student.
- Complete the RTS Online Application and its requirements
- Complete and return the International Student Supplement (ISS) and supporting documents
- Admittance and Financial Aid
- Visa application
- Moving and Transition
The application process for an international student can take longer than a traditional U.S. student. To ensure you arrive before the semester you hope to start studying, we recommend beginning your application process 6-12 months before your start date.
Requirements
To study in the United States as an international student, you must first receive an F-1 Visa. There are some requirements and limitations for this type of visa. For example,
- International Students are legally required to be FULL-TIME students (12 credit hours per fall and spring semesters).
- A minimum 4-year completed undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.6 GPA is a prerequisite to admission. The transcript must be translated and converted to a 4.0 GPA scale by an approved agency.
- The U.S. Government requires proof of finances and financial support in the amount covering both your tuition and living expenses. The International Student Supplement will explain in more detail how to provide this proof of finances.
- English Proficiency Exam as noted below.
- While studying, an F-1 student may not work except on campus or through curricular practical training (CPT). Your DSO will provide guidance on student work or CPT.
All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. RTS accepts the following exams: the “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Duolingo English Test (DET).
The charts below provide the minimum scores required in each category for each exam to satisfy
English competency for RTS admissions purposes for the indicated degree programs:
MDiv, MABS, MATS, MAR, MACC
| Subsection | TOEFL* | IELTS | DET |
| Speaking | 4 | 6.5 | 125 |
| Writing | 4 | 6 | 125 |
| Reading | 4 | 6.5 | 125 |
| Listening | 4 | 6.5 | 120 |
| Overall | 4.5 | 6.5 | 125 |
MAC, DMin, Thm
| Subsection | TOEFL* | IELTS | DET |
| Speaking | 5 | 7.5 | 145 |
| Writing | 5 | 7 | 145 |
| Reading | 5 | 7 | 130 |
| Listening | 5 | 7 | 130 |
| Overall | 5.5 | 7 | 135 |
*Students taking the TOEFL before January 21, 2026, must meet the following requirements. The Master of Arts and Master of Divinity programs require no less than 84 and a minimum of 21 in each category for the TOEFL iBT test. The Master of Arts in Counseling and the Doctor of Ministry require no less than 100 and a minimum of 25 in each category for the TOEFL iBT test.
Application Supplement
In addition to the online application, International Students are required to complete the International Student Supplement (ISS).
This International Student Supplement is required by RTS and the United States Government to be issued the legal documents you need to study in the USA (I-20 and F1). This document explains the International Student requirements including English language skills, financial support, and education background. Please read the instructions and requirements carefully.
Please download the ISS form, complete it, and email it to your enrollment counselor along with all supporting documents needed.
Financial Aid
Once a student is admitted to RTS, they may begin the process of applying for financial aid. New students planning to enroll in the summer or fall must apply for financial aid by June 1 (November 1 for winter/spring entrants). Please consider this in your application timeline.
The financing of an RTS degree is, above all, a trusting in and a reliance on God’s provision. Students finance their studies through their personal resources, the support of their home church, family and friends, and through RTS financial aid.
Please follow the link to the Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of scholarships and grants RTS offers, the financial aid brochure, as well as the financial aid application.