International Applicants 

Saint Athanasius and Saint Cyril Coptic Orthodox Theological School welcomes graduate students from around the world. Here are the requirements to consider during the admissions process. Please note that we do not process or sponsor student visas.

Step One: Submitting your International Transcripts

Those students who have earned their qualifying degree(s) from an institution outside of the United States must apply as an international student to ACTS. International students must arrange to first have their transcripts evaluated using a transcript evaluation service. 

We recommend applicants use Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) which provides ACTS with basic proof of degree-level graduation. After submitting ALL documents, application, and fees to ACEI, ACTS will receive an evaluation at least 7 business days thereafter. 

One can request their basic degree level evaluation via this online form, here. Please note that, if an applicant is interested in having their international transcripts evaluated for transfer credit, they must have a course-by-course evaluation conducted.

Applicants who need their transcripts evaluated are eligible for a waiver of the ACTS application fee. 

Step Two: English Language Proficiency Exam Requirement

If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate English proficiency for participation in English-language graduate education through one of the following means:

1.     Submission of official transcripts demonstrating completion of an earned degree from an appropriately accredited institution where English is the principal language of instruction;

2.     A minimum total score of 60 on the paper-delivered Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 71 on the Internet Based Test (iBT) (ACTS’ institution code is C362);

3.     6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS);

4.     50 on the Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report;

5.     100 on the Duolingo English Test;

6.     55 on the 4-skill Michigan English Test (MET), or 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE), or 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE);

7.     A minimum score on the College Board Accuplacer ESL Exam Series as follows:

• ESL Language Use: Score of 85

• ESL Listening: Score of 80

• ESL Reading: Score of 85

• ESL Sentence Meaning: Score of 90

• ESL Writeplacer: Score of 4

• Comprehensive Score for all exams of 350;

8.     A minimum grade of Pre-1 on the Eiken English Proficiency Exam;

9.     A minimum B-2 English proficiency level identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) standards and assessed through various ESOL examinations, including the University of Cambridge;

10.  A transcript indicating completion of at least 30 semester credit hours with an average grade of “C” or higher at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or accepted foreign equivalent that is listed in the International Handbook of Universities where the language of instruction was English. An average grade of B or higher is required for the master’s degree, first professional degree, or professional doctoral degree