Candler’s international community includes students, faculty, visiting professors and lecturers representing over a dozen countries, and we have educational exchanges with more than 20 theological schools around the world.
Students and faculty from Candler participating in these exchanges spend time in the classroom, but also have the opportunity to experience the local church and community practices. In turn, visiting faculty and students at Candler participate fully in academic and spiritual life.
By sharing their unique cultural and theological perspectives, our students, faculty and exchange participants are better equipped to face the challenges of religious communities that, whether at home or abroad, reflect an increasingly diverse world and local/global dynamic.
Note: Students are considered international if they are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Admissions Requirements for International Applicants
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of the application process. The minimum score is 600 (Paper-Based Total), or 250 (Computer-Based Test), or 95 (Internet-Based Total) with a minimum score of 21 or higher in each of the four sub-areas. Candler’s TOEFL Institution Code is 5455 and the Department Number is 01. Applicants should use this code when requesting TOEFL scores be submitted to Candler.
Note: DO NOT use the Emory University code 5187 when requesting scores to be sent to Candler; we will not receive those scores!
If you have earned a degree in the United States, you may request to have the TOEFL requirement waived. You may email this request to Candler’s Office of Admissions at candleradmissions@emory.edu. Please note that the Admissions Committee will not make a decision to waive the TOEFL requirement until your application is complete and ready for submission.
All students for whom English is not the first language, regardless of TOEFL score or TOEFL waiver, will be required to participate in a written assessment before Candler’s fall orientation. Those whose assessments indicate a need for additional work in written communication will be required to take TESL 300, English as a Second Language—Written Skills, in the fall semester. An oral assessment also will be required.
Those whose assessments indicate a need for additional work in oral communication will be required to take TESL301, English as a Second Language—Oral Skills, in the spring semester. Although offered for credit, TESL courses are graded on an S/U basis and do not count toward curriculum requirements for graduation.
Please review other admissions requirements by degree.
All applicants are encouraged to read the instructions and review the application deadlines prior to starting and submitting an application. All parts of the application including the autobiographical statement, resume, academic writing sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation and TOEFL score will be considered in the decision-making process. To begin your application, first create an account and provide a valid email address. After creating your account, you will receive an email with your username and password.
More Information for International Students
Financial Aid
A limited number of scholarships are available for students who are citizens of countries outside the United States. Scholarships range from $5,000 to full tuition. Review is based on materials submitted for admission to the degree program. No separate application is required.
Financial Certificate and Visa Information
Upon admission and before the visa process can begin, international students must certify that they have funds to cover their expenses while attending Candler. This includes students who have been awarded fellowships, scholarships, or other financial support from Emory University.
Once you have accepted our offer of admission and paid the full deposit, International Student and Scholar Service (ISSS) office will contact you with Emory’s immigration sponsorship for your F-1 or J-1 student visa. You will receive an email from ISSS with detailed instructions of I-20 or DS-2019 request. Financial documentation will be required to complete the New Student I-20 Request e-form (this e-form will be included in ISSS email and can be accessed through ISSS link). You can also visit ISSS website for detailed financial documentation requirements.
Documentation can include scholarships, personal or family savings, or sponsorships. Documentation of additional financial support is required for spouses and/or children who plan to accompany the student on dependent visas. You are not required to submit this information when applying for admission.
Financial documentation must be approved by Candler’s associate dean of admissions and financial aid and by the university’s International Student and Scholars Services Office (ISSS) no later than July 1 (Fall) or December 1 (Spring) in order for the I-20 (for degree students seeking the F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for exchange students seeking the J-1 visa) to be processed in time for fall admission.
Emory’s ISSS Office will assist in guiding you through this process and answering your questions.
Transfer Students
If you are currently attending another U.S. institution in F-1 or J-1 status, your current institution will need to transfer your SEVIS immigration record to Emory after determining whether you are eligible for a SEVIS transfer. For details regarding I-20 or DS-2019 transfer process, please refer to the ISSS website.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all students at Emory University. Students must either purchase the Emory University Student Health Insurance Plan or provide documentation of enrollment in a comparable United States domiciled health insurance plan.
If you do not waive the Emory plan by the deadline listed on OPUS, you will be automatically enrolled in the Emory plan. The charge will be placed on your student account, and you will be billed for this expense.
Please be aware that the Emory plan meets, and in most cases exceeds, the required coverage minimums.
Housing for Candler International Students
While Emory University and Candler School of Theology do not provide housing for graduate and professional school students, we have a variety of resources to help you find accommodations while you are at Candler and a resident of Atlanta.
International Student Life
Candler offers many avenues for international students to meet one another and thrive on campus and in Atlanta. The Candler International Student Association (CISA), in particular, serves as a welcoming "home away from home" for students, offering guidance, information and opportunities to enhance your social, academic and lifestyle experience at Candler.