Canadian students
Thank you for your interest in learning more about our seminary community. For those who are called toward a deeper commitment to participating in God’s mission on earth, 911±¬ÁÏÍø is a wonderful place for academic and spiritual growth.
Benefits for Canadians
- Canadian students pay tuition at par.
- Canadian students are able to transfer approved graduate-level courses to AMBS from accredited schools, so they can begin a graduate program in Canada and transfer those credits to complete their degree at AMBS. (AMBS is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in both Canada and the U.S.)
- A collaborative arrangement between AMBS and Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario, allows Canadian students to complete a Master of Theological Studies at Grebel/University of Waterloo and then apply eligible course credits toward a Master of Divinity at AMBS.
- Students not enrolled in a graduate program or admitted to AMBS receive a 50% tuition discount off regular tuition rates for their first three credit hours.
Canadian tuition discount
Current students in a graduate program at or receive a 50% tuition discount on all AMBS courses.
Steps toward application and beyond
On this page, you’ll find the steps we’ll take together as you move from the application process to provisional admission, to unconditional admission, and finally, to joining us on campus in Elkhart, Indiana.
The Admissions Team and Registrar will point you back to this page as we converse so that you know where you are in the process. The timeline listed alongside these steps is optimal; if you have questions, don’t hesitate to .
I. Application process (Semester One)
Step 1. Determine if you are eligible to study at AMBS and begin to consider sources of funding (savings, supporters, etc.)
We will evaluate applicants from outside of the U.S. and Canada using several factors, including:
- Are you (the student) currently involved in a church ministry in your own country?
- Can you (the student) provide evidence of adequate knowledge of the English language?
- Do you (the student) have adequate qualifications to pursue graduate-level studies, including a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale?
- Do you (the student) have adequate funds to live and study in the United States? (Scholarship funds are limited and students must be able to provide some of their own support while studying at AMBS.)
Estimated annual expenses (not including financial aid)
(For Canadian/international students only; not including spouse and/or children)
In subsequent years, fees are likely to change; some will increase, some may be reduced.
Total costs each year will be comparable.
First year | |
Tuition and fees (based on 26 credit hours in 2024–25) | $15,886 |
Books and supplies | $1,092 |
Living expenses | $9,600 |
Other fees | $1,550 |
Total | $28,128 |
Canadian students: Find out more about financial aid specifically for you, including a tuition discount for students at Conrad Grebel University College and Canadian Mennonite University and regional church aid.
*Additionally, Canadian and international students receive preferential hiring for on-campus employment.
Step 2. Send your application materials to the Admissions Team.
Once you’ve submitted all your application material, we’ll compile them and confirm with you when your application is complete.
Application: Please complete the online application for Canadian students.
References: AMBS requires three references: pastoral, academic and colleague. You’ll need to supply your references’ email addresses, and we will send them the form directly. (If you completed your most recent education more than 10 years ago, you may choose to supply an employer reference in lieu of an academic reference.) References from family members are not accepted.
Fees
- Application fee: $50 USD: nonrefundable; required with the application
- SEVIS fee: $350 USD: payable to AMBS for an F-1 student status visa (For Canadian students, this fee is covered by a special fund.)
Total fees: $50 USD: nonrefundable, payable to AMBS (Canadian applicants)
Transcripts: Request an official transcript from each academic institution you have attended after high school. Transcripts are official when the originals are sent directly from the institution in a sealed envelope. Faxed or emailed transcripts cannot be accepted. Applicants may be asked to submit their education credentials to World Education Services (WES) for verification.
Passport scans: Scan the first page of the passport for the applicant and any family members who will accompany the applicant when coming to AMBS.
English-language score reports: Students coming from non-English-speaking countries are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum score for admittance to AMBS is 90 on the internet-based TOEFL test or 7.0 on the IELTS.
Step 3. When your file is complete, the Admissions Committee will review it and decide whether to admit you.
If the committee decides to admit you, you’ll then need to demonstrate your ability to cover the cost of attendance through support, savings, scholarships, etc. (see the following steps).
II. Admission
Step 4. If you’re admitted, you’ll need to fill out more forms
The Admissions Team will share information about health insurance requirements with you at this point. You will also need to fill out the following forms:
- Housing Application
- Financial Aid Application
- Scholarship Application
- Enrollment Intent form (link to be sent to the student following admission)
Step 5. Your financial aid award amount is determined and communicated to you.
The Financial Aid Manager and Enrollment Coordinator will send you your cost of attendance figure so that you have a fundraising target. The figure is displayed in a worksheet that comes with the Certification of Funds form.
Step 6. At this point, you raise funds and demonstrate your intention to study at AMBS
Complete the Certification of Funds worksheet and the Enrollment Intent form, and gather supporting documentation: official bank statements and letters of support from funding sources. This documentation, along with at least 25 percent of any pledged funds from each sponsor, needs to be submitted to the Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid at AMBS by June 1 at the very latest. Sponsors may choose to send funds via wire transfer or by check. Canadian students may also use the . If AMBS receives 100 percent of all pledged funds, you do not need to supply any of the supporting documentation, and this may also assist you in obtaining a student visa. If a student visa is not granted for any reason, any funds received by AMBS will be returned to the sponsor(s). (by June 1)
Step 7.
Once all funds are documented properly and meet or exceed the cost of attendance, AMBS’s director of enrollment and financial aid will send you and the AMBS registrar an official Cost of Attendance letter showing that you have sufficient funding and its source. (June/July)
Once all funds are documented properly and meet or exceed the cost of attendance, AMBS’s director of enrollment and financial aid will send you and the AMBS registrar an official Cost of Attendance letter showing that you have sufficient funding and its source. (June/July)
III. Visa application
Step 8.
The AMBS Registrar will now fill out visa paperwork for you based on everything that has been received, and mail needed documents to you after verifying your mailing address. International students (from outside the U.S. or Canada) will be billed for a $350 SEVIS fee at this point. (June)
Step 9.
Once you receive these documents in the mail, you should schedule an interview to request a visa at a local consulate or embassy. Canadian students may omit this step. (June/July)
Step 10.
When the visa is granted, you should secure transportation and share your travel plans with AMBS. You should also make sure housing is finalized. (June/July)
Step 11.
As soon as possible after arrival on campus, you should check in with the Registrar so that you can be registered with SEVIS. The registrar will make copies of your visa and stamped I-20, print an I-94 document from the federal database, and tell you how to remain in good standing with SEVIS. (August)