International Students
Multnomah Biblical Seminary welcomes men and women from around the world and encourages them to pursue their graduate studies here. Multnomah recognizes that some international students may need little help in adjusting to new surroundings, while others may have many questions. The registrar serves as the international student advisor. The dean of students also is available to assist students adjusting to American seminary life.
We offer on-campus single student and married student apartments so you can make Multnomah your "home away from home." In addition to the convenience of on-campus living, the graduate student apartments provide an opportunity for fellowship and growth in a supportive Christian environment. On-campus housing also is open to international students during semester breaks.
English Language Proficiency
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the college
need evidence that you have sufficient knowledge of English to allow you
to complete studies in the United States. Students coming from English speaking
countries are assumed to have this proficiency. Those from other countries
must arrange for an English proficiency test.
The school requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and requires these minimum scores for admission: paper-based total, 550; computer based total, 213: internet base, 79-80.
You can
receive information about and registration forms for taking this test at
an American Embassy or Consulate or an office of the United States Information
Service. If these offices are not located near you, you may check with www.toefl.org
or write:
TOEFL Program Director
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6154
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6154
USA
Please include Multnomah's school number: 4496.
Health Insurance
A medical benefit plan is required of all students, and coverage for spouse and children is highly recommended. An information brochure is available upon application for admission.
Financial Guarantee
For the 2007-2008 academic year, the cost for a single student to attend Multnomah is approximately $24,940 per year. This includes tuition, fees, board, room, $1200 for health insurance, and approximately $3,800 for books, supplies, and miscellaneous items. Married students should add $3,200 for spouse and $1,000 for each dependent. Immigration requires you to demonstrate that you are financially able to support yourself for the entire period of stay in the United States while pursuing a full course of study. You are required to attach documentary evidence of means of support. A sponsor is required to complete an Affidavit of Support, Immigration Form I-134.
Foreign Exchange
Multnomah recognizes that international students coming to the United States often face financial hardships. Not only is their currency often exchanged at an unfavorable rate, but also non-resident foreign students who are not American citizens are not eligible for federal student aid programs.
In recognition of that hardship, Multnomah will offer tuition at an even exchange rate (par) to any such student, subject to a maximum devaluation of 25 percent. For example, the qualifying full-time Nigerian student would pay the year's tuition at the rate stated in the catalog less 25 percent, since the devaluation of Nigerian currency compared to American dollars is greater than 25 percent. Room and board charges must be paid in American dollars without exchange. This policy is subject to review and change each academic year.
Employment
Immigration regulations state that you are not permitted to work off campus or to engage in business without specific employment authorization. After your first year in F-1 student status, you may apply for employment authorization on Form I-538 based on financial needs arising after receiving student status. Campus employment will be offered if available and if it does not displace a U.S. resident as regulated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Immigration Forms
After application and approval for admission, Multnomah will send you an acceptance letter and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility." If you wish to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant student, take Form I-20 to the American consular office at the time of your visa application. You also need to complete form I-901 and pay the required SEVIS fee prior to applying for your visa. You can find more information about obtaining a visa at www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov or www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis.
Application Process
Seminary admissions counselor Penny Rader is available to answer any questions you may have about the admissions process. The seminary admissions counselor will be your initial contact. If needed, she can direct you to our financial aid counselors or our international student representative for more information.
The financial form and the education background form will need to be sent in with your application . Please download and print these forms, or request them from our admissions department at admiss@multnomah.edu.
If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at 503.251.6485, 800.275.4672, or admiss@multnomah.edu. You also can contact us through the admissions contact page on this Web site. We look forward to hearing from you!
