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International Applicants FAQs

What kind of support exists for international students?

  • The University of Chicago has significant academic and social support systems in place to help international students acclimate to studying in a major American city. The English Language Institute, for instance, offers both writing support and casual opportunities for connection, such as reading groups and board game nights. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) provides further advising services and supportive programming to the international community at the University of Chicago.
  • Furthermore, the study of religion at the Divinity School is transnational, and students will find kindred spirits among their fellow students, staff, and faculty with interests in and knowledge of the place you call home. In a city like Chicago, which is full of different ethnic communities and international expats, you’re sure to find a place to belong in the Divinity School, the wider University, and the city where we live.

Should I contact faculty members to introduce myself?

  • Prospective students are welcome to contact individual faculty from whom they hope to take classes or receive mentorship, especially if there are particular questions related to research, teaching, or advising. However, it is essential to note that individual faculty cannot and do not admit applicants to the Divinity School; admission is offered based on faculty committee evaluation and decision. Self-introductions without questions specific to that faculty member are not encouraged and are certainly not required for admission.
  • Most questions related to application and admission are best directed to divinityadmissions@uchicago.edu, where applicants can be directed to faculty if warranted. Before contacting individual faculty members, consider whether the answers to your questions are available on our website (see the general Application FAQs). Additionally, signal your interest in the Divinity School by filling out the Request More Information form. Doing so will make sure you get updates about the school and programs throughout the application cycle. If you still have questions or want to connect, feel free to reach out to faculty of interest (but please don’t be distressed if they don’t reply—bear in mind that faculty-member inboxes can fill up quickly).

Since admission to the MA/MDiv/AMRS program requires that I have earned or will earn a US bachelor’s degree or international equivalent (or earn a US master’s degree for admission to the PhD) by the time of enrollment, how do I know if my degree counts as an “international equivalent” to the Bachelor’s or Master’s?

  • Since every country has its own postsecondary education system, it is essential to state that not all international bachelor’s degrees are considered equivalent to US bachelor’s degrees, and likewise, not all international master’s degrees are considered equivalent to US master’s degrees. The Divinity School follows the standardized guidelines for evaluating foreign educational credentials and degree equivalencies provided by AACRAO EDGE, the Electronic Database for Global Education of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Applicants are encouraged to contact us at divinityadmissions@uchicago.edu to confirm that their degree meets equivalency standards if they have concerns. Alternatively, a quick search by country may be found here or here. In addition, applicants can secure Credential Evaluation services from ECE, NAICES, and AICE. Please note that degree equivalency alone does not guarantee admission to the Divinity School.
  • Beyond equivalency standards, degrees and credentials from predominantly religious institutions (e.g., monastic schools, madrasas, missionary schools, and bible colleges) are not always considered adequate preparation to begin graduate work in the academic study of religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School due to differences in methodology and argumentation. Prospective applicants with these educational backgrounds who meet equivalency requirements should focus on ensuring their candidate statements and writing samples demonstrate academic conventions, methodological expectations, and critical approaches, or consider pursuing other bachelor’s or master’s level programs before applying to the Divinity School.
  • Prospective international applicants to the PhD program should consult the information in Application FAQs when considering whether their master’s degree is sufficient preparation to begin a PhD at the University of Chicago.

Do I need to submit GRE or TOEFL/IELTS Test Scores?

  • The Divinity School does not require applicants to our programs to submit GRE scores. Applicants will be fully considered for admission and scholarships regardless of whether or not GRE scores are submitted.
  • Any applicant who does not meet the English Language Proficiency waiver requirements is required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to meet the proficiency requirement. These acronyms refer to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT), whether taken at a test center or with the at-home version; or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test. Applicants who choose to take the IELTS are required to take the Academic Reading/Writing test, and not the General Training Reading/Writing test. Any other proficiency tests, exams, equivalent coursework, certificates/certifications, endorsement from faculty, and/or different measurements other than the TOEFL or IELTS will not be accepted. This includes the IELTS “Indicator” test and the TOEFL ITP Plus.
  • TOEFL or IELTS score reports are valid for two years, and scores will be considered “expired” if the test was taken more than two years before the application deadline. If you send us a score that expires before the deadline for the cycle you are applying to, you will need to submit a more recent score. Photocopies or PDFs of TOEFL or IELTS Score Reports will not be considered valid or accepted in place of an official score report.
  • The minimum required score for the TOEFL is 104 overall, with four sub scores of at least 26 each. The minimum required score for the IELTS is Band 7, with sub-scores of at least seven each. Applicants with scores below the minimum threshold will not be admitted to the Divinity School.
  • TOEFL Scores should be sent to The University of Chicago (institutional code 1832), not to The Divinity School.  University of Chicago downloads IELTS scores that have been transmitted to our e-download account. Please contact your test center and request that your scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:

University of Chicago – Graduate Enrollment: 970 East 58th Street, Third Floor, Chicago, IL 60637

  • The University does not accept paper IELTS test report forms.

My degree was taught in English. Do I need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores?

  • The University offers two types of waivers that allow applicants to prove English Language Proficiency without submitting test scores: the Primary Language Waiver and the Education Waiver, the latter of which is restricted to institutions in specific countries. For additional details, see UChicagoGRAD’s Graduate Admissions guidance.

Are there scholarships for international students?

  • Yes. Applicants for all master’s programs are considered for scholarship funding regardless of citizenship status. Applicants who wish to be considered should select “yes” under the relevant question in the “Financial Information” portion of the application. For more information on scholarships, see Scholarships and Financial Aid.
  • Students admitted to the PhD program receive a fellowship package offer that includes full tuition coverage, health insurance coverage for the student through the University Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP), and an annual living stipend. The doctoral student fellowship is renewed annually for the maximum registration period. 

Is it possible to receive an application fee waiver?

  • Requests for Application Fee Waivers are handled centrally by the UChicagoGRAD Graduate Admissions team and are available for those who meet specific criteria, including UChicago alumni and participants in various recruitment and admissions sessions (code and appropriate documentation required).
  • If you believe you qualify for a waiver or have a code and documentation from attending an event, do not pay the application fee after submitting your application. Wait until you submit the waiver request and receive a decision (typically within 3 business days of submission). Please do not contact the Divinity School concerning your waiver request status.
  • If you submit your application on the deadline day and request a fee waiver, please still wait for a decision. We will check for updated application statuses throughout the week following deadlines.
  • If you have additional questions regarding Fees and Fee Waivers, please see the guidance provided by the UChicagoGRAD Graduate Admission team.

Can you tell me about Campus Safety and Security at the University of Chicago?

  • The University of Chicago is located firmly within a city that is home to roughly 3 million people. Chicago is one of the great cities of the world, and we are proud to call it home. But with that many people, it is essential to remain aware of your surroundings and exercise basic safety practices. Learn more about campus safety and security resources here.

Does the University help international students obtain visas?

  • Yes! Shortly after you are admitted and decide to attend, you will receive information about the University of Chicago Office of International Affairs (OIA), regarding processes to acquire the documentation needed to apply for your visa. We understand that this can be a time-consuming and challenging process, so we do what we can to help where possible. To learn more, check out the information for Prospective and Admitted Students on the OIA webpage.