Admissions

Admission Requirements:
  1. Educational Attainment
    • For master’s degree programs – bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  2. English Competency
    • Based on TOEFL/IELTS, or IGSL’s English Proficiency Test (EPT)
  3. Maturity/Ministry Exposure
    • At least 24 years old
    • Has had at least two years of active ministry in evangelism, discipleship, and leadership
  4. Spiritual and Emotional Maturity
    • Practicing healthy spiritual habits (Bible study, worship, etc.)
    • Satisfactory character references
  5. Stewardship Mindset
    • Able to raise support needs
    • Able to steward responsibilities
  6. Clear Calling and Vision
  7. PhilHealth Membership (for Filipino Applicants only)


Visit the Master’s Degree Program section for more information.

Women who apply for the PIM program must be married to an IGSL student, or a pastor or church/ministry leader.


Visit the Partners in Ministry(PIM) section for more information.

  • Have completed a M.Div. or equivalent degree with a GPA of at least “B+” and have an adequate graduate-level academic background in biblical, theological, and ministerial studies to pursue doctoral work
  • Have been in active Christian leadership for at least 5 years after completing their master’s degree
  • Are in leadership of church planting work, a multi-staff church (or cluster of churches), a parachurch ministry, a regional/national ministry, or a denominational ministry
  • Meet other appropriate character, ministry, and academic standards, including English proficiency (Exceptions will be weighed carefully)
Visit the DMin in Transformational Leadership program section for more information.
  • Completion of an MDiv or the equivalent with a GPA of 1.5 (B+) from a seminary accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA), the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), or a similar accrediting body. Transcript should demonstrate completion of the following:
  • Twelve (12) credit hours in graduate-level biblical studies;
  • Twelve (12) credit hours in graduate-level theological studies; Six (6) credit hours in graduate-level Hebrew and six (6) credit hours in graduate-level Greek. Students who have not completed these requirements in their previous coursework may receive offers of admission conditional upon the completion of supplemental coursework requirements.
  • A TOEFL score of at least 550 or the equivalent for all applicants whose first language is not English
  • At least 3 years of ministry experience

Visit the ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History program section for more information.
PhD program – requires an MDiv degree; or an MA degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of graduate level course work in Bible and Theology (12 credits), education/practical ministry/leadership courses (12 credits) and research methods (6 credits). Participants fully admitted to the joint program who complete the first- and second-year courses and practicum work at a high level, may apply to the PhD program after the third-year block courses. Consideration will be given to the participant’s GPA (looking for A-), previous degree work, evidence of ministry skills, timely completion of course work, ministry gifting/competencies, and ministry goals.

All applicants must have at least four years of vocational ministry/work experience after their master’s degree, and meet other character, ministry, and academic standards appropriate to the program. Further, a grade point average for their masters of “B+” or above (3.3 on 1-4 scale, 4.0 high) and demonstrated English proficiency (TOEFL of 550 or IGSL English proficiency test score of 85) are required.
  • If an applicant’s masteral study or GPA do not meet admission standards, leveling courses may be required and/or admission under academic probation may be allowed.
  • Along with the standard application forms, applicants submit two papers: a) the biographical essay (personal ministry calling and motivation for pursuing the program) and b) the academic paper (a substantial academic paper of not less than 4,000 words written in English showing library research, thoughtful/critical analysis.) Further guidance for submitting these two papers is found in the application instructions downloadable with the application forms.

Visit the PhD in Peace Studies program section for more information.
Admissions Process:

Master’s degree programs include MDiv, MABS, MATL.
Before you submit your application, carefully read the description of the program you are interested in. Then go to this link for the Application Form.

  • The Admissions Office will contact the people you have listed to provide character references for you.
  • After all your references have been received, you will be asked to take IGSL’s English Proficiency Test (EPT).
  • After taking your EPT, you will be given an appointment for an interview. You will be given a list of questions to be discussed during your interview. If you live in Metro Manila, your interview will be conducted face-to-face on our campus. If you live in another province or another country, you will have your interview online.
  • Within one week of your interview, you will be notified about the result of your application.

If you receive a Conditional Acceptance letter, you will be guided through the following steps.

  • You will submit a Conditional Acceptance Response form, to indicate that you want to proceed with your application.
  • You will submit an official Transcript of Records (TOR) from your bachelor’s degree. If you are an international applicant, you must have your TOR authenticated at the Philippine Embassy in your country. If you are unable to submit an official transcript, you will sign a waiver acknowledging that when you graduate, you will not receive an S.O. number from the Philippine Commission on Higher Education, and you will not be able to use your IGSL master’s degree to pursue higher studies.
  • You will be given a link to an online site called Coming to IGSL to help prepare you for what to expect as an IGSL student.
  • You will be asked to complete a Medical Questionnaire and undergo a simple medical exam and laboratory tests. If you plan to live on campus, each family member must complete the medical exam and laboratory tests. If you have children, you will be asked to submit their record of childhood immunizations.
  • You will be given an estimate of the cost of your IGSL training, including tuition, textbooks, housing, visa and living expenses. You will be asked to submit Proof of Financial Support, either from your own income/savings or from friends/relatives/supporters who will agree to help with your expenses.
  • If you want to apply for a scholarship to help with your expenses, you may request a Scholarship Application at this time. Scholarships are available to cover tuition, textbooks, visas and housing.
  • If you want to live in IGSL’s on-campus housing, you may submit a Housing Request at this time. Priority will be given to international students, and to Filipino students from outside Metro Manila.
  • When all of these steps are complete, you will receive a Final Acceptance letter from IGSL.
  • If you are an international student, you will be guided through the steps in applying for a Philippine visa. IGSL students use the 47a2 visa, called the “Special Non-Immigrant Visa” for students in international schools. Unlike a student visa, the 47a2 visa has a provision for students to bring their spouse and children with them to the Philippines.
  • If you have children age 4 and above, you will receive information about the education options available for your children. You will be responsible for all school expenses of your children.
  • When all of these steps are completed, you will be given the “Go Signal” to come to IGSL. You will be asked to send IGSL the information about your arrival (date, time, flight, etc.). You will not be permitted to register for classes if you travel to IGSL before receiving your “Go Signal.”

Before you submit your application, carefully read the description of the Partners in Ministry program. Then go to this link for the Application Form.

  • The Admissions Office will contact the people you have listed to provide character references for you.
  • If you are an international student, you will be asked to take a simple online English Test via Zoom. Do not be anxious about this test – if you do not pass the English Test, you will be enrolled in the PIM English Program during your first year.
  • If your husband has applied for IGSL studies, you will receive your Conditional Acceptance letter at the same time as your husband. When all of the required steps have been completed, you will receive your PIM Final Acceptance letter when your husband receives his IGSL Final Acceptance letter.
  • If you are from the Philippines, and your husband is not an IGSL student, you will be asked to have a short interview with one of IGSL’s PIM faculty.

Applications received now will be processed for the
Academic Year 2025-2026.

Apply for MDiv, MABS or MATL
Apply for Partners in Ministry Certificate

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Important Dates 2025

30
Apr

 Applicants from other countries
Deadline of Application

30
May

 Applicants from Philippines
Deadline of Application

30
Jul

 Orientation for first-year students