Each and every course I have taken with ABTS impacted me differently, with its teaching being so well planned, so comprehensive, so fruitful, so enlightening, so challenging, so enriching . . . (Hong Kong, Grad)
Every time I take a new course in this program, my spiritual life is refreshed. My desire to study God's Word is greatly promoted. My prayer life is deepened. I always thank God for sending me to this program. (Myanmar Grad '05)
As far as acquiring Bible knowledge, improving ministry effectiveness and pursuing personal spiritual growth are concerned, I consider this program very worthy of recommendation to others. (Hong Kong Grad)
Applications
Application for Degree Status
Admissions Requirements
Application Process
Other Applications
Admissions Requirements
- Demonstrate commitment to Christ and evidence of the new birth.
- Be actively engaged in ministry and possess gifts for Christian service.
- Have earned a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university and maintained a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 system. Students having a GPA less than 2.5 may apply for admission on a probationary basis.
- Students who have not accomplished any postgraduate studies are encouraged to complete the In-Ministry MRE degree before progressing to the MA degree.
- Manifest ability to use the English language in speech and writing.
- Affirm the student doctrinal statement: the “core confession” (first section) of the Cornerstone Confession.
Documents Required for Admission
- Completed application form, including an essay relating to the applicant’s personal faith and ministry involvement and a statement of support from the applicant’s spouse.
- Official academic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. Xerox copies are not acceptable unless affixed with the school seal.
- Reference forms from a supervisor or colleague in the ministry, from a pastor, elder or deacon of the applicant’s local church, and from one other person (not a member of the applicant’s family).
Please click here for a downloadable application form (including reference forms).
Application Process
All application materials should be sent to the central office in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Seminary operates a “rolling” admissions process. Acceptance for admission will be considered upon receipt of all the required documents.
Applicants will be notified by letter when they are accepted as students. The acceptance process does take time; in order to expedite the process, we request that you fill out all forms promptly and completely before submitting them to our office.
While the application is being processed, students are permitted to complete six credit hours with the understanding that granting of credit depends upon acceptance of the formal application. Students are not allowed to enroll in more than two courses (including both residence and extension courses) before official acceptance. No student will be allowed to enroll in any course for credit without first submitting an application form.
Please click here for a downloadable application form (including reference forms).
Applicants in process who have lost reference forms may download another copy by clicking here:
Ministry Verification Form
Pastor's Reference Form
Personal Reference Form
Other Applications
Readmission
Any former student who has been withdrawn must apply to the ABTS Headquartes office for readmission. Official transcripts of all studies which have been completed in the interval must be submitted. Updated reference forms may also be required.
A short application form may be used by students who have been out of class for 5 years or less. Please click here for a downloadable copy of this special application form.
Non-Degree Enrollment
ABTS permits the enrollment of students seeking advanced education in Bible, theology or ministry, without a specific degree objective. These students are required to complete a short Non-Degree Application form, submit official academic transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate schools, and sign a general statement of Christian faith and conduct. Non-Degree students who possess a recognized undergraduate degree may apply courses taken for graduate credit on a Non-Degree basis toward fulfillment of a specific degree program at a later time.
Please click here for a downloadable Non-Degree Application form. This form does not require references and may not be used by students who wish to enroll in a degree program.
Transfer Students
Students who wish to transfer to ABTS should submit with their application for admission a transcript of all credits previously earned. Credit is given for comparable work taken in graduate programs in accredited colleges, universities, or seminaries. By approval of the Dean, credit may be given for a limited number of courses taken in graduate programs which are not offered in the seminary, but which correlate with education for the Christian ministry. In-Ministry MRE students may transfer 12 credit hours into their degree program. Master of Arts students may transfer 24 credit hours. For each degree, transfer students must achieve the specified minimum credit hours in ABTS residence seminars: 12 credit hours for MRE students and 21 credit hours for the MA. The remaining hours may be a combination of transfer and extension courses. Student may complete up to 50% of their degree program at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary on the US campus of Cornerstone University.
Please click here for a downloadable application form.
Guest Students
ABTS welcomes guest students from other accredited seminaries for limited enrollment. A Guest Student Application is required in advance of enrollment and must carry the certification of the home institution. Upon completion of a given course, an academic transcript can be secured from Cornerstone University for the transfer of credits to the home institution. Contact the ABTS headquarters office for instructions.
Please click here for a downloadable Guest Application form.
Audit Students
ABTS also welcomes Christian workers to audit classes. Audits who are not enrolled as students must complete an Audit Application form. The extent of participation in the class by an audit student should be arranged between the professor and the student.
Please click here for a downloadable Audit Application form.
Application for Degree Status
Documents Required