Admissions Requirements

• The student must be a believer in the Christian faith.
• The student must have at least a 2.5 cumulative college GPA.
• The student must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent degree (GED) before they start at Biola.
• The student must have taken 15 credits or more post-secondary school. If you have fewer than 15 semester credits, then you must apply as a freshman-transfer student and meet the admission requirements for First-Time Freshman, which includes submitting your high school transcripts.
• The student must provide proof of English proficiency.

Application Process

1. Submit Undergraduate Application Form

   Complete and submit your FREE undergraduate application form for admission.

   Apply Now

2. Answer Short Response Questions

   View the three short response questions

   Complete these three brief questions within the application.

   Prompts:

   • Describe how and when you made a decision to follow Christ. (300–400 words)
   • Using personal examples, share about your recent spiritual growth. (300–400 words)
   • Why are you interested in attending Biola University? (100–200 words)

3. Check Additional Program Requirements

   Check to see if your program has additional requirements

   The following programs require an additional application process. Review admission requirements for:

   • Cinema and Media Arts
   • Torrey Honors College
   • Conservatory of Music
   • Pre-Clinical Nursing Program

4. Submit Transcript

   View how to submit your transcript

   Submit a transcript from each college attended, current through the time of application, in the “Supplemental Items & Documents” tab within the application.

   If you have fewer than 15 semester credits, then you must apply as a freshman-transfer student and meet the admission requirements for First-Time Freshman, which includes submitting your high school transcripts

   An unofficial transcript is acceptable for your application submission and can be uploaded as a .jpg, .png or .pdf file. Transcripts can also be emailed to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.

   Note that an official transcript is required once you have been admitted. Official transcripts may be submitted by one of the following ways:

   • Sent directly from the institution to Biola using a digital service, such as Parchment.
   • Sent directly via email from the institution to admissions.transcripts@biola.edu.
   • Physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final official transcripts must be submitted upon completion of course of study and must include graduation date.

   If transferring from a school outside of the United States:

   • Students who desire to get transfer credit for college courses taken outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency located in the United States, such as SpanTran (Biola Discount), International Education Evaluation (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS).
   • Be sure to choose "Course by Course Report" and have the evaluation agency send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order for the transcript to be considered official.

   In response to the impacts of COVID-19, we are accepting “Pass/Fail” coursework completed in Fall 2022 for applications. In lieu of a letter grade, we are accepting “Pass/Fail” high school and college credit for incoming applicants, assuming the course is otherwise transferable.

5. Submit Proof of English Proficiency

   View how to meet this requirement

   To meet this requirement, submit one of the following:

   Standard Requirements:

   • SAT: 500 (Reading and Writing)
   • ACT: 19 (Composite)
   • TOEFL: 80
   • IELTS: 6.5
   • PTE Academic: 58
   • IB: 5 on IB English A courses
   • Duolingo: 125

   Admission with Biola Committee Review (admission is not guaranteed)

   • SAT: 480–499 (Reading and Writing)
   • ACT: 16 (Composite)
   • TOEFL: 70
   • IELTS: 6.0
   • PTE Academic: 50
   • IB: 5 on IB English B courses
   • Duolingo: 110–124

6. Submit Documents for I-20 Issuance (F-1 Visa Students)

   View documents that need to be submitted

   • Copy of a valid passport
   • Affidavit of Financial Support (sponsor form)
   • Supporting bank statements

   Note: Biola University is a SEVP certified school authorized to issue I-20s for F-1 Visa students. If you are on a different visa type, find out if you are eligible to study in the U.S.

7. Transfer Form I-20 to Biola

   View how to transfer your current Form I-20 to Biola

   After accepting Biola’s offer of admission by submitting an enrollment deposit, a Form I-20 will be issued to you. Explore the process on how to obtain an F-1 visa.

   Transfer Authorization Form: For students who are currently studying in the U.S. with an F-1 visa, there is a transfer of SEVIS record that must be done by the school that has issued your current I-20.

View Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Important Notes:

• If a student completes their application by an Early Action deadline, they will learn about admittance earlier than the standard application and notification dates. Early Action is non-binding. Students are encouraged to notify Biola of their intent to attend by May 1, the National Decision Day.
• Some programs have different application and notification deadlines and may require separate applications. For more information please visit application steps for Cinema and Media Arts, Torrey Honors College, Conservatory of Music and the Pre-Clinical Nursing Program.
• There is only one application deadline when applying for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted after October 15, but are processed if space is available and time allows.

Apply Now