International Pre-Application Form

Luther Seminary has updated its international application guidelines for the Fall 2027 entry term. To ensure all prospective students receive appropriate support, designated eligibility criteria have been established for Master's applications and a mandatory pre-application step has been introduced for all degree programs. Once eligibility is verified, instructions to complete the official application will be provided.

International applications to the MA program are open to candidates who are either recommended by a member church of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) or candidates currently residing in the United States.
International applications to the ThM and PhD programs are open to candidates who already hold a qualifying first graduate-level theological degree.

Email Address

Preferred First Name

Last Name

Birthdate

Primary Citizenship

Residency Status - Are you a U.S. Permanent Resident?
Only check if this applies to you.

Yes, I am a U.S. Permanent Resident

Permanent Resident Card Number

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meet the minimum qualifications, you may proceed with your application to any of our credit-bearing and degree programs. Please click "Submit" below and then proceed to the application process.

Are you currently living in the United States?

What is your current immigration status?

Visa Type

Other Visa Type

When is your current visa program end date?

If you are currently residing in the United States, have an active U.S. visa or are in the process of obtaining a U.S. visa and meet the minimum qualifications, you may proceed with your application to any of our credit-bearing and degree programs. Please click "Submit" below and then proceed to and begin the application process.

If it is determined that you do not currently reside in the U.S. or meet the other criteria to apply, your application will be closed and more information about other on-demand, online educational resources can be provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to admissions@luthersem.edu.

If you are currently residing in the United States but do not have an active U.S. visa, you will be required to have a conversation with the Director of International Student and Scholar Affairs to determine if you are eligible to proceed with an application. The Director will reach out after December 1, 2026 to schedule an appointment.

Please do not proceed with an application until you have spoken with the ISSA Director. Inquiry conversations will occur December - February.

Have you earned a first graduate-level theological degree from an accredited institution?
Examples include a Master of Arts, a Master of Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Divinity.
Please note, a Bachelor of Theology is NOT equivalent to a first graduate-level degree in the U.S.

Yes

If you already hold a qualifying fist graduate-level theological degree (i.e. masters-level) you may proceed with your application to our advanced theological degrees, including the Master of Theology (Th.M.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Please click "Submit" below and then proceed to and begin the application process.

Please note, the deadline for the Ph.D. application is January 8, 2027. The deadline for the Th.M. application is March 8, 2027. All application materials including transcripts, recommendations, and writing samples are due by the deadlines. No late applications will be accepted. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Office of Advanced Theological Education at ate@luthersem.edu.

Are you part of a member church of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)?
Please note, an official representative of your LWF church (i.e. pastor, president/chair of the congregation, synod/diocese representative, bishop, president, general secretary or equivalent) will be asked to provide verification of your church membership as part of the application process.

Yes

Please select the LWF church where you are an active member:

Thank you for providing more information about your membership in an LWF church. Please ask that a church representative (i.e. pastor, president/chair of the congregation, synod/diocese representative, bishop, president, or general secretary) send an email to admissions@luthersem.edu to verify that you are in good standing and are an active member of an LWF church.

In the meantime, please click "Submit" below and then you may proceed to and begin the application process for the Master of Arts degree program.

If we do not receive confirmation of your LWF membership or it is determined you are not a member of an LWF church, your application will be closed and more information about other on-demand, online educational resources can be provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to admissions@luthersem.edu.

Given you are not a member of a church of the Lutheran World Federation, nor do you have a first theological masters degree, nor do you currently reside in the United States, you do not meet the criteria for applying to Luther Seminary at this time.

We understand this is disappointing news, but want to provide the following information for your consideration:

The Association of Theological Schools has many graduate-level theological programs throughout the United States and Canada. You can search the ATS directory here.
Luther Seminary provides excellent theological courses and offerings through Faith+Lead (including certificates), Enter the Bible, Working Preacher, Word & World, and more.
The Luther Seminary library provides open and accessible resources through its Global Partners Resource Guide, free of cost to everyone.

Participating in formal and informal theological training such as the offerings listed above can help strengthen your application to graduate theological schools, though it does not guarantee admission. Regardless of your eligibility to apply for Fall 2027, we advise that you continue to strengthen your academic record, develop your verbal and written skills in English, and continue to build leadership skills for ministry. It is also highly recommended to pursue formal and informal theological studies in your local community or online.