Your Story is Next
A welcoming, tight-knit community awaits you at app, nestled in the sun-soaked beauty of Santa Barbara, California.
Steps to Apply
We recommend international students apply with the Common App, which is free of charge.
All documents, including high school and college transcripts, must be translated into English and evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service before being sent to the Office of Admissions. You can contact any credential evaluator approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluators (NACES).
Request official transcripts of all high school and college (if dual-enrolled) work to be submitted directly from school officials. If filing the Common App, the request may be processed online through that application process.
app requires one academic reference from a teacher in a major subject (i.e. English, Science, History, Math, etc.). In addition, an optional pastoral/character reference may be submitted. The reference forms may be accessed within either application.
Applicants have the option of submitting ACT or SAT scores or withholding them. However you choose to proceed, we always conduct a holistic review of each application, including academic credentials, extra-curricular involvement, demonstrated leadership and more.
If English is not the primary language in your home country, proof of English proficiency is required in the form of a TOEFL score (83 minimum) or IELTS score (6.5 minimum).
We do not currently accept the Duolingo English Test to fulfill this proficiency requirement.
All international students are required to complete the Certification of Finances form to complete their application. This information will not impact your admissions decision, but must be sent in order for the application to be reviewed by our admissions team.
Interviews are required of all international student applicants. We want to know you personally.
Key Information for International Students
| Forbes has recognized app as No. 123 in Private Colleges, No. 68 in Liberal Arts Universities, and No. 23 among national liberal arts colleges whose graduates earn the highest salaries. | Non-U.S. citizens accepted for admission need a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Form (I-20) to apply for the F-1 Student Visa. An I-20 is issued to accepted students once the college has received their tuition deposits. |
| International Students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships and part-time jobs while on the F-1 Visa, through CPT and OPT programs. | About 85 percent of app students live in our campus housing, facilitating a close-knit student community. |
| app is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California State Board of Education, and National Association of Schools of Music. | app is located on the California coast about an hour and a half north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 20 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). |
Represented Countries
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International students may receive up to $25,000 in merit-based scholarship aid. Applicants are also eligible to apply for departmental aid: athletic (based on coach’s assessment), music, art, theatre and cultural diversity. Students may also work on campus. Please also submit the Certification of Finances form. For further questions, reach out to your counselor or app's financial aid office.
TESTIMONIES
A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME
Find out more about life at app as an International Student.
International Student Stories
“No one can do life alone—it takes a village, a community, to rally around you and build a good life. Through my experience at app, I’ve seen how God takes care of us through people around us.”
- Marie Odile Ndayishimiye Uwineza, Rwanda
"It was easier to find my place at app as a missionary kid than at my previous school. The professors were super considerate and valued my unique perspective. International students have so much to offer app and vice versa. My biggest take away from my time at app is summed up in its motto. I want Christ to hold preeminence in my life."
- Daniel Kohl, Jordan
"app is a great place to grow your faith. Through my New Testament class, chapel, and difficult conversations with my roommates and professors, I got more of a grasp on what I truly believe and built concrete foundations to support everything I learned."
-Ashton Kelly, Australia
NEWS
See what the world is saying about app.
"...app in California is internationally known for its academic quality, leadership training and unique emphasis on intellectual, spiritual and personal growth..."
"app helps students grow both spiritually and intellectually through a rigorous liberal arts education..."
"app is a sectarian Christian liberal arts college that attaches great importance to cultivating students' religious beliefs and spirituality while providing academic education..."
"app is a Christian liberal arts college located in Montecito, California. The university also has small class sizes, and students are encouraged to come up with ideas and communicate with professors in class..."
FAQs
International students are invited to First Connections, an early orientation program where they are able to meet other students coming to app from outside of the U.S. and begin to build community.
With students from 48 countries currently at app, we are committed to support you as we know that moving to a new country and school can be a culture shock.
Non-US citizens accepted for admission need a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Status Form (I-20) to apply for the F-1 Visa (Student Visa). An I-20 is issued to admitted students after the college has received the Certification of Finances demonstrating proof of funding and a confirmation deposit.
Brenda Tirado
Senior Admissions Counselor for Transfer and International Students
805.618.2328