Answers to common questions about AMBS

How do I apply for admission to AMBS?

You can apply for admission to AMBS by completing and submitting the appropriate forms at least two months before the anticipated time of entrance. In addition to the application, three references are required (see instructions on the application); a $50 application fee; and official college and university transcripts. A student transferring from another theological seminary and seeking transferred credit must request a transcript of his or her record and submit that to AMBS. For more information on the application process, including links to U.S., Canadian and International online applications, please review the Application process page. Contact the Admissions Office if you have questions.

What degrees does AMBS offer?

Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary offers the following graduate degrees as well as a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. 

Can I get financial aid?

All students admitted to the seminary are eligible to apply for need-based financial aid. Aid is granted on a year-to-year basis, with reapplication and review required each year. The purpose of the need-based financial aid program is to assist students who have limited resources in obtaining a seminary education. Financial aid consists of grants and loans. The program is administered primarily on the basis of demonstrated need, which is defined as the difference between the cost of attending seminary and the amount of personal and other non-seminary resources available to the student. For more information, including our online Financial Aid Application, please visit the Financial Aid webpages.

Can I get a job on campus?

The seminary has a limited number of part-time jobs available on campus. Employment cannot be guaranteed but will be open for students who apply as it is available. Students who are not citizens of the United States and who enter the country on a student visa are restricted from some types of employment by regulation of the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Full-time students with F-1 status may hold part-time jobs on campus during the school year (and full-time jobs during the summer), but may not be employed off campus. Spouses of students on an F-1 visa may not be employed. See the student employment area for open positions.

Do you provide student housing?

AMBS has several units of various sizes for student rental. All units are equipped with a stove and refrigerator and have access to laundry facilities within the building. Most units come as furnished apartments, although unfurnished apartments are also available. A limited number of unfurnished apartments are pet-approved, providing guidelines are followed. Students are normally expected to provided their own linens, towels, kitchen utensils and dishes. (These items are provided for international students and missionary/service workers.) Rental rates vary according to the type and size of the unit, as well as the number of persons in the apartment. Students are encouraged to fill out a Housing Application as early as possible. For more information, visit the housing pages.

I don’t have a baccalaureate degree. Can I still be a student at AMBS?

Only students who hold a baccalaureate degree or equivalent are eligible to enter the MA: Theology and Global Anabaptism program, the MA: Theology and Peace Studies program, the MDiv: Theological Studies majors, or the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. A limited number of students who do not hold a baccalaureate degree or equivalent and who meet certain eligibility requirements may be considered for provisional admission into the other MDiv majors and the MA in Christian Formation. Students may be asked to complete the Research, Reading, and Writing online assessment module prior to admission.

Students without a baccalaureate degree may take up to two courses without being admitted to AMBS. Those who are interested should contact the Admissions Office for details.

May I visit the campus?

Visiting AMBS is one of the best ways to evaluate a seminary’s academic programs. If you contact the Admissions Office in advance, we can arrange for opportunities for you to meet with meet with faculty and students, attend classes, worship in chapel and meet with an admissions counselor. Find out more about how you can experience our learning community in our visit AMBS area.