GRE International Applicants

All international students who are applying to the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education as either a matriculated or non-matriculated (visiting) student are required to submit an online application.

Additionally, please note that all documents submitted become part of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education University files and will not be returned or duplicated for any purpose.

All international applicants, except for those apply to the DMIN, are required to submit a personal statement responding to the prompt below. The Personal Statement, which is required to be submitted in the appropriate section of the online application, should be between 2-3 pages, doubled spaced, and presented in a professional font not to exceed 12 pt:

Please state your occupational and vocational goals as specifically as possible. Then, state briefly how you hope to relate your experience at the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education to your goals.

DMIN applicants, for the five questions your are to respond to in your personal statement, please refer to the DMIN application requirements located on the main Application Requirements page.

All international applicants are required to submit a current Resume/CV through the online application.

All international applicants, except for those applying to attend a course as a visiting/non-matriculated student, are required to submit two Letters of Recommendation.

Application for a second degree or advanced certificate: Current students and graduates are required to submit two letters of recommendation from GRE faculty.

Letters may be submitted either online through the online application or via mail directed to the GRE Admissions Office at the following address:

Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education
c/o Office of Admissions
Fordham University
441 East Fordham Road, Keating Hall Rom 303
Bronx, NY 10458

Although an applicant's recommender may submit their letter by mail or in hard copy form; GRE highly encourages that applicants request all letters of recommendation be submitted online.

All international applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.*

Official transcripts of all coursework taken at the undergraduate and/or graduate level must be submitted to the GRE office either in an official, sealed envelope at the address below, or via an official emailed transcript submitted to the GRE by the university.

Copies of diplomas, certificates, etc. will not be accepted. Transcripts must list all courses taken, grades received, and degree conferred.

All mailed transcripts should be mailed to:

The Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education
c/o Office of Admissions
Fordham University
441 East Fordham Road, Keating Hall Room 303
Bronx, NY 10458

*Note: those who have not obtained a BA/BS degree, but who are close to (within one semester) of completing one may also apply. If admitted, applicants will not be able to register as new students until they submit a transcript with their completed degree's conferral date.

International applicants must have all undergraduate and graduate transcripts evaluated* by either World Education Services (WES) or any National Assocation of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) organization member. Anyone who has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom is exempted.

* A petition for exemption to policy must be submitted in writing to the director of admissions.

International applicants must* submit original TOEFL or IELTS test score results. The following are exempted:

• Anyone who has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in a country whose official language is English, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom
• Applicants endorsed by the Ateneo de Manila University or De La Salle University Manila, pursuant to their respective memorandum of agreement with Fordham University
• U.S. permanent residents

* A petition for exemption to policy must be submitted in writing to the director of admissions.

When necessary, international applicants may be required to have an interview with the dean, a GRE faculty, or the director of admissions.  

Interviews will be scheduled only after completed applications have been reviewed.

The application fee is waived for all international applicants.