Admissions

Preparing for Christian ministry at Ambrose Seminary will demand a great deal from you: it will challenge you academically, personally, and spiritually. Before we admit you as a student, we need to make sure that you’re ready to meet these challenges.

As an applicant, you need to provide evidence that you have a personal commitment to Christ that has existed for at least one year prior to the time you plan to begin your studies at Ambrose. You should also be able to demonstrate that you have a balanced personality, a reputable character, and a motivation to learn.

Testimony

To demonstrate these personal qualifications, you’ll need to submit a 2 - 3 page testimony with your application. The testimony should include the following:

• A description of your faith journey
• An explanation of your ministry involvement
• An explanation of your reason for applying to the program and what you plan to pursue after you complete it

See the Required Documents section for complete information on the documents you need to submit with your application for admission.

Academic Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree or its equivalent from a recognized accredited university, college, or Bible college.
• At least 30 hours of liberal arts & science at the undergraduate level
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 credits of study

Additional Requirements for Applicants to Master Theological Studies

In addition to the requirements listed above, applicants to the MTS program must also meet these requirements:

• A baccalaureate degree from a recognized accredited university, college, or Bible college with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• 30 credits in Bible, theology, and language studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in these courses
• A writing sample in one of the concentration areas (Old Testament, New Testament, Theology)

Requirements for Mature Students

The criteria to be used for the admission of students without undergraduate degrees (otherwise referred to as '"mature students") to Ambrose Seminary is as follows:

Anyone seeking admission to a Seminary program at Ambrose University as a Mature Student must first complete the Certificate in Leadership or Diploma in Christian Studies, achieving a minimum CGPA of 2.7. If successful, the individual can then pursue one of the following programs:

• Master of Christian Studies
• Master in Intercultural Ministry
• Master in Leadership and Ministry
• Master of Divinity
• Certificate in Spiritual Care
• Certificate in Intercultural Studies  

Anyone seeking admission to the MTS program as a Mature Student must first complete an MLM, MIM, MCS or MDiv program, achieving a minimum 3.0 CGPA.

Mature applicants are usually at least 28 years of age. Mature students are not typically permitted to register for or participate in courses that are not a requirement of their program.

If your primary language isn’t English, you must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

• graduation from a college or university where English was the medium of instruction – an official letter is required from the college or university verifying that English was the medium of instruction; or
• a minimum score of 560 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test, or a minimum score of 83 on the internet-based TOEFL* test; or
• a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test; or
• a minimum score of 110 on the Duolingo test; or
• a minimum score of 85 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB); or
• a minimum score of 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL); or
• a minimum score of 58 on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

One or more of the above may be required, and you may be asked to provide an additional writing sample. Determination of English Proficiency is left to the discretion of the Enrolment Department.

*The TOEFL institution code for Ambrose is 8915

Official test scores must be sent directly to Ambrose University by the testing body and the tests must have been taken within two years of your application.

This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the University in cases where a student has attended an equivalent institution in North America or can demonstrate English proficiency by other means.

English Language Requirements for Chinese Language Programs

Master’s Degree Programs

If your first language isn’t English, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language in order to gain admission into a degree program. You must demonstrate your English proficiency by one of the following:

• Graduation from a college or university where English was the medium of instruction
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of either 500 on the paper-based test (PBT) or 61 on the Internet-based test (IBT)
• International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) with a minimum score of 5.0
• Duolingo with a minimum score of 80

Certificate and Diploma Programs

If you’re applying to a certificate or diploma programs, you don’t need to provide proof of English proficiency for admission because the language of instruction for these programs is Chinese. However, if you want to enrol in a course that is taught in English or to change to a Master’s degree program, you’ll need to provide proof of English proficiency as stated above.

Mount Royal University LEAP Program

Did not meet our English requirements? It's okay! There is still a way for you to join us. We have partnered with Mount Royal University, where they offer a full-time English Language Program, known as LEAP. LEAP has an academic focus, including instruction on reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary and literature. Successful completion of LEAP will prepare students for further academic study at Ambrose University.

For more information and to apply, click here or email mrulanguages@mtroyal.ca.

If you would like your application to be processed quicker, please email Johana.mak-castro@ambrose.edu about your interest of the LEAP program.

The criteria to be used for the admission of students without undergraduate degrees (otherwise referred to as '"mature students") to Ambrose Seminary is as follows:

Anyone seeking admission to a Seminary program at Ambrose University as a Mature Student must first complete the Certificate in Leadership or Diploma in Christian Studies, achieving a minimum CGPA of 2.7. If successful, the individual can then pursue one of the following programs:

• Master of Christian Studies
• Master in Intercultural Ministry
• Master in Leadership and Ministry
• Master of Divinity

Anyone seeking admission to the MTS program as a Mature Student must first complete an MIM, MLM, MCS or MDiv program, achieving a minimum 3.0 CGPA.

Mature applicants are usually at least 28 years of age. Mature students are not typically permitted to register for or participate in courses that are not a requirement of their program.

• Testimony
• Post-Secondary transcripts
• Employer/Professional Acquaintance reference
• Pastor/Denominational Leader Reference
• Proof of English Proficiency (if necessary)

MTS

• Testimony
• Post-Secondary Transcripts
• Employer/Professional Acquaintance reference
• Pastor/Denominational Leader Reference
• Writing Sample, Proof of English proficiency (if necessary)
   

To be admitted in time for the semester of your choice, you’ll need to submit your completed application form, all supporting documents including official transcripts, and the application fee by the applicable deadline.

For deadlines for scholarship applications, see the Awards & Scholarships page.

Canadian Applicants

• Fall Semester: August 1
• Winter Semester: December 10
• Application Fee: $70.00

Applicants from the USA

• Fall Semester: July 15
• Winter Semester: November 15
• Application Fee: $100.00

Applicants from Outside Canada and the USA

• Fall Semester: March 1
• Winter Semester: July 1
• Application Fee: $100.00

Applicants to Master in Theological Studies

Early Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: January 15
• Winter Semester: September 15

Regular Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: April 15
• Winter Semester: November 1

Late Application Fee

• For applications submitted after August 1: $100.00