International Students

Hobe Sound Bible College has a long tradition of diversity in its student body. We have had students from all over the world since our beginning in 1960. We are happy to offer American students the opportunity to mingle with students from other cultures and we are happy to offer those students the chance to study in America. Our goal is to provide quality Christian training to international students so they might take what they have learned back to their people and minister to them effectively.

Record of academic work on the secondary level

In order to be eligible for admission, you must have completed the equivalent of the U.S. elementary and secondary schools (normally 12 years). When applying, please send a certified copy of your academic record, which must include a list of the subjects studied each year and the grades (marks) you received. Records not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation of each.

Record of academic work on the college or univeristy level

Applicants who have attended schools and universities beyond secondary school level must send official transcripts of all academic work. These records of collegiate level work should be accompanied by a syllabus, course sheet, university catalog, or statement of the applicant himself of the content of each subject covered in each examination he took. Records not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation into English.

Education Costs:

Your total educational costs for one year will be approximately US $8,500 plus books and fees. In addition, you must plan for your incidental expenses (clothing, toiletries, medical and dental bills, travel, etc.). We recommend that you plan to have $100 per month for incidental expenses. All financial information is subject to change.
Financial Assistance/Scholarships

Hobe Sound Bible College does not provide financial assistance to international students except on a very limited basis and then only to those who are recommended by an American missionary who understands the purposes and expectations of this college. Also, non-immigrant students are not permitted by the U.S. government to work off-campus or to engage in business without a work permit. Because of these factors, you should prayerfully consider the issue of finances. Before a visa can be granted, the government requires that the foreign student submit proof of ability to meet his financial obligations. Then you will be required to make a deposit of half the amount of your first tuition, fees, room and board, and book charges (US $4,250.00) before we can issue the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Student Status. You will also need to submit documentation showing ability to pay subsequent year's charges and your plans for scheduled holidays and summers when school is not in session. Provisional acceptance is granted on a yearly basis. Acceptance is not to be taken in any sense as a guarantee of financial aid.

After you receive the letter of admission and the I-20, you will need to go to the U.S. Embassy to apply for an F-1 student visa. When you apply for a visa and when you enter the U.S., you will be required to present evidence of your ability to support yourself while pursuing a full course of study. If you have a sponsor who will be supporting you, he will need to complete an Affidavit of Support (available at the U.S. Embassy). We are sorry that we cannot provide assistance in obtaining sponsors for international applicants. If you need a sponsor, perhaps your church or missionary can help you contact one.

If you are married, we may not consider you for admission unless you plan to bring your spouse and dependent children with you. We believe that a Christian parent should not be separated from his family for such a long period of time. If you should choose to bring your family, you will need to present evidence of your ability to support yourself and your family. Living expenses (rent, utilities, food, and other personal needs) will be approximately $1000 per month for a married couple. You should contact the American Embassy for more information about obtaining visas for your wife and dependent children. Your alien spouse or child may not work in the United States at any time.
Proof of English Proficiency

If you live in a country where English is not the national language, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL). You must be able to read and write English proficiently in order to succeed at American college-level work. We must receive your test results before we can consider your application for admission. For fall entrance, the minimum TOEFL score is 500 and the minimum CELT score is 50.