Application Process

Our Admissions Office is here to help.

Application process overview

Whether you are coming directly from undergraduate studies or from a long time away from school, we want to make the application process as straightforward as possible.

1. Define your interests and goals

Define your interests and goals with the study of philosophy and theology. Precise answers are not required, but having some idea helps (both you and us!) to determine if DSPT is the right school for you.

2. Review our website

Applicants who express familiarity with the School’s mission, programs, and faculty distinguish themselves from less-interested candidates.

3. Review requirements and deadlines

Review application requirements and deadlines for your program(s) of interest. Fall applications are strongly preferred because of our course sequencing; admissions for the Spring semester are for exceptional cases.

Additionally, scholarship decisions are made primarily in view of Fall applications received by the Priority Deadline.

4. Complete the program application form.

This is the central piece of your application. It is the document by which you apply to the program of study. You can save your progress and return later.

5. Submit additional application items

Submit additional application items such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE, and/or TOEFL scores (as applicable). Please note that such documents must be received directly (physically or electronically) from the source institution or recommender. You can invite recommenders directly from the program application form before the entire form has been completed and submitted.

If documents are sent by the applicant, the document must be sealed and signed across the opening of the envelope by a representative of the source institution or recommender.

6. Complete the financial aid and FAFSA applications.

If you wish to receive financial aid, submit these respective applications as soon as possible after starting your program application (note: the program application form does not need to be completed at the time you submit these other applications). Please note that all relevant application forms must be received by the appropriate deadline to be eligible for financial aid (March 1).

Please note: Our school code for the FAFSA application is 016673.

Important deadlines

Priority deadline
Fall semester: March 1

Final deadline
Fall semester: May 1
Spring semester: January 1

Questions about applying?

For more information on how to apply to DSPT, visit these pages.

Our Programs

Application Requirements

Contact Admissions

Financial Aid

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Visa Application Process Overview for International Students

In addition to the application requirements, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, there is a post-acceptance process that international applicants must undergo in order to obtain a U.S. F-1 Student Visa to study at DSPT.

Please note: the F-1 Student Visa requires that the student be registered in at least 9 units each semester.

To apply for a F-1 Student Visa, applicants must undergo the following steps:

1. Complete the I-20 Request Form.

If you are accepted, you will receive the formal acceptance letter along with the I-20 request form. Please complete the form and provide the necessary documents, which include:

Copy of the current valid passport
Documents showing Proof of Funding for Estimated Expenses, including:
- Bank statements or letter from the bank
- Scholarship information, if applicable
- Educational loan information, if applicable

2. Schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. consulate.

To apply for a F-1 Student Visa, applicants will need to schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. Consulate in their home country. Applicants will need the I-20 Form and proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment for their visa appointment. Please allow ample time for visa processing.

When students have received their visa and travel to the United States, all documents must likewise be presented at the port of entry, no more than thirty days before the program start date listed on the I-20.

If you have dependents (i.e., spouse and/or children) that will be joining you in the U.S., you will need to undergo the process above for each of your dependents as well.

If you are already classified as a F-1 international student at a different school in the U.S., you will be asked to submit a request to transfer your F-1 SEVIS immigration record to DSPT.

Application Process