Explore Admissions
Wherever you find yourself on your learning journey, you’re welcome here.
Studying at AMBS will challenge you to grow spiritually and theologically while strengthening your leadership skills for whatever roles God might be calling you to. Together we can experience the transformative presence of God in the work of being leaders for God’s reconciling mission in the world.
With you every step of the way
Find your fit at AMBS
At AMBS you’ll find an Anabaptist learning community embracing challenging academics alongside deep spiritual formation. We worship together and join in spiritual practices as we build meaningful friendships with each other.
We’re here to support you with a variety of distance learning options and a wide range of financial aid and scholarships.
Not sure which program is right for you? Take our short quiz!
Visit our campus
We tailor your visit to connect you with professors, staff and students so you can get first-hand information and a variety of perspectives on the AMBS experience.
Visit our campus in Elkhart, Indiana, to experience our learning community. Being on campus can help you discern whether AMBS is the right next step as you follow where God is leading you.
We’re also here to visit by phone or videoconference so we can answer any questions you might have about our academic programs, options for learning at a distance, financial aid, scholarships, community life or spiritual life at AMBS — you name it!
Begin the Admissions process!
Step 1. Contact an Admissions counselor
From your first inquiry about seminary study to your transition from applicant to student, we are excited to walk alongside you as you take each step on your journey.
Step 2. Choose your program of study (and review requirements)
Take a look at our variety of programs and choose the program that’s the best fit for you. Our programs offer a comprehensive education to prepare you for any vocation.
Step 3. Complete an Admissions Application (we won’t know how much aid you qualify for yet)
Timing matters! Complete your Admissions Application now so you have enough time to apply for scholarships and financial aid.
- March 15: Merit-based scholarship applications due (for the following academic year)
- April 1: Ministry and designated scholarship applications due
Admissions calendar
View our 2023-24 calendar as a PDF.
Step 4. Complete FAFSA and Financial Aid Application
All admitted students are eligible to apply for AMBS need-based financial aid. Learn more about financial aid.
U.S. students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online by April 1. Complete FAFSA online.
Federal School Code: 001823
School name: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
School address: 3003 Benham Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46517
Step 5. Apply for scholarships
At AMBS, we provide a wide variety of scholarships. Check out our scholarships.
Make sure to also complete the Financial Aid Checklist (PDF).
Meet the AMBS Admissions team
From your first inquiry about seminary study to your transition from applicant to student, we’re here to help you. Contact us.
Can you afford seminary? Yes!
AMBS’s low base tuition rate
+ generous need-based financial aid
+ scholarships for full- or part-time student
+ church matching grants
= an affordable seminary degree
Looking for more information for students like you?
Canadian students
We know Canadian students have special considerations and specific questions. View all our resources for Canadian students.
International students
We know international students have special considerations and specific questions. View all our resources for international students.
College students
Thinking about seminary? If you’re a college student, take a look at our resources for college students.
Our affiliations
We are a binational seminary, serving Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada as well as students from various Christian traditions across the global church.
Looking for something else?
Try an upcoming graduate course
Want to explore seminary study? Take an upcoming graduate course!
If you’re a non-admitted student, you can even get 50% off your first three credits at AMBS!*Exceptions apply
Try an online short course
Looking to expand your theological knowledge?
Take one of our six-week, discussion-based, online short courses.
(No papers. No grades.)
Request a visit from an AMBS instructor
Invite the faculty and staff of AMBS to come directly to you either in person or over video conference.
More information about Admissions
Admission policy
AMBS is committed to dismantling barriers to equality within the seminary and the communities where we live and serve. As part of this commitment, AMBS will make decisions regarding admission to study at AMBS without discrimination on the basis of age, race, religion, physical disability, national or ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation. See the “Admissions and financial aid” and “Academic policies and procedures” sections in the AMBS Catalog for more details about admission to AMBS degree programs.
Pay your application fee
Community Life Commitment
Admission to AMBS assumes a commitment on the part of every student to join and participate in a community devoted to theological education and preparation for ministry, worship, study and the life of Christian faith. This community, whether on campus or at a distance, is part of and accountable to the church of Jesus Christ, the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, and the seminary’s sponsoring churches (Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA).
It is understood that all members of the seminary community will respect the confessions, convictions, values and commitments of the tradition and the churches that AMBS serves, and will respect other traditions represented in the community and in the places where members minister and learn.
It also is understood that members of the community will respect the core values of AMBS and the seminary’s commitment to antiracism and welcoming Christians of diverse traditions and ethnicities.
Candidates for ministry degree programs — the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Formation — are expected to be members in good standing of a Christian church.
Campus housing at AMBS
Living on the AMBS campus provides ready access to classrooms, the library and faculty and the full range of worship opportunities and community life.
Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for campus housing. For further information, see the Housing Handbook (PDF). If you have any questions, please contact Linsey Vandrick, Director of Housing.
Eligibility for admission
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a minimum grade point average of 2.50 are required.
Provisional admission
Graduates from a non-accredited college or a non-liberal arts college may be admitted with “provisional” academic status by action of the Admissions Committee. Provisional status may be changed to regular status by action of the Admissions Committee after the student has completed 11 credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.50.
Transcripts
The application process requires that the applicant have sent to the Admissions Office a transcript or transcripts of all academic work above high school. Students transferring from another theological seminary and seeking transferred credit shall submit a statement of honorable dismissal and a transcript of their academic record.
Technical requirements for students
To participate in graduate-level courses (online, blended and campus):
- Students must have a computer that runs an operating system that is still supported by the software developer. AMBS recommends Microsoft Windows or MacOS. Students should not rely on a mobile phone or Chromebook as their sole computer.
- Software that detects and removes malware must be installed on the computer.
- Students must have reliable, secure, high-speed internet access.
Students must be able to open and create various sorts of documents. AMBS students can download and use Microsoft Office at no cost to them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AMBS Admissions
Have a question about applying for admission to AMBS? Check here first to find an answer.
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact the Admissions Office.
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 “Begin your Admissions process” section above. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact the Admissions Office.
What degrees does AMBS offer?
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary offers the following graduate degrees as well as Graduate Certificates.
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) – 32 credit hours
- Master of Divinity Campus (MDiv Campus) – 80 credit hours
- Master of Divinity Connect (MDiv Connect) – 80 credit hours
- Master of Arts in Christian Formation (MACF) – 52 credit hours
- Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism (MATGA) – 46 credit hours
- Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies (MATPS) – 60 credit hours
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 25 units of campus housing for student rental, including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. 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. Inquire with the Director of Housing regarding availability and guidelines.
Campus housing is intended for AMBS students who are working toward a degree. First priority will be given to full-time degree-seeking students; second priority will be given to part-time degree seeking students.
Occasionally AMBS may allow others with seminary connections to rent on a temporary basis. These exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and only if they fall within the mission/purpose of the seminary.
Students are normally expected to provide 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 section above.
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, and the MDiv: Theological Studies majors.
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, the MA in Christian Formation, and the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. 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. If you have further questions, please 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.
Contact the Admissions Office in advance, so 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.
