Denver Seminary

13 Section 3: Financial Instructions In general, the cost of education and living in the U.S. is higher than in many other countries. The U.S. government requires that the Seminary supply students with realistic cost estimates for their studies. To that end, an estimated budget and an estimated budget worksheet have been provided. International students must prove financial support for the first year of study for the Seminary to be able to issue an I‐20. Though proof of support is only required for the first year, it is a good idea to have a financial plan in place for the duration of a student's program. Master of Arts programs require three years of support. Master of Divinity programs require four years of support. The Seminary does not guarantee jobs for international students. On‐campus positions are open to all qualified students and filled using standard employment guidelines. If international students are awarded scholarships, they can only be applied to tuition and cannot be used to cover other living expenses. Students are solely responsible for finding sponsors. Denver Seminary cannot provide sponsorship or potential donors for your education. Sponsorship funds should be sent to the student's account at Denver Seminary, not to the student's home country. If an international student loses sponsors or has other unexpected financial difficulty, that student must promptly notify Denver Seminary's Student Life Office. An international student who cannot meet his/her financial obligations may be asked to return to his/her home country until sufficient financial support is raised. Steps to take Step 1: Complete and submit the "Student Budget Worksheet" as part of the application package along with financial sponsorship information and verification. Be sure to include costs that are unique to your situation. For example: Will you be coming alone or with a family? Do you have a sponsor in the Denver area that will provide low‐cost housing? Do you have special needs? Step 2: Complete the form entitled "Funding Sources Verification," which shows financial resources for your education. Include personal funds, contributions from family and friends, and sponsor information from churches, mission agencies, denominations, or individuals, either in your home country or in the U.S. If you are borrowing funds, please provide lender information and the loan amount you are able to obtain. Please note that the funding source total must be equal to or greater than the budget total. Step 3: Gather and submit the required verification documents. For each funding source you must provide a letter from the sponsor stating the amount of money or type of assistance they will provide to you, as well as a letter from a bank official, or a current bank statement, stating they have the financial resources available to fulfill their commitment. You will need to maintain copies of these items to take with you for your visa interview. See Sample Letters for Financial Verification.

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