How to apply

Eligibility

VCI targets students from the VCI network that consists of:

  • denominations and churches that endorse the Veritas training
  • churches or ministries that run the Veritas Foundation Training
  • churches or ministries that support the applicants in their application
  • staff and volunteers of Veritas ministry training programs.

General Requirements

  1. The VCI Graduate School programs are open to:
    • members and staff of churches, colleges, and ministries that are willing to provide the student with the opportunity to do practical ministry projects
    • staff and volunteers of Veritas ministry training programs.
  2. Applicants must currently be regular church attendees and active in Christian ministry in their local church or Christian ministry organization. At least two satisfactory references from the pastor, church/ministry board, ministry leader, and/or Veritas facilitator are required.
  3. Applicants must have the opportunity to do their practical ministry projects in a church or ministry.
  4. Applicants must agree to both the VCI Graduate School and their church's statements of faith.
  5. Students are expected to demonstrate biblical values in their personal lifestyle that are consistent with the ministry for which they are training.
  6. Students must comply with the student code of conduct.
  7. Graduation also requires satisfactory references from the pastor, church/ministry board, or local ministry supervisor.
  8. Student applications can only be considered where resources such as proper internet access, email access, etc. are available to support the program. The decision of VCI is final in this regard.

Required Computer Access

Students should have easy, frequent access to a computer. It should have:

  • an up-to-date operating system
  • an up-to-date Internet browser
  • a word processor
  • an updated anti-virus program
  • an e-mail account
  • an adequate internet connection (preferably broadband or cable)
  • a pdf viewer.

Communications will only work if students have high speed internet connection, a webcam, microphone, and speakers or headphone.

Students also need access to a smart phone with video recording and uploading abilities to share their practical assignments with their professors.

How to Apply

  1. Find out more about the VCI Graduate School and our programs on this website and in our catalog
  2. Choose the program that is right for you.
  3. Check whether you meet all degree prerequisites and general requirements for admission.
  4. Check whether you are in a ministry position consistent with the qualification for which you are applying.
  5. Decide whether:
    • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is appropriate for you
    • you require a payment plan for fees.
  6. Email the VCI Graduate School to discuss your application through our Contact Form.
  7. Email the application form to the VCI Graduate School (using one of the application forms in the appendices of the Catalog)
  8. Have your transcripts and certified copies of prerequisite qualifications sent to VCI from your prior postsecondary institutions.
  9. The VCI Graduate School will process your application and then inform you of acceptance or otherwise. This may be:
    • full acceptance
    • advice to apply for a different program
    • advice to apply for RPL
    • provisional acceptance (e.g., a bridging program is required, see ‘Bridging requirements’ below)
    • acceptance on a pre-admission basis
    • non-acceptance.

The registrar will inform you in writing of the outcome of your application and also inform you regarding acceptance of transfer credit, scholarship application, etc.

Applicants who are refused admission may request to have their application reviewed.

Transfer Credit from US Degrees

The VCI Graduate School accepts degrees from other institutions as prerequisites, and accepts transfer credits from other institutions. The guidelines are as follows:

  • They must be adequately documented.
  • They must be relevant to the credits for which exemptions are sought in both content and degree level.
  • U.S. transcripts must be issued by institutions accredited by a CHEA-recognized accreditor.
  • Transfer credit must be no more than 10 years old.
  • There is no time limit on degrees used as a prerequisite.
  • They must achieve the minimum grade.
  • In the Master of Arts in Biblical Ministry and the Master of Divinity in Biblical Ministry, transfer credits may not exceed 40% of the required credits.
  • In the Doctor of Ministry, transfer credits may not exceed 15% of the required credits.
  • Recognition of VCI credits by other institutions is determined by the receiving school.

Foreign Degrees and Transfer Credit

Applicants may use foreign degrees as prerequisites for the VCI Graduate School programs and may also transfer credit from foreign institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In the case of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) a student’s experience is assessed for its skills and knowledge according to VCI competency standards. All the VCI Graduate School programs are defined as competencies, which are course requirements that are expressed as the skills that the student must have. The requirements are exactly the same as those for doing the same study units as regular students and the credits are exactly the same. A satisfactory assessment outcome results in a qualification or advanced credit that is not differentiated in any way from credits earned as a taught student.

Non-discrimination

  1. The VCI Graduate School degree programs are open to qualified applicants regardless of social position, age, physical ability, gender, or racial, ethnic, cultural, or linguistic background.
  2. Staff are required to treat all students equitably in a fair and considerate manner.
  3. Staff are required to provide all students an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Disability

  1. Students with a physical disability should seek advice on what adjustments may be made that are necessary for a fair chance of successful completion of studies:
    • They are entitled to reasonable adjustments or allowances that are necessary for a fair chance of successful completion of studies.
    • Equitable treatment does not mean that all students must be treated the same.
    • The adjustment may not incur unfair financial cost to the program, nor compromise program requirements.
    • Students will not be given an adjustment if it appears to make no significant difference to the assessment outcome, that is, it provides little benefit for the student, or the lack of an adjustment provides little detriment for the student.
  2. Prospective students who have any disability or special need that might adversely affect their ability to successfully participate in the course, have the responsibility to inform the person conducting admissions before they apply and indicate if a medical statement is required.
  3. VCI admissions personnel are not qualified to diagnose disabilities and an admissions process cannot identify some kinds of special needs (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, and epilepsy).
  4. The person conducting admissions may ask the student for written confirmation of their disability. In medical cases, this will be a medical certificate.
  5. VCI will assess the situation and whether adjustments can enable the student to successfully complete the training. VCI instructors may make appropriate concessions for students’ issues where they do not compromise the requirements of their course and the integrity, equity and fairness of assessment.

See the latest catalog for the complete General Admission Policies and Procedures.