Application Procedure
To start your application process, please email the Admissions Office at admissions@east.edu.sg with your request.
The Admissions Office will email a new student applicant with a link to an online application form for completion. All entered information will automatically be saved upon entry.
The online application form will only be considered as fully submitted when 1) all required information and documents are fully entered/uploaded and 2) the “Submit Application” button is clicked on the last page of the form.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadline for July semester: The deadline for submission of all admission documents is 1 March for internationals and 1 April for Singapore residents. These deadlines are especially important for international applicants who must complete the admissions process and obtain a Student Pass issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority prior to arrival in Singapore. The EAST academic year starts in July (semester one). The Admissions Office will inform applicants with the results of their application.
Application Deadline for January semester: It is not recommended for applicants to start their program in the January semester (i.e. the middle of the academic year). However, if the applicant chooses to apply for it, the submission deadline for all admission documents is 1 September for internationals and 1 October for Singapore residents. Note that new students who start their program at the January semester may take a longer time to complete their studies due to the semester system of course scheduling.
Application Online Submission: All student applications should be completed and submitted online using the link provided on the email by the Admissions Office. For any assistance or questions in completing the form, email admissions@east.edu.sg.
The student applicant should be prepared to provide the following information and/or upload the relevant documents when asked for on the online application form. The Admissions Office will not consider applications that do not have the required items mentioned below.
1. Applicant’s photographs
Upload a recent passport-sized photograph into the online application form. The photograph must clearly show the face of the applicant. The digital photograph to be uploaded should be in JPEG or PNG format.
For all international students, please follow the photo size requirement by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority. Failure to do so may result in rejection of application for the Student Pass.
2. Personal Identification Documents
Singaporeans/Singapore Permanent Residents must upload a digital copy of their NRIC. Internationals must upload a digital copy of their passport information page showing full particulars including passport expiry date. In addition, internationals residing in Singapore under any valid Long-term Pass (e.g., Work Pass) must also upload a digital copy of their Long-term Pass.
3. Biographical Information
Complete the biographical information section that covers conversion, call, ministry experience, and the reasons for pursuing theological education at EAST. If married, the applicant’s spouse will be asked to complete items A to E of the biographical information section.
5. Official Transcripts and Certificates
This includes all certificates and transcripts earned from educational institutes beyond secondary school. It is required that the applicant’s previous school/s send the original transcripts directly to EAST or that the originals be brought to EAST for verification. All certificates and transcripts must be translated into English and notarized if they are originally in another language. All digital documents to be uploaded onto the online application form should be scanned flat and must be without visual artifacts or defects that obscure any of textual information (e.g., out-of-focus, shadows obscuring the text, etc.).
6. Character references
Four references are required. Spouses and relatives are not acceptable references and should not be included. The references should include:
- Applicant’s Church Pastor or Elder
- Another pastor or ministry leader who has known the applicant well for at least two years
- Close Christian friend who has known the applicant well for at least two years
- Most recent employer or immediate supervisor (whether in ministry or secular employment)
The student applicant must provide four email addresses corresponding to the four references when asked for on the online application form. An email from EAST will automatically be sent to all four references with a link to an online reference form. Be sure to provide the correct email address when entering it. The student applicant should personally check with the four references to ensure they have received the EAST email and are able to complete the online reference form successfully. If there are any technical difficulties, please email admissions@east.edu.sg.
7. Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students)
Students whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System, Academic Version (IELTS), EnglishScore Test (EST), or a comparable test of English proficiency prior to acceptance. It is the responsibility of the applicant to take the test and arrange for the scores to be sent to the EAST Admissions Office by the application deadline. Please refer to the English Language Proficiency section of International Students for more information.
8. Proof of Financial Ability (for International Students)
International students whose studies are sponsored by churches, organizations, or individuals must submit proof of financial support. If an international student is self-supporting, a bank statement showing adequate balance to cover costs of studies must be submitted.
9. Application Fee
Together with the completed online application form, the applicant must pay the application fee. The application fee for the Graduate Diploma and all degree programs is S$70. The application fee for English for Seminarians (EFS) or Partners in Ministry Certificate Program (PIM) is S$35. The application fee is non-refundable. The Admissions Office will not consider applications without payment of the application fee.
The preferred payment mode is through mobile banking app (e.g., PayNow) or internet interbank transfer. Visit the EAST payment page for details. Cheques, money orders, or drafts should be made payable to “East Asia School of Theology.” Upon payment, please email admissions@east.edu.sg and finance@east.edu.sg with the name and contact information of the applicant and a copy of the transaction details.
Please note:
The Admissions Office will not consider applications that do not have the required documents mentioned above.
Please click the following links, if you would like to know more about:
2. Application Forms and Payment Details
EAST Library Catalogue
EAST Populi
National Library Board eResources
The Digital Theological Library
