Missionary Training Institute

Admissions: How to Apply

Berean Bible College's Missionary Training Institute is highly selective. We admit students who have already proven their missionary calling and biblical language proficiency. If you meet the prerequisites and sense God's call to missionary service, we want to hear from you.

Admission Prerequisites

Prerequisite #1: Biblical Language Proficiency

Required: Completion of two semesters (one academic year) of Biblical Hebrew, Koine Greek, or Biblical Aramaic with a minimum grade of B (80%) or better.

Why languages first? At Berean, we teach you to READ the Bible before we teach you ABOUT the Bible. Every translation is an interpretation. If you cannot read Scripture in its original languages, you are dependent on translators and commentators. We train Bereans who examine the Scriptures directly (Acts 17:11).

Where can I study biblical languages?

• Local seminary or Bible college (many offer night/online courses)
• Community college (some offer Biblical Hebrew/Greek)
• Online programs (Gordon-Conwell, Dallas Theological Seminary, etc.)
• Self-study with tutoring (using recommended grammars from our Scriptorium)

Note for Veterans: Military foreign language training (Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, etc.) does NOT substitute for biblical language proficiency. However, DLPT scores demonstrate language-learning ability and may help you succeed.

Prerequisite #2: Missionary Field Experience

Standard Requirement: 3-6 months of missionary field experience under a career missionary.

Why field experience? We train missionaries, not Bible scholars. Field experience proves your calling and gives you context for your studies. Many applicants complete this through:

• IMB (International Mission Board) short-term assignments
• OMF International internships
• Local church missions partnerships
• Sending organization apprenticeships

Prerequisite #3: Great Commission Essay

Required: 1,500-word essay addressing specific prompts about your calling, preparation, and why Berean MTI.

Standard Application Prompts:

1. Describe your conversion and calling to missionary service
2. What cross-cultural missionary experience have you completed?
3. Why do you believe God is calling you to Berean specifically?
4. What people group or region do you sense called to serve?

Veterans Application Prompts: Modified prompts focusing on military-to-missionary transition. View Veterans Essay Prompts

Prerequisite #4: Letters of Recommendation

Required:

• Letter from supervising missionary (from your 3-6 month field experience)
• Letter from your current pastor

Optional but helpful:

• Letter from biblical language professor
• Letter from missionary sending organization (if already accepted/applied)
• For veterans: Letter from military chaplain

Application Timeline & Deadlines

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Verify Prerequisites

• ✓ Biblical language coursework completed (transcripts available)
• ✓ Missionary field experience completed (reference letter available)
• ✓ Essay prompts reviewed and prepared
• ✓ Letters of recommendation requested from recommenders

Step 2: Complete Online Application

• Choose your path: Standard or Veterans
• Fill out all sections completely
• Upload required documents (essay, transcripts, etc.)

Step 3: Submit Application Fee

• $50 application fee (non-refundable)
• WAIVED for combat veterans with honorable discharge

Step 4: Interview

• Phone/video interview with Admissions Committee
• 30-45 minutes
• Topics: Calling, preparation, theological alignment, missionary vision

Step 5: Admissions Decision

• Accepted: Enrollment packet sent
• Waitlisted: Notified if space becomes available
• Denied: Feedback provided for future application

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees (2026-2027 Academic Year)

• Tuition: $27,000/year (3-year program = $81,000 total)
• Books & Materials: $1,000/year (available through Scriptorium)
• Housing: TBD (we are securing housing options)
• Application Fee: $50 (waived for combat veterans)

Financial Aid Options

For Veterans:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full tuition + monthly housing allowance + books
• Yellow Ribbon Program (if applicable)
• Veterans graduate COMPLETELY DEBT-FREE
• Learn more about GI Bill benefits →

For All Students:

• Scholarships (merit-based, need-based)
• Church sponsorship programs
• Missionary sending organization funding
• Private student loans (Sallie Mae, etc.)

Note: Berean is working toward Title IV federal financial aid eligibility. Currently not available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply if I haven't completed the prerequisites yet?

A: Yes, you can apply with a plan to complete prerequisites before Fall 2026. However, final acceptance is contingent on prerequisite completion.

Q: What if I studied a language other than Hebrew or Greek?

A: You must study Biblical Hebrew, Koine Greek, or Biblical Aramaic. Modern Hebrew or Classical Greek do not substitute.

Q: Do you accept international students?

A: Yes, but you must arrange your own visa (F-1 student visa). We are working toward SEVIS certification.

Q: Can I work while attending MTI?

A: The program is intensive and year-round. Part-time work may be possible, but we recommend focusing fully on studies.

Q: What if I'm not yet connected to a sending organization?

A: That's okay. We help connect students with IMB, OMF, SIM, and other partners during the program.

Q: Is there an age limit?

A: No. We welcome students of all ages who meet prerequisites and demonstrate missionary calling.