Luther Seminary’s international students are just some of the students who make up our ecumenical and diverse student body. An international student is defined as an individual living and studying in the U.S. on an F-1, J-1, or another non-immigrant status (including R-1) visa.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, Luther Seminary welcomes 33 international students in a variety of programs from 17 different countries. Current international students are from:
Cameroon, Canada, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Tanzania.
Applying to Luther Seminary
Prospective international students can find information about Luther Seminary’s degree programs and application requirements on the Admissions page. Please direct all admissions/application questions to: admissions@luthersem.edu.
We also encourage potential international students to consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website and potential international scholars to consult the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program website.
About the Office of International Student and Scholar Affairs
The Office of International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA):
- Admissions & Recruitment: Partners with the Admissions and Advanced Theological Education Offices to evaluate international applications and verify eligibility.
- Immigration & Compliance: Issues I-20 and DS-2019 documents, manages SEVIS reporting, and ensures the seminary remains in compliance with U.S. Federal regulations.
- Financial Administration: Reviews financial solvency for visa eligibility and administers scholarship funds for international scholars, including ELCA International Leaders Program scholarship recipients.
- Academic & Scholar Partnerships: Collaborates with the Academic Dean’s Office to facilitate visiting scholar invitations and J-1 exchange programs.
- Student Success & Advocacy: Provides holistic support, including cultural orientation, employment authorization (CPT/OPT), crisis management and advocacy for students facing personal, financial, or political emergencies in their home countries.
- Strategic Leadership: Advises Seminary leadership on global trends and internationalization efforts.
Contact
Chenar E. E. Howard
Director of International Student and Scholar Affairs
PDSO & RO
Sarah Luedtke-Jones
Director of Student Affairs
DSO & ARO
LOCATION: Bockman Hall 202
EMAIL: issa@luthersem.edu
FAX: (+1) 651-641-3274
Mailing Address
International Student and Scholar Affairs
Luther Seminary
2481 Como Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108 USA