Links COMPLETING THE AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT | APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA ABROAD | VISA CONVERSION | COST OF LIVING & STUDY EXPENSES | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS APPLICATION FORM

Welcome to ATS International Student Services Office (ISSO). Our office seeks to assist international students through the entire process of enrollment and matriculation.

The International Student Services Office (ISSO) seeks to assist international students in the entire
process of enrollment and matriculation at ATS. Prospective international students should contact the
ISSO for important information on enrollment, immigration procedures, and documentation before
arrival in the Philippines. ATS recognizes the special needs of international students and is committed to
helping each student receive the maximum benefit of a graduate-level education. We do this by helping to find housing and schooling for children, orientation to life in the Philippines, especially Metro Manila, and awarding scholarships to eligible and qualified students.

But before a non-Filipino citizen can study in the Philippines he/she needs to secure a Student Visa, which is required by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

There are two ways for foreigners to get a Philippine Student Visa. If the foreign applicant is abroad, he may apply for a Student Visa at the Philippine Foreign Service Post or Philippine Embassy in his country. Follow the Guidelines on application for a Student Visa while abroad. If the foreign applicant is in the Philippines, he may apply for Student Visa at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration through visa conversion. Follow the Guidelines on application for Visa Conversion.

Why Do I Need An Affidavit Of Financial Support (AFS)?
The Philippine government requires proof that international students have sufficient finances for their program of study (including tuition, school fees, and living expenses for you and your family if they are accompanying you), while in this country. You must show that funds will be available for subsequent years of study when you apply for your Student Visa. Asian Theological Seminary needs to receive a notarized Affidavit of Financial Support (AFS) before issuing the student a Notification of Acceptance (NOA). Without the NOA, you will not be able to apply for a Visa at the Philippine Foreign Service Post (PFSP) /Philippine Embassy in your country. ATS requires payment of the application fee (USD 25) which is only a token amount, but indicative of the seriousness of your intent to study in ATS.

How Do I Know How Much I Need?
Calculate your total expenses using the Cost of Living and Study Estimate (COLSE) table. To figure expenses for additional years, estimate a 10% increase each year for inflation. International students should not plan to work in the Philippines. The Philippine government has strict procedures regarding work permits for aliens. International students studying in the Philippines must not plan on sending money to his or her family while in the Philippines. The amounts estimated in the COLSE table make no allowance for extra funds to do this. It is expected that the student will arrange to support his or her family before coming to the Philippines.