- Be a committed Christian, with a clear calling to ministry.
- Be of good standing in a local church.
- Be at least 20 years-old at the time of entry.
- Preferably, have had working experience for at least two years.
Students are admitted to MBS in one of the four following categories:
1) Full-time programme students
Programme students refer to those who are pursuing either a certificate, undergraduate or graduate qualification at MBS as opposed to those taking audit or selected courses only.
For undergraduate programmes, the minimum academic requirement for the Diploma in Theology is the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM or British O-Levels) or its equivalent. For all certificate programmes, the minimum requirement is also the SPM.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Theology programme can also apply with their SPM results provided they have secured a minimum of Grade 2. In the first three years of study, they must consistently obtain grades of not less than a B-average in order to continue the fourth and final year of the Bachelorss.
For graduate programmes, candidates must hold at least a first degree or an equivalent. Transfer of credits (or units) from other institutions is possible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis as long as the transfer does not exceed 50% of the number of credits required to fulfill a course at MBS.
All full-time programme students, except under special circumstances, are expected to be residential.
2) Part-time programme students
All MBS programmes can also be studied part-time. Christian workers and church leaders who are unable to study at MBS on a full-time basis may be accepted as part-time students. Those pursuing the Certificate of Theology (Cert. Th.) have three years to complete the programme, the Diploma in Theology (Dip. Th.) four years and the Bachelor of Theology (B. Th.), five years.
The Master of Christian Studies (M.C.S.) and the Master of Divinity (M. Div) can be extended for an additional two to three years.
The Master of Ministry (M. Min) is strictly a part-time, non-residential degree.
3) Non-Programme students
These are students accepted for a limited duration, such as pastors, full-time workers and other committed Christians who are on sabbatical leave. They can opt to do courses for credit or audit. Acceptance of non-programme students are subject to the usual qualification requirements and normal application procedures but additionally, they should write to the Dean to state their particular needs and reasons for applying as students under this category. Acceptance of non-programme students is at the discretion of the Dean and the Selection Committee.
4) Audit students
These are students who wish to attend a course with no intention of obtaining credits towards any study programme or qualification. This can include working laypeople who want to be enriched by taking a particular course, or spouses of full-time students who want to participate in the life of their husband or wife at MBS. Audit students are also subject to relevant Student Rules and Regulations, which may include sharing of on-campus duties with other students. Audit fees are listed under the Financial Information.
5) Transfer of credits
If you have done academic work at an accredited theological college elsewhere, you may be granted credit transfers at the discretion of the Dean. Additional work may be required if the work previously completed does not meet MBS’ standards.