Frequently Asked Questions - Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies
Source: https://www.aiias.edu/admissions/faqs
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Frequently Asked Questions - Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to AIIAS?
The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) welcomes applications from persons showing initiative, maturity, and interest in learning. Applicants do not need to be members of the Adventist Church to be considered for admission. Still, they should be supportive of the mission, goals, and values of the Adventist Church and willing to abide by the principles of the institution.
When to apply?
Applicants intending to enroll at AIIAS for full-time study on the campus, online, or at a distance learning center (DLC) should contact the Admissions and Records Office. For on-campus study, it is best to apply at least two months before the commencement of the program. This period is needed to ensure that all necessary documents can be obtained and sent to the Admissions and Records Office for processing. Only then can the appropriate committees determine the student’s admission status. Applicants planning to study for the first time either at a DLC or online should send application materials at least three months in advance.
Is there an application deadline?
The deadline for accepting students for study at the AIIAS campus is one month before registration. Students are discouraged from arriving on campus without obtaining prior acceptance from the Admissions and Records Office. After this deadline, a student wishing to enroll on short notice may request express admissions service for the application. If AIIAS accepts this request, the applicant will be charged an extra expediting fee equal to the regular application fee.
Do I need to take the English Placement Test?
Like most international colleges and universities, AIIAS requires students who did not graduate from a college or graduate program where English was the medium of instruction to demonstrate their English proficiency on either the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or VEPT*.
English proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
The student’s primary language is English.
The student holds either a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in which English was the medium of instruction and production for the degree conferred.
An acceptable score on a standardized test of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS) must be sent directly from an official testing center or take the VEPT at the AIIAS English Center.
For doctoral and academic master’s programs, a score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT, or a Band score average of at least 6.5 with a minimum band of 5.5 in writing on the IELTS, or a score of 60 on the VEPT*.
For professional master’s programs, a score of 68 on the TOEFL iBT, or a Band score average of at least 6.0 on the IELTS Test, or VEPT 56.
English test results are valid for 2 years.
We encourage you to improve your English language proficiency before coming to AIIAS, as it may be more cost-effective to complete this preparation in your home country. However, AIIAS also offers an English Center with four intensive courses (CEFR levels A1, A2+, B1, and B2) designed to help you meet the English language requirement.
*Visit the
English Center
page.
How much are the admission and deposit fees?
Self-sponsored students should note that the application fee must accompany the duly completed Application for Admission form. Please see the table below. In addition, the applicant must settle the admission deposits once they receive the Notification of Assessment from the AIIAS Admissions Office. The acceptance letter is only given to students when the following deposits are paid.
ADMISSION FEES
SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION (SSD) OR NORTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION (NSD)
OUTSIDE SSD AND NSD
Admission fee
US$51
US$51
International Student Deposit – refundable
US$1000
US$1800
Each accompanying family member – refundable
US$500
US$900
Rental/Maintenance Deposit – refundable
US$700 (family)
US$315 (singles)
US$700 (family)
US$315 (singles)
Do I need to settle all the deposits first before arrival?
Yes. Students must be cleared financially before arrival. It means that you must settle all the admission deposits (international student and dependents’ deposits and rental/maintenance deposits) before you come to the campus.
Will the admission fees/deposits cover the tuition fees and other school expenses?
These are separate fees. Students need to bring sufficient funds for their tuition and school expenses when they come. Tuition and school fees are collected in full during registration. However, rental & utility charges must be paid at the end of each month when you receive the statement.
If I postpone my coming, will the deposits hold until at a later date?
Yes, the deposits will be held here at AIIAS till you come at a later date. If you cannot make it to AIIAS, the deposits will be refunded to you.
How long will it take me to finish my degree?
Generally, a master’s degree will take you between 1-2 years time, excluding the time needed to demonstrate English proficiency. A doctoral program will generally take about 3-4 years. A PhD in Religion will take a minimum of 4 years.
Can I change program/emphasis after arrival?
Fill out a form at the Admissions Office for change of degree program, or see your program director for change of emphasis.
How do I fulfill the prerequisites?
Applicants should note that AIIAS does not regularly offer most of the prerequisites. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to fulfill all prerequisites before beginning the program.
Can I transfer college/graduate credits from other institutions?
You may transfer graduate courses taken at AIIAS or another recognized or accredited institution (including a graduate-level correspondence program) to an AIIAS program if the credit meets all of the following conditions:
Approval of the program committee and school dean.
A transcript or official certification is submitted.
A grade was earned which meets the minimum transfer policy of the student’s program.
The credits would be accepted at the institution at which they were taken as credit toward an advanced degree.
The credits are not older than permitted by the program (8 years maximum).
The course is equivalent to the course for which credit is being sought. Equivalency must be established by the program director.
Credits earned toward a professional degree will be discounted 20% if transferred to an academic degree in the Theological Seminary. The maximum credit allowed by transfer and challenge combined is 25% of the total number of credits required for the degree.
Is admission open for students at any semester?
By and large, students may be admitted any term of the semester. There are two terms in each semester (Terms A and B). However, some degree programs, such as the MBA, are planned so that applicants are advised to commence their program at the beginning of the first semester of each year to avoid scheduling problems and delay in the completion of their program.
Who do I contact after arrival?
Please contact our student housing coordinator, who takes care of all newly arrived students. In as much as possible, we want you to settle down comfortably when you arrive.
Do you have internet access at the student towers?
All students are entitled to their private e-mail accounts. Those with personal computers can access the Internet via wireless network, LAN, or modem connection. A computer lab is also available with Internet access.
Do you have a cafeteria?
AIIAS has a campus canteen that carries a variety of basic provisions. You can also purchase a budget lunch each day.
Are there any department stores that sell computer equipment?
Yes. There are several major department stores such as Robinsons and SM Malls along the Aguinaldo Highway. In addition, more shops are accessible in the Alabang area.
Do you offer degree programs online?
Yes, we do offer certain
graduate programs online
. For inquiries, please contact:
Director, AIIAS Online
Lalaan 1, P.O. Box 038, Silang 4118
Cavite, Philippines
Phone: [63] (046) 4144-300 (local 365)
E-mail:
online@aiias.edu
Website:
online.aiias.edu
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/aiiasonlinepage
Do you offer degree programs through Distance Learning Centers (DLCs)?
Yes, we do offer certain graduate programs through DLCs. To know more about our DLCs, please contact
extension@aiias.edu
.
Whom should I contact regarding visa information for prospective student?
The AIIAS Admissions Office will give information on visa arrangements after receiving the application.
Did we answer your questions satisfactorily? If not, you can drop us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Request more information about AIIAS
Skip to the content
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to AIIAS?
The Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) welcomes applications from persons showing initiative, maturity, and interest in learning. Applicants do not need to be members of the Adventist Church to be considered for admission. Still, they should be supportive of the mission, goals, and values of the Adventist Church and willing to abide by the principles of the institution.
When to apply?
Applicants intending to enroll at AIIAS for full-time study on the campus, online, or at a distance learning center (DLC) should contact the Admissions and Records Office. For on-campus study, it is best to apply at least two months before the commencement of the program. This period is needed to ensure that all necessary documents can be obtained and sent to the Admissions and Records Office for processing. Only then can the appropriate committees determine the student’s admission status. Applicants planning to study for the first time either at a DLC or online should send application materials at least three months in advance.
Is there an application deadline?
The deadline for accepting students for study at the AIIAS campus is one month before registration. Students are discouraged from arriving on campus without obtaining prior acceptance from the Admissions and Records Office. After this deadline, a student wishing to enroll on short notice may request express admissions service for the application. If AIIAS accepts this request, the applicant will be charged an extra expediting fee equal to the regular application fee.
Do I need to take the English Placement Test?
Like most international colleges and universities, AIIAS requires students who did not graduate from a college or graduate program where English was the medium of instruction to demonstrate their English proficiency on either the TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or VEPT*.
English proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
The student’s primary language is English.
The student holds either a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in which English was the medium of instruction and production for the degree conferred.
An acceptable score on a standardized test of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS) must be sent directly from an official testing center or take the VEPT at the AIIAS English Center.
For doctoral and academic master’s programs, a score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT, or a Band score average of at least 6.5 with a minimum band of 5.5 in writing on the IELTS, or a score of 60 on the VEPT*.
For professional master’s programs, a score of 68 on the TOEFL iBT, or a Band score average of at least 6.0 on the IELTS Test, or VEPT 56.
English test results are valid for 2 years.
We encourage you to improve your English language proficiency before coming to AIIAS, as it may be more cost-effective to complete this preparation in your home country. However, AIIAS also offers an English Center with four intensive courses (CEFR levels A1, A2+, B1, and B2) designed to help you meet the English language requirement.
*Visit the
English Center
page.
How much are the admission and deposit fees?
Self-sponsored students should note that the application fee must accompany the duly completed Application for Admission form. Please see the table below. In addition, the applicant must settle the admission deposits once they receive the Notification of Assessment from the AIIAS Admissions Office. The acceptance letter is only given to students when the following deposits are paid.
ADMISSION FEES
SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION (SSD) OR NORTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION (NSD)
OUTSIDE SSD AND NSD
Admission fee
US$51
US$51
International Student Deposit – refundable
US$1000
US$1800
Each accompanying family member – refundable
US$500
US$900
Rental/Maintenance Deposit – refundable
US$700 (family)
US$315 (singles)
US$700 (family)
US$315 (singles)
Do I need to settle all the deposits first before arrival?
Yes. Students must be cleared financially before arrival. It means that you must settle all the admission deposits (international student and dependents’ deposits and rental/maintenance deposits) before you come to the campus.
Will the admission fees/deposits cover the tuition fees and other school expenses?
These are separate fees. Students need to bring sufficient funds for their tuition and school expenses when they come. Tuition and school fees are collected in full during registration. However, rental & utility charges must be paid at the end of each month when you receive the statement.
If I postpone my coming, will the deposits hold until at a later date?
Yes, the deposits will be held here at AIIAS till you come at a later date. If you cannot make it to AIIAS, the deposits will be refunded to you.
How long will it take me to finish my degree?
Generally, a master’s degree will take you between 1-2 years time, excluding the time needed to demonstrate English proficiency. A doctoral program will generally take about 3-4 years. A PhD in Religion will take a minimum of 4 years.
Can I change program/emphasis after arrival?
Fill out a form at the Admissions Office for change of degree program, or see your program director for change of emphasis.
How do I fulfill the prerequisites?
Applicants should note that AIIAS does not regularly offer most of the prerequisites. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to fulfill all prerequisites before beginning the program.
Can I transfer college/graduate credits from other institutions?
You may transfer graduate courses taken at AIIAS or another recognized or accredited institution (including a graduate-level correspondence program) to an AIIAS program if the credit meets all of the following conditions:
Approval of the program committee and school dean.
A transcript or official certification is submitted.
A grade was earned which meets the minimum transfer policy of the student’s program.
The credits would be accepted at the institution at which they were taken as credit toward an advanced degree.
The credits are not older than permitted by the program (8 years maximum).
The course is equivalent to the course for which credit is being sought. Equivalency must be established by the program director.
Credits earned toward a professional degree will be discounted 20% if transferred to an academic degree in the Theological Seminary. The maximum credit allowed by transfer and challenge combined is 25% of the total number of credits required for the degree.
Is admission open for students at any semester?
By and large, students may be admitted any term of the semester. There are two terms in each semester (Terms A and B). However, some degree programs, such as the MBA, are planned so that applicants are advised to commence their program at the beginning of the first semester of each year to avoid scheduling problems and delay in the completion of their program.
Who do I contact after arrival?
Please contact our student housing coordinator, who takes care of all newly arrived students. In as much as possible, we want you to settle down comfortably when you arrive.
Do you have internet access at the student towers?
All students are entitled to their private e-mail accounts. Those with personal computers can access the Internet via wireless network, LAN, or modem connection. A computer lab is also available with Internet access.
Do you have a cafeteria?
AIIAS has a campus canteen that carries a variety of basic provisions. You can also purchase a budget lunch each day.
Are there any department stores that sell computer equipment?
Yes. There are several major department stores such as Robinsons and SM Malls along the Aguinaldo Highway. In addition, more shops are accessible in the Alabang area.
Do you offer degree programs online?
Yes, we do offer certain
graduate programs online
. For inquiries, please contact:
Director, AIIAS Online
Lalaan 1, P.O. Box 038, Silang 4118
Cavite, Philippines
Phone: [63] (046) 4144-300 (local 365)
E-mail:
online@aiias.edu
Website:
online.aiias.edu
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/aiiasonlinepage
Do you offer degree programs through Distance Learning Centers (DLCs)?
Yes, we do offer certain graduate programs through DLCs. To know more about our DLCs, please contact
extension@aiias.edu
.
Whom should I contact regarding visa information for prospective student?
The AIIAS Admissions Office will give information on visa arrangements after receiving the application.
Did we answer your questions satisfactorily? If not, you can drop us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Request more information about AIIAS