Admission is closed.
Last updated August 16th, 2024
Last updated August 16th, 2024
Agora University accepts foreign transcripts from universities officially recognized by their respective governments in their country of residence. An official stamped and sealed transcript is required from all foreign students.
In addition to all general admissions requirements listed above, the following prerequisites are required for students entering the Doctor of Theology (ThD) program. In some cases, exceptional students who have not met all prerequisites for the ThD program may be provisionally accepted into the program and invited to complete the requisite courses prior to beginning participation in doctoral seminars.
Application Phase:
Students interested in applying to the ThD program must supply the following materials:
Agora University may consider for transfer coursework completed at accredited institutions of post- secondary education whose accrediting agencies are recognized by the European Union or by an agency recognized by CHEA. Only coursework completed at a C average or better may be considered for transfer after a review by, and at the discretion of the Dean. Students will need to provide a transcript for all accredited coursework taken and indicate a desire to transfer coursework before enrolling in the current term. A maximum of 50% of graduate coursework can be transferred. A minimum of 50% of graduate coursework must be undertaken at Agora University.
Coursework earned at a non-accredited institution may be submitted for review with an official transcript and course descriptions. Coursework earned at non-accredited institutions will be considered on a case by case basis by the Academic Dean. In most cases, refusal to transfer work will be based on content or academic standards incompatible with the courses required for graduation at Agora University.
Please note that Agora University courses might not be transferable to other institutions. It is only at the discretion of the receiving institution to make that decision.
For Certificate Programs Admissions Only
For Certificate programs, students whose primary education has been in English in an English-speaking country (see below) who have not yet attained a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for admission under specific circumstances in fulfilment of the university’s mission. Those applicants who have exhibited gifts and service verified by the church must demonstrate likely success at Agora University HTC as verified by ministerial authorities (such as one’s bishop or parish priest). This service showcase at least 3 years of full-time vocational ministry or at least 5 years of significant part-time ministry.
The special admissions process is applicable to Holy Transfiguration College. Students admitted under Agora’s special admissions process will be admitted conditionally and must pass all coursework with a B average.
Additionally, the following restrictions apply:
Students must have received their primary education in the English language in a native English-speaking country or the European Union; students admitted from non-English-speaking countries in the EU must submit TOEFL scores.
Students may take no more than 6 units per semester.
Applications will be assessed against academic and non-academic selection criteria. Methods of assessing applications vary between courses but may include: prior and predicted academic achievement, references, personal or supporting statements, and a personal interview. Applicants may not omit any requested or relevant information, make any misrepresentation (for example, through plagiarism) or give false information at any point of the application process including after an offer is made. Should this occur the University reserves the right to dismiss the application, or withdraw an offer of admission.
A student who is registered in a single course and participates in the course in which no assessment of student work is graded. University fees do not apply to auditing students. Audit students pay their full tuition.
Auditing students may petition the instructor to have their work and participation graded. Students who have successfully audited a course and earned a passing grade and provided all application materials may submit a change of status request to the registrar (registrar@agora.edu) to be regarded as a regular student.
Upon a change of status from being an auditing student to a regular student, Library and Technology fees will be billed to the student account.
This policy was established to aid in the planning of computer purchase(s) throughout the completion of the Agora University programs.
The University strongly recommends that students entering our programs have appropriate and updated mid-range consumer-grade laptop. Students should consider using a laptop that is already owned or another existing computer if possible. If you do not have access to a laptop already and must purchase a new one, we have some recommendations below. Again, please note that if you already have a laptop it does not need to meet the specifications below. These specifications are only for people who don’t already have access to a laptop and must purchase a new one. Some courses in the university may require a more robust system, so be sure to verify any class/software requirements before making a purchase. The University will update these specifications on an annual or biannual basis to match advances in software and hardware requirements.
Example minimum hardware specs:
Software Requirements:
Student participation in coursework is a program level requirement. You must have access to a computer connected to the internet. If you are reading this, you probably already meet the requirements. Dial-up connections will be sufficient for accessing readings in most classes, but all courses have substantial video materials, which will display better if you have a DSL or cable connection. You may use any of the common browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Most of our course reading materials are in PDF format. There is a link to three free PDF readers on our public information page. The PDF pages are designed for full size computers; tablets may provide an adequate display, but the materials may be difficult to read on smaller devices. We require that you have a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word. Free word-processing programs are also suitable. We require that you also have a webcam with a microphone, for identity verification and live session participation. Your internet connection must be able to transmit video. Students cannot be admitted without these technologies available. Should they lose access, they may request an incomplete (see Incomplete Policy) or a leave of absence, otherwise they shall be dropped from the program.
Upon receiving a Letter of Admission from Agora University, the Student will also receive an Enrollment Agreement which must be signed and returned to the University for the Admissions process to be finalized. Upon receiving the signed Enrollment Agreement, the University Registrar will enroll students in their respective courses.
1.1 NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS
The student must complete:
Normal enrollment for a graduate student is:
Auditing students may register in courses on an a-la-carte basis.
TYPES AND REGULATIONS OF A LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1- Personal Leave: for students who plan to take leave for one or a maximum of two semesters for personal reasons (health, financial, work-related, etc.).
2- Military Service Leave: for students who are called to active duty with the Military. Students may leave for the duration of their military assignment in active duty.
3- Study Leave: for students who are planning to take specialized pre-approved courses at another accredited institution to supplement their studies or satisfy other academic requirements of Agora University. The duration of this leave of absence is determined and pre-approved by the Dean and cannot exceed two semesters for a master’s program and cannot exceed four semesters for the doctoral program.
It is the responsibility of students to keep the Registrar apprised of their activities and to ensure that the Registrar is aware of their enrollments and progress. Any leave of absence must be approved by the Dean and submitted to the Registrar for proper filing.
ENROLLMENT STATUS
1- Enrolled
2- On Leave (officially recognized after petitioning the Dean)
3- Withdrawn (were once enrolled but have not been for one or more semesters.
4- Dismissed (officially acted upon by the Dean)
5- Graduated (once all requirements have been met and verified by the Registrar, the Director of Finance, and the Dean)
Upon submitting all required items and completing the application form, the Director of Admissions will send an email within 3 business days to schedule a Zoom Interview. Usually interviews are 20-30 minutes. The Interview Committee consists of the Director of Admissions and two other faculty/staff members. After the interview, the Committee will make a decision. Decisions may take up to 3 weeks.
Agora will notify the applicant of its decision of the interview and application by email. This notification is usually made within 10 days of the completion of the Application and Interview Process, but it could take up to 3 weeks depending on the number of candidates being interviewed. The admission status made is either full admission or denied admission.
Full Admission
Full admission is offered to the applicant for which Agora has received all admission documentation as required or requested, no additional demonstration of qualification is needed, and the applicant appears to be the kind of student who would benefit from study at Agora.
Denied Admission
An applicant denied admission does not meet the qualifications for admission.
Students must register their disability status at the time of the admission application. If a diagnosis is received after the student has been enrolled, the student must inform the registrar of the disability status. Students diagnosed with and possessing appropriate documentation of a learning disability (or other disability impairing some aspect of distance learning) are given additional time added to the due dates of assignments and examinations without penalty.
Charge for instruction including course content, textbooks, educational services, and instructional materials. This charge is billed 14 days before the beginning of a course.
This fee is required at the time of submitting an online application for admission. This fee is non-refundable.
This fee is associated with supporting and maintenance of the technological services offered to students including the Learning Management System (Populi LMS), the Student Information System (Populi SIS), and the Student email account. This fee is billed once a year and is due at the beginning of every year. This fee is refundable as per the refund schedule detailed below.
This fee is associated with all library services offered by the University including subscription to electronic databases (i.e. LIRN, Ebscohost, JSTOR, ProQuest, etc.). This fee also includes subscription to the Virtual Librarian services to support student library requests 7 days a week. This fee is billed once a year and is due at the beginning of every year. This fee is non-refundable.
This fee is associated with processing documents (i.e. Diplomas, Transcripts, etc.) post-graduation. This fee is billed only at the successful completion of our programs after the student has completed all graduation requirements and has been approved by the office of the Registrar for graduation without having any academic or financial holds on their record. This fee is non-refundable.
A special reduced rate applied to tuition charges (does not apply to University fees), which is extended to an organization or corporation who has signed a partnership agreement with the University.
A student who is registered in at least 3 credit hours per term. This student is expected to finish the Certificate program in 1 year.
A student who is registered in 6 credit hours per term. This student is expected to finish the Master’s program (MTS) in 2 years.
A student who is registered for a full-time course load as defined by the program, typically around 6-9 credit hours per trimester. Students successfully completing this course load will fulfill the requirements for the degree within the expected duration of the program, which is typically around three years.
A student who is registered for a part-time course load as defined by the program, typically around 3-6 credit hours per trimester. Students successfully completing this course load will fulfill the requirements for the degree within the expected duration of the program, which is typically around six years.
A student who is registered in a single course and participates in the course in which no assessment of student work is graded. University fees do not apply to auditing students. Audit students pay their tuition. Upon a change of status from being an auditing student to a regular student, Library and Technology fees will be billed to the student account.
Charge | 2024/2025 Academic Year |
---|---|
Tuition per Credit Hour for MTS & Certificate Programs | $222.22 Per Credit Hour |
Tuition per Credit Hour for ThD Program | $266.66 Per Credit Hour |
Application Fee (non-refundable) | $50 |
Technology Fee (per year) | $100 |
Library Fee (per year) | $100 |
Graduation Fee (one-time after graduation) **Please note that MTS students requesting a European Union Degree through UCAM will be charged a non-refundable processing fee of $450. |
$50 |
*These tuition fees include tuition, educational services, textbooks and instructional materials
Additionally, Bishop Epiphanius Merit-based Scholarships are awarded in recognition of exceptional or outstanding academic achievement.
Employees of the Alexandria School Foundation, a strategic partner of Agora University, may receive an additional 30% discount on the tuition rate if they do not participate in any need-based scholarship.
If a student registered in 6 credit hours sends a withdrawal request during the fifth week of the semester, the student will receive a refund of 40% of the tuition and the Technology Fee:
Refund Percentage: 40%
Tuition Charge: $222.22 x 6 credit hours = $1333.32
Technology Fee Charge per year: $100
Technology Fee divided by number of credit hours per year: Assuming 18 credit hours per year for this sample calculation, the total Technology Fee for 1 credit hours is $5.56: $5.56 x 6 credit hours = $33.36
Total tuition and fees paid: $1,433.32
Refund: ($1333.32 + $33.36) x 40% = $546.67
Part-Time Th.D. Student:
If a part-time student registered in 6 credit hours sends a withdrawal request during the fifth week of the semester, the student will receive a refund of 40% of the tuition and the Technology Fee:
Refund Percentage: 40%
Tuition Charge: $266.66 x 6 credit hours = $1,599.96
Technology Fee divided by number of credit hours per year: Assuming 18 credit hours per year for this sample calculation, the total Technology Fee for 1 credit hours is $5.56: $5.56 x 6 credit hours = $33.33
Total tuition and fees paid: $1,633.29
Refund: ($1599.96 + $33.33) x 40% = $653.32
Full-Time Th.D. Student:
If a full-time student registered in 9 credit hours sends a withdrawal request during the fifth week of the semester, the student will receive a refund of 40% of the tuition and the Technology Fee:
Refund Percentage: 40%
Tuition Charge: $266.66 x 9 credit hours = $2,399.94
Technology Fee Charge per year: $100
Technology Fee divided by number of credit hours per year: Assuming 27 credit hours per year for this sample calculation, the total Technology Fee for 1 credit hours is $3.70: $3.70 x 9 credit hours = $33.33
Total tuition and fees paid: $2,433.27
Refund: ($2,399.94 + $33.33) x 40% = $973.3
REFUND SCHEDULE FOR TUITION AND FEES FOR ALL HTC PROGRAMS
Deadline | Percentage of Tuition Refunded | Application Fee | Technology Fee* | Library Fee | Graduation Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before Week 1 | 100% | Non-Refundable | 100% | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
Week 1-3 | 100% | Non-Refundable | 100% | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
Start of 4th Week | 50% | Non-Refundable | 50% | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
Start of 5th Week | 40% | Non-Refundable | 40% | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
Start of 6th Week | 30% | Non-Refundable | 30% | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
Start of 7th Week | 20% | Non-Refundable | 20% | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
Start of 8th Week | 10% | Non-Refundable | 10% | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
Start of 9th Week | 0% (No Refund) | Non-Refundable | 0% (No Refund) | Non-Refundable | Non-Refundable |
* Note: The Technology Fee refund is proportional to the total credits eligible to be taken during the year. For example, if the Technology Fee is $100 per year, and the regular student load is 18 credits per year, then the Technology Fee per credit hour is $5.56.
The Bishop Epihanius Scholarship Fund offers students merit-based and need-based aid. Please inquire about the details from the Admissions team.
As a deacon at Saint Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Ottawa, I found immense value in Dr. Emmanuel Gergis’s Introduction to Orthodox Theology and Methodology course at Agora University. Through engaging lectures and insightful discussions, Dr. Gergis broadened my understanding of Orthodox Christian perspectives, deepening my spiritual journey and intellectual growth. The course’s user-friendly approach to theological concepts, coupled with a well-structured virtual learning platform, made for an enriching experience. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking to strengthen their faith and explore theology’s profound depths.
In April 2019, I joined the Coptic Orthodox Church. In September 2023, Agora University offered an advanced online course on Orthodox theology. Initially auditing, I committed fully, captivated by Dr. Emmanuel Gergis’s insightful teaching. The course, with its diverse student body and comprehensive curriculum, addressed my questions and deepened my understanding of Church history, liturgy, and prayer. I highly recommend this enriching experience and eagerly anticipate further studies.
My experience so far at Agora has truly enriched my knowledge and spiritual life. It has allowed me and taught me to how to bring theology into everyday life. It has equipped me with the skills to be able to research and write on various contemporary topics through the lens of the Orthodox Church. Agora has enabled me to be courageous and engage with difficult contemporary issues through discussions with others. It has made me confident in being challenged in my understanding of the world and God. Through the various discussions had at the school, it has taught me the importance of allowing others free space when discussing and debating various topics.