Your Journey
Begins Here.
Lanka Bible College & Seminary welcomes men and women who are called by God to serve the church and society. We evaluate every applicant not by academic achievement alone, but by character, calling, and readiness to be formed.
"The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." — 2 Timothy 2:2
Five Steps to
Joining LBCS
The admissions process at LBCS is designed to be straightforward — but also genuinely formative. Every step is an opportunity to reflect on your calling, your character, and your readiness to grow.
Submit Your Application & Personal Statement
Complete the LBCS application form and include a personal statement describing your faith journey, your ministry involvement, and why you believe God is calling you to theological training at this time. Applications can be submitted by email or collected from the admissions office.
Secure Your Pastoral Recommendation
Submit a letter of recommendation from your sending pastor — the leader of the local church where you are accountable and active in ministry. The letter should affirm your character, your spiritual maturity, your ministry engagement, and your readiness for theological training. It must be sent directly to the admissions office.
Sit the Admission Test
All applicants must sit the LBCS admission test and achieve a minimum of 50%. The test assesses general biblical knowledge, reading comprehension, and basic reasoning — it is not designed to exclude people, but to identify where support may be needed. Bachelor's degree applicants also sit the English for Theological Education test, requiring a 60% pass.
Interview with the Academic Committee
Attend a personal interview with the LBCS Academic Committee. The interview uses the KSAM framework to evaluate your Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, and Mindset for ministry and study. This is a conversation — not an interrogation — designed to help both you and the college discern whether this program is the right fit at this season of your life.
Accept Your Place & Register
Successful applicants will receive a formal letter of acceptance from the Registrar. You will then complete registration, arrange for fees, and confirm your study mode — residential, non-residential, or online. New students join an orientation period before the first term begins.
Requirements
by Program
Every program has its own entry requirements based on level and purpose. All programs require a completed application, pastoral recommendation, and 50% pass in the admission test. The table below summarises the additional requirements for each program.
| Program | Academic Requirement | Ministry Requirement | Other | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Christian Ministry Cert | Grade 9 / Year 10 completion | None required | No prior theology needed | 45 cr |
| Diploma in Theology Dip | O/L — 11 years of schooling | Minimum 1 year ministry experience | Age 18+ | 90 cr |
| Diploma in Holistic Child Development Dip | O/L — 11 years of schooling | None specified | Age 18+ | 90 cr |
| Diploma in Worship & Music Ministry Dip · 2027 | O/L or equivalent | Active involvement in church worship | Musical aptitude assessed at interview | 90 cr |
| Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Bach | A/L — 13 years of schooling or Dip.Th. | Ministry recommendation required | English test 60% · Character form | 120 cr · Min GPA 2.00 |
| B.A. in Mission & Ministry Bach | No formal academic minimum | 5+ years pastoral leadership ministry | 1,000-word ministry essay · 2 references | 120 cr · Min GPA 3.00 |
| B.A. in Holistic Child Development Bach | A/L with relevant subject background | Ministry recommendation required | Personal statement · 2 references · Interview | 120 cr · Min GPA 3.00 |
| Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Masters | Theology Bachelor's degree | Ministry recommendation required | English proof required · Non-theology grads add 30 cr bridging | 60–90 cr |
| M.A. in Mission & Ministry Masters | Any Bachelor's degree | Ministry involvement required | Research proposal · Non-theology grads add bridging courses | 40–60 cr |
The KSAM Framework
LBCS evaluates every applicant through the KSAM framework — a holistic approach that looks beyond academic credentials to assess the whole person. The interview is a genuine conversation, not a test to be passed by performance.
Knowledge
Appropriate understanding of the Christian faith, Scripture, and the ministry context you are entering. Interviewers may ask about sermon preparation, how you share the gospel with non-Christians, or basic biblical knowledge.
Skills
The practical abilities you bring — or want to develop — for ministry. This includes communication, teaching, pastoral engagement, and the capacity to apply theological understanding in real settings.
Attitudes
Biblical attitudes, social responsibility, values, professionalism, and life vision. The committee is looking for humility, servant-heartedness, accountability, and genuine love for God and the church.
Mindset & Paradigm
How you perceive the world, the church, and your own calling. Are you teachable? Do you have a kingdom perspective? Can you engage with people who are different from you in culture, language, or background?
The interview is not designed to intimidate — it is an opportunity for the committee to understand your story, and for you to ask questions about LBCS. Come prepared to talk honestly about your journey, your calling, and your expectations of theological training.
Previous Study
May Count
If you have studied at another theological institution, your prior credits may be transferable to your LBCS program — under the credit transfer protocols established by the Asia Theological Association (ATA).
Credits gained by transfer may contribute a maximum of 40% of the credits required for your program. At least 60% of all credits must be earned at LBCS itself.
UGC-Approved Institutions
Credits from institutions approved by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka or equivalent bodies in other countries are accepted.
ATA-Recognised Institutions
Credits from colleges and seminaries accredited by ATA or comparable accrediting bodies internationally are eligible for transfer.
Unrecognised Institutions
Credits may still transfer if the institution demonstrates quality education, qualified faculty, structured administration, and documented curriculum and textbooks.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have extensive ministry experience — whether in preaching, pastoral care, counselling, music, or teaching — it may be assessed for academic credit, even without a formal qualification.
Performance Assessment — demonstrate your skills before an evaluator (e.g. a series of sermons for Homiletics credit).
Cognitive Assessment — sit an exam, write a book report, or review a research report to demonstrate prior knowledge.
Panel Interview — classroom assessment technique for skills such as counselling, hermeneutics, or teaching.
Character & Attitude Assessment — peer reviews and moral growth evaluation confirming that learning has shaped not just skill but personhood.
Grading &
GPA System
LBCS uses a standard 4.0 GPA scale. GPA is calculated using the credit-weighted formula across all enrolled courses. Students must maintain the minimum GPA required by their program to graduate.
GPA Formula
GPA is calculated as the sum of (credit hours × grade points) for each course, divided by total credit hours completed.
Minimum GPA to pass: 2.00 for B.Th. and M.Div. · 3.00 for B.A. programs
| Grade | Grade Points | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.33 | 95% and above |
| A | 4.00 | 90% – 94% |
| A− | 3.67 | 85% – 89% |
| B+ | 3.33 | 80% – 84% |
| B | 3.00 | 75% – 79% |
| B− | 2.67 | 70% – 74% |
| C+ | 2.33 | 65% – 69% |
| C | 2.00 | 60% – 64% |
| C− | 1.67 | 55% – 59% |
| P | 1.00 | 50% – 54% |
| F | 0.00 | 49% and below |
Ready to Take
the First Step?
Submit the enquiry form and our admissions team will respond within three working days. You can also reach us directly by email — we are always happy to answer questions about programs, entry requirements, fees, or study modes before you commit to an application.
If you have already applied and need to follow up, please contact the Registrar's office directly.
Admissions Enquiries
admissions@lbcs.edu.lkProgram information, application forms, interview scheduling
Registrar
registrar@lbcs.edu.lkRegistration, transcripts, test dates, credit transfer, graduation requirements
Admissions Enquiry Form
Our admissions team will be in touch within 3 working days.
By submitting this form you consent to LBCS contacting you regarding your enquiry. We do not share your details with third parties. For immediate assistance email admissions@lbcs.edu.lk directly.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Do I need prior theological education to apply?
Not for the Certificate or Diploma programs. The Certificate in Christian Ministry has no prior theological requirement, and the Diploma in Theology requires only one year of ministry experience. Bachelor's and graduate programs have higher academic entry requirements.
Can I study while continuing in ministry?
Yes. Non-residential and online study modes are specifically designed for those who are already serving in ministry. Many of our students balance active church ministry with their studies throughout their program.
Is the Diploma in Theology available in Sinhala or Tamil?
Yes. LBCS serves both Sinhala and Tamil medium students. The B.A. in Mission & Ministry is also specifically designed for Sinhala and Tamil medium pastors. Contact us to discuss language of instruction for your chosen program.
What happens if I fail the admission test?
The Academic Committee reviews each case individually. Some applicants may be recommended for foundational or auxiliary courses to address academic gaps before entering their chosen program. You are always welcome to reapply at the next intake.
Can I transfer my Diploma credits toward a Bachelor's degree?
The practice of direct credit transfer from the Diploma in Theology to bachelor's level programs was formally discontinued for all students from the 2022 intake onwards, in compliance with ATA accreditation standards. Dip.Th. holders entering the B.Th. or B.A. must complete the full bachelor's program requirements. Contact the Registrar for details.
What is the minimum age for admission?
For Diploma and Bachelor's programs, applicants must be 18 years or older. There is no maximum age — mature students with significant ministry experience are warmly encouraged to apply, particularly for the B.A. in Mission & Ministry and graduate programs.
When does the School of Worship & Music open?
The Diploma in Worship and Music Ministry is launching in full scale in 2027. Pre-registration is currently open. Contact admissions@lbcs.edu.lk to register your interest and be among the first to receive full admission details.
How do I request an application form?
Email our admissions team at admissions@lbcs.edu.lk or use the enquiry form on this page. Application forms can be emailed to you or collected from the LBCS campus. For registration questions contact registrar@lbcs.edu.lk.
Take the First Step Today
God's call on your life deserves a serious response. Whether you are just beginning to sense that call, or have been in ministry for years — LBCS is ready to walk with you.