GTS' innovative approach to theological education matches the quality of other world-class seminaries with content and structure tailored to the specific needs of working pastors, church or parachurch staffers, and marketplace professionals in our region.

Our core program trains pastors and church planters; we also have programs available to serve a variety of other vocational goals. Since the majority of our students are working full-time, our programs are all designed with the flexibility and scheduling needs of part-time students in mind.

GTS is internationally accredited by the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE).

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GTS Program Overview
Whatever your ministry goal – church planter, pastor, lay elder, ministry leader, or more – GTS can help direct you to the right program that will suit your situation and equip you for the work God has called you to.

Detailed program information is available in the Prospectus

- Biblical and Theological Foundations (8 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies (36 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Ministry (36 credits)
- Master of Arts in Biblical and - Theological Studies (62 credits)
- Master of Arts in Church Planting and Pastoral Ministry (62 credits)
- Master of Arts in Women’s Ministry (62 credits)
- Master of Divinity in Women’s Ministry (90 credits)
- Master of Divinity in Global Church Ministry (90 credits)

Program fees are calculated at AED450 per credit hour. Please refer to pages 55–56 of the GTS Prospectus for detailed information on tuition fees, scholarship, and financial aid.

Begin with Foundations Year


The academic journey at GTS begins with Foundations Year (FY), a 10-month program designed as the essential starting point for all academic programs at GTS. FY introduces students to formal theological training through a survey of the Old and New Testaments, focusing on the message and practical application of every book. Students also build a framework in hermeneutics, historic Christian theology, and core doctrines.

Upon successful completion of Foundations Year, students are equipped to transition into our advanced certificates or graduate programs. Detailed admission requirements are outlined below and in GTS Prospectus.

Foundations Year Information Booklet

Please select the link below that corresponds to your preferred mode of attendance. Each link provides access to the relevant Foundations Year booklet:

Foundations Year Dubai (Garhoud)
Foundations Year Dubai (Internet City)
Foundations Year Online
Foundations Year Abu Dhabi

Foundations Year Program Admissions

Admissions for Foundations Year open in April 2026. When admissions reopen, the application process will begin by completing the online form available at gulfseminary.com/fy. Applicants are encouraged to complete the form carefully and thoroughly.

Admission Requirements

When admissions reopen, applicants will be asked to submit a completed online application form, which includes:

- Personal testimony
- Statement of purpose for applying
- Statement of Christian faith
- Official academic records
- Contact information for two referees
- A recent passport photograph

Program Fee

The enrollment process begins with a AED 75 application fee, which is due immediately following the submission of your application. Upon receiving an offer of admission, students must pay a non-refundable seat reservation deposit of AED 800 within seven working days to confirm their intent to enroll. This deposit is not an additional charge, as it will be directly credited toward the total tuition of AED 4,400 (for in-person students) or AED 4,700 (for online students), which covers the program plus minimal miscellaneous fees.

Students may pay the full tuition upfront or choose monthly installments.

Individual Courses

If you are interested in individual courses rather than a full academic program, registration for audit and for-credit (prospective credit) classes is currently open. Enrollment in a degree or certificate program is not required for these courses.

Register for Individual Courses here

GTS Prospectus

Please download the Prospectus here.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in studying at GTS. How do I apply for GTS courses?

We begin accepting applications for every new school year between March-July. During this period you can sign up at gulfseminary.com/fy. You can subscribe to our mailing list to be notified of any early bird discounts and preview day events. 

How many hours per week should I dedicate to studying?
Foundations Year courses meet one evening per week (3 hours) from September through May. A limited number of readings and assignments will require an additional commitment of around three hours per week.

As for the certificate and master’s degrees, the general rule of thumb is that assignments and study will require two hours outside of class per credit hour. So if you're taking a class for two credits, you'd need to dedicate four hours per week outside of class time for reading and assignments.

Are books included in the tuition fees?
Yes. Electronic books are provided for the majority of textbooks at no additional charge beyond the tuition fee. See “Books and Library”  in GTS Prospectus. 

What is the difference between a credit student and an audit student?
A credit student is someone who has gone through our one-time application process, has been confirmed, is actively enrolled, and is working towards getting a certificate or degree at GTS. Credit students have multiple readings, assignments, and exams to complete every semester. An audit student is someone who signs up to attend one-off classes held by GTS with no obligation to complete any readings, assignments, or exams, and without receiving credit towards a certificate or degree. 

Do I get a certificate for completing my course?
Graduates of certificate or master’s programs will receive a diploma corresponding to their degree earned. Students who finish the Foundations Program with a passing grade will receive a certificate of completion.

Scholarship and financial aid
Please refer to pages 55–56 of the GTS Prospectus for detailed information. 

Visa and Accommodation
At this stage of its operation, GTS is unable to provide student visas or accommodation. All students are responsible for making their own arrangements to maintain legal residency in their country of residence. Students based in the UAE must inform GTS if they are relocating and can no longer continue the program; in such cases, students must adhere to the official GTS program withdrawal policy.

Modes of Attendance : in-person, online, or hybrid?
Students are expected to attend classes in person in the region where they reside (Dubai or Abu Dhabi). Hybrid courses allow online attendance only for students living outside the region in which the class is offered. Some courses are available in person only.

Students with extenuating circumstances may request an exemption during registration. Requests based on schedule or convenience are generally not approved.

Full attendance policies are available in GTS Prospectus.

Connect with us

Gulf Theological Seminary is a ministry of The Evangelical Church in Abu Dhabi and Redeemer Church of Dubai.