Academic Programs and Admissions

LST offers two academic programs: a one-year Certificate in Evangelistic Training (CET) and a three-year Diploma in Theology (DTh) with one year of vicarage.

Upon completion of CET, students are not ordained as pastors, but they will be given leadership roles in the church. Diploma students are ordained as pastors.

Students who have not completed Secondary education may be enrolled for a certificate of participation.

The LST academic year runs on an academic calendar consisting of two academic semesters. Each semester runs for fourteen (14) weeks consisting of twelve (12) weeks of teaching and two weeks of examination.

The program is offered through a full-time mode. Each semester students take eighteen (18) credit hours over two semesters or twelve (12) credit hours for three semesters.

The courses are all offered as intensive courses and are residential.

The LST is a co-operative work/study program. All students reside on campus and, in addition to classwork, participate in farm work and care of the campus, daily morning and evening chapels, and Sunday Liturgical Service.

The admission procedures and requirements are offered in the Admission Policy.

It is stated that all prospective students should submit all acceptable documents of previous academic work no later than six months prior to the anticipated start of the term through the Registrar.

Each prospective student must provide all required documentation for a complete file before the Admissions Council decides upon an application, including:

• A completed application for admission to either a certificate or Diploma program.
• All requirements must be met before admission. These requirements will be applicable to all students. Additional Entry Requirements (which may include Qualifying Tests) may be specified by the admission committee.
• All applicants are expected to submit acceptable copies and original documents of previous academic work. Submitting false or altered documents or failing to give complete and accurate information on admission forms will be grounds for denial of admission or dismissal.
• Completed reference forms, including one academic reference (e. g. a teacher), one personal reference, and one reference from one’s home pastor; and a letter of commendation from one’s sponsoring bishop/ecclesiastical supervisor, which also commits to covering the costs of student transport.
• A signed document adhering to the rules and standards of practices and etiquette at LST.
• A signed letter from the applicant swearing to have no criminal record.
• Evidence of a high degree of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL exam) for the DTH program and basic English proficiency for the CET program.
• A doctor’s note demonstrating that there are no serious pre-existing health concerns (as LST does not cover medical expenses of students requiring medical attention on campus); and a non-refundable application fee of KES 2000.
• Students and/or their congregations are responsible for covering all costs for translation, certification, and equivalization of documents.
• Admissions take place twice a year, in January and September, unless otherwise specified for specific programs.
• A personal interview with the Director of the Lutherans School of Theology (LST) and other members of the Admissions Council may also be required. Acceptance into all programs is conditional upon fulfilment of prerequisites. A student may be declined admission after that interview even if other conditions of application have been met.
• Upon acceptance into the Program, the Registrar informs the applicant in writing. The student will be assigned a faculty advisor.

Candidates applying for a Certificate in Evangelical Training (CET) must fulfill the following requirements:

• a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a Mean Grade of D (D plain)
• or equivalent and a certificate in any field of learning from a recognized institution.

Candidates applying for the Diploma in Theology (DTH) must have a ...

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with a Mean Grade of C- (C minus) or its equivalent
• or Two (2) Principals or Advanced level Passes or equivalent.