FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions not answered here please let us know through the contact form on the Contact page.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
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SPTC offers two accredited academic programmes: a BA in Theology, Mission & Ministry, and an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies. Either one can be combined with our Formation Programme, which offers dynamic, skills-based practical and pastoral training and group mentoring for ministry of all kinds.
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The BA in Theology is an undergraduate programme that provides a broad foundation in theological studies. It is designed for those who are beginning their formal theological education and want to develop a strong grounding in the Christian faith, Scripture, theology, mission, and ministry.
The MA in Biblical and Theological Studies is a postgraduate programme for those who already hold an undergraduate degree in theology and want to engage in deeper and more advanced theological study.
In simple terms, the BA builds your theological foundations, while the MA takes you further into advanced theological study.
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Teaching is provided mostly by in-house academic teaching staff, local and international lecturers. We also bring in a number of practitioners and leaders from other fields to help develop the capacity of our Formation students for effective and healthy church leadership in the future.
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Our programmes have been officially accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA). We are also an Accredited Member in the Asia Theological Association. Please refer to the ATA website for more information.
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Yes. In addition to our degree programmes, SPTC offers selected standalone courses and programmes throughout the year. These include Introduction to Biblical Hebrew and Introduction to Biblical Greek (typically offered once each academic year), as well as short-form leadership programmes such as the Distinctive Leadership Intensive (DLI).
At SPTC, we believe theology is best learned within a learning community, where students are formed through shared learning, discussion, and worship. Our standalone offerings are designed to complement this vision while providing accessible opportunities for theological and leadership development.
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You do not need to have read the entire Bible before beginning your studies at SPTC. However, we expect students to continuously engage with the Bible and develop the habit of reading the Bible regularly throughout their time at SPTC.
The Bible is central to the study of theology, and regular engagement with Scripture will greatly enrich your learning. If you have not yet read through the whole Bible, we encourage you to make this part of your ongoing journey. You may find a Bible reading plan helpful for reading the Bible alongside your studies.
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Yes, we are happy to have a chat with you as you go through the discernment process, and to answer any queries that you might have. You can sign up for a discernment chat and we will be in touch with you soon.
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Absolutely. You do not need to be working in a church or pursuing ordained ministry to study at SPTC.
We believe that theology is not only for pastors, ministers, or those preparing for full-time Christian ministry. Every Christian is called to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God, Scripture, and the Christian faith. Studying theology can deepen your faith, shape how you live and serve, and equip you to be a more thoughtful and faithful witness wherever God has placed you.
Whether you are working in a church, in another profession, or simply seeking to grow in your understanding of the Christian faith, there is a place for you at SPTC.
STUDYING AT SPTC
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SPTC operates on a hybrid model, with classes available both on-site and online.
On-site classes are held at Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang (HTBB), Rooftop, Lot 10, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, and are simultaneously streamed online via Zoom.
Students can therefore choose to participate on-site or join remotely, depending on their circumstances but are expected to engage actively in the hybrid classroom and lecture discussions.
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Yes! You can study at SPTC from wherever you are.
Since 2021, SPTC has operated a hybrid model of teaching and learning, allowing students to participate either on-site or online. This means you can study with us even if you do not live in Kuala Lumpur, or even if you are based in another country.
Weekly classes take place on Thursdays at 7:30 PM Malaysian Time (GMT+8). If this timing works for your time zone, you can join the classes online from your country of residence.
Our online students participate in the same classes and learning community as students attending on-site.
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The Theological classes are held Thursday evenings at 7:30PM (Malaysian Time GMT+8) during term time. During the five Intensive Teaching Weeks (ITWs), classes are held on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.
The Formation classes are held on Thursday afternoons at 3.30PM (Malaysian Time GMT+8).
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Term Dates:
Term 1: 20 August - 10 December 2026
Term 2: 7 January - 18 March 2027
Term 3: 8 April - 10 July 2027
Intensive Teaching Weeks:
7 - 12 September 2026
16 - 21 November 2026
11 - 16 January 2027
12 - 17 April 2027
5 - 10 July 2027
Term Breaks:
Christmas Break: 11 December 2026 - 6 January 2027
CNY Break: 29 January - 10 February 2027
Easter Break: 19 March - 7 April
Annual College Spiritual Retreat:
21 - 23 January 2027
The annual SPTC College Spiritual Retreat is a key part of student life at SPTC and is compulsory for all students.
Induction & Commissioning for Academic Year 2026-27:
16 August 2026
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There will be 5 intensive teaching weeks (ITW) per year. These are the different formats of ITWs at SPTC:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (evenings) + 2 sessions on Saturday (morning)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (evenings) + 1 session on Saturday (morning)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (evenings) + 1 session on Saturday (morning)
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The SPTC academic year consists of three terms.
There are no written examinations at the end of each term for most courses. Instead, students are assessed through coursework that is completed and submitted throughout the term(s).
The exceptions are the language elective courses Introduction to Biblical Greek and Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, which include examinations as part of their assessment.
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Students in the BA and MA degree programmes are assessed primarily through coursework rather than traditional examinations.
Depending on the course, this may include academic essays, assignments, and occasionally reflective learning journals. Coursework is submitted throughout the academic year, allowing students to engage with the material progressively rather than relying on a single final examination.
The elective courses Introduction to Biblical Greek and Introduction to Biblical Hebrew are exceptions, as these include examinations as part of their assessment.
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SPTC is designed to fit alongside work, ministry, family, and other commitments. Our regular teaching takes place on Thursdays, which we like to call “Thursdays are for Theology.”
In addition to the weekly Thursday sessions, students should set aside time during the week for reading, preparation, assignments, and other academic work. The exact workload will vary depending on the programme and courses you are taking.
Students also participate in Intensive Teaching Weeks (ITWs) five times a year. These are dedicated periods of concentrated teaching and learning that form an important part of the SPTC academic calendar.
While SPTC is designed for people with busy lives, theological study requires a meaningful commitment of time and effort.
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Yes! SPTC is a part-time theological college.
Our programmes are intentionally designed for people with busy lives, including those working full-time, serving in ministry, raising families, or balancing other responsibilities. Regular teaching takes place on Thursdays, with Intensive Teaching Weeks five times a year.
We want theological education to be accessible to people who cannot put their work or other responsibilities on hold to study or train for ministry full-time.
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As all SPTC programmes are fully conducted in English, students need to have a strong enough command of English to engage confidently with lectures, discussions, theological reading, and written assignments.
If you are still developing your English proficiency, we would encourage you to consider taking a suitable English-language course before applying to SPTC. Strengthening your English beforehand can help you get the most out of your theological studies and approach the academic work with greater confidence.
Admissions & Applications
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The program commences in August every year. You can apply anytime for the upcoming intake in August 2026. The final application deadline for the 2026-27 Academic Year is 9 August 2026 for both the BA the MA.
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No, we do not have the capability to assist with Malaysian student visa applications. Student visa application / issuance are not part of our services.
However, we welcome international students to explore other visa options to join our vibrant theological community. It's important to note that SPTC is one of the theological education arms within the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, dedicated to providing high-quality theological education. -
The BA in Theology is open to anyone who wants to pursue formal theological study. You do not need to have a previous degree or qualification in theology to apply.
Whether you are beginning your theological studies for the first time, seeking to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith, or looking to prepare for ministry, the BA provides a foundation in biblical and theological studies.
As our programmes are fully conducted in English, applicants should also have a strong enough command of English to engage with lectures, reading, discussions, and written coursework.
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The MA in Biblical and Theological Studies is designed for students who already have an undergraduate degree in theology and wish to pursue deeper theological study at postgraduate level. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in theology to be considered for admission to the MA programme.
As the MA involves advanced theological study, applicants should also demonstrate the academic ability, maturity, and English-language proficiency needed for postgraduate-level work. If you are unsure whether your previous theological qualification meets our requirements, we encourage you to get in touch with us before applying.
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The BA in Theology is open to anyone who wants to study theology, and you do not need to have a previous theological qualification to apply.
The MA in Biblical and Theological Studies has stricter entry requirements. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in theology before they can be considered for admission.
Both programmes are fully conducted in English, so a strong command of English is necessary. Students should be comfortable reading, writing, listening, and participating in discussions in English, as theological study involves substantial reading and written work.
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Yes, if you are applying for the BA in Theology. The BA is open to applicants without a previous degree or qualification in theology.
However, the MA in Biblical and Theological Studies requires an undergraduate degree in theology. Applicants without a prior undergraduate degree in theology will therefore not be eligible to apply directly for the MA.
If you do not have a theology degree but would like to pursue theological studies at SPTC, the BA may be the appropriate place to begin.
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SPTC does accept applications for credit transfer from previous theological studies, including studies from programmes that were not completed. However, credit transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not automatic.
Applicants seeking credit transfer will need to make a serious and substantive application, providing relevant information and documentation about their previous studies. This may include transcripts, course descriptions, syllabi, and other evidence of the work completed, including sample assignments/essays.
The College will assess the previous studies to determine whether the credits are appropriate for transfer into the relevant SPTC programme.
STUDENT CONTRIBUTION & Financial Information
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The student contribution for Academic Year 2026-27 is:
RM 8,000 per academic year for the BA
RM 10,000 per academic year for the MA
This applies to students in both the Formation and Independent track.
Additionally, SPTC does have scholarships and financial assistance available to eligible students who have been successfully enrolled into our programmes. You may let us know during the application process that you would like to be considered for financial assistance and more information will be provided.
The actual cost of running this course is much greater than what we charge and we are generously supported by donors and partners. If you would like to partner with us financially in equipping the next generation of church leaders, please fill in the contact form on the Contact page.
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Your contribution covers the main costs associated with studying at SPTC, including:
Weekly classes and teaching
Access to our online Learning Management System (LMS)
Online and physical library resources
Participation in the annual SPTC Spiritual Retreat
Occasional meals during Intensive Teaching Weeks
There may be additional costs for certain optional activities, courses, or resources, but these will be communicated to students separately where applicable.
Programme Specific Questions
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The Sunday serving is aimed at providing you with the opportunity to apply the theology you learn on Thursday evenings in a real church setting. We expect all BA undergraduates to be able to articulate how they are applying theology into a ministry setting, e.g leading a connect group, being part of the children's or youth team, or being an Alpha group leader.
All Formation students (BA and Formation) are expected to be serving in an active ministry placement in a church or church-adjacent organisation as part of the programme.
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You will obtain the following qualifications upon completion of the following years:
Year 1: Certificate in Theology, Mission, and Ministry
Year 2: Diploma in Theology, Mission, and Ministry
Year 3: Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Mission, and Ministry
However, we do encourage all students to work towards full completion of the 3 year BA degree as the modules covered in Years 2 and 3 build on and further equip you for leadership in a Christian ministry setting.
