FAQ - Questions & Answers for Potential Fellows
Thinking about joining a TFI Fellows program? Here are some common questions that you might have. If you can't find your question here, please either contact the Fellows programs directly or contact us here at TFI.
Spots in the TFI Fellows programs can fill up quickly, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. The Early Application Deadline is November 15. The Winter Application Deadline is January 15. The Spring Application Deadline is March 15.
After the Spring Application Deadline, we enter the Rolling Admissions season until all of the spots are filled. To know the status of any given program, please look at page 2 of the TFI Common Application. It gives details about which programs are still accepting applications and which are filled.
Yes! The TFI Common Application makes it easy to apply to three TFI Fellows programs at one time. If the three programs you initially choose are unable to accept you (i.e. they are full at the time you apply), you can use the TFI Reapplication Form to apply to another three programs. Please only complete the TFI Common Application one time.
With more than 30 TFI Fellows programs across the country, you are sure to find ones that fit you well. They are in big cities, small towns, near the mountains, near the beach, etc. There is something for everyone.
There is no one way to decide which program is a good choice for you. But, to help you narrow your options, you should at least consider these four things: location, leadership, partner church(es), and living arrangements.
Location. If you are interested in a particular city after your Fellows program year, you should strongly consider the program(s) in or near that city. Spending a year in a city is an incredible way to explore that place.
Leadership. Each Fellows program has one or more leaders who love God and have a wealth of wisdom to offer you. It's helpful to get to know the leaders of any program you are considering. You can learn more about them here.
Church(es). Every TFI Fellows program is connected to one or more Gospel-centered churches from a variety of denominations. These are all amazing churches, but if you're still unsure, consder doing some research on the host churches.
Living Arrangements. In the majority of TFI Fellows programs, you will live with host families from the host church(es). A few programs have community housing in which the fellows live together. Both models can be amazing ways to learn and grow in community.
You can always contact the TFI Fellows programs directly with additional questions. We've made it easy for you. Using this form, you can request more information from and ask questions of up to 5 programs.
TFI Fellows programs value a diverse set of life experiences in the members of each cohort. They look for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, universities, and majors. In general, Fellows programs look for applicants that exhibit maturity and humility, have teachable spirits, have an eagerness to grow in Christ, and are willing to apply themselves. Fellows who have performed well academically and have demonstrated a tendency toward leadership are also desired. Most programs require that applicants are eligible to work in the United States (i.e. either U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S/green-card holders). TFI Fellows programs generally prefer fellows that are between the ages of 21 and 25 on the first day of the program.
Most TFI Fellows program do require a bachelors degree. However, several programs are now accepting applications from people with 2-year and trade school degrees. Without a bachelors degree, you will be required to participate fully in the theology classes but will not be able to receive graduate credit. Check with the individual programs for more detail. If you already have a masters or other graduate degree, you are definitely welcome to join a TFI Fellows program as long as you are in the age range set by the local programs. Many fellows have completed a Fellows program after completing a graduate degree.
Admissions decisions vary across the network, but you should know your acceptance status within 4 weeks of submitting your application.
Program fees vary from program to program, $4,500-$7,500. The program fee covers all of the expenses related to your participation in the program including: books, course registration fees, community meals, and retreats. Each TFI Fellows program has their own process for giving scholarships, but typically there are a limited number of partial scholarships available. Incoming fellows are encouraged to raise financial support to cover some or all of the program cost. Every program is willing and able to help with this process.
There are two ways to apply to be a Fellow. You can either complete the TFI Common Application or the application on an individual Fellows program website. The Common Application is handy because you can apply to three programs at once. It doesn't matter which approach you choose. Both applications are treated the same by the individual Fellows programs.
Once you complete your TFI Common Application, you will enter the admissions processes for each of the three programs you selected. This gives you and the individual program leaders the chance to know each other and determine if their program is a good fit for you. There is no centralized admissions process at TFI. It is all handled locally by each Fellows program. The admissions process normally takes 3-5 weeks.
Congratulations! With multiple offers in-hand, you get to choose which program is right for you. The TFI program leaders all know each other and see this work as shared Kingdom work. They will work closely with you and each other to help you decide which program is the best fit for you. Ultimately, though, the decision is yours to make.
