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FAQ for Returned Missionaries

As you return home from your mission and prepare to pursue your college education, consider attending a university where spiritual enrichment is as important as secular learning. As a student of BYU–Hawaii, you will receive a total education, which will include a variety of academic, cultural, and faith-building opportunities. You will continue to have experiences in Church leadership and can further the spiritual growth you experienced on your mission through weekly devotionals and service opportunities. You will also learn from and associate with other members of the Church from around the world who have the same ideals, principles, and standards you have. BYU–Hawaii welcomes and encourages returned missionaries, whose enthusiasm and commitment to righteous living will contribute to the special spirit of the campus.

Below are the answers to questions returned missionaries often ask about the admissions process. To help you keep track of your progress through the admissions process, we have also provided a helpful checklist.

Questions Returned Missionaries Frequently Ask

  • Ideally, a missionary should begin to apply about six months before the end of his or her mission to allow sufficient time to complete all parts of the application and for visa changes if you are an international student serving a mission in the U.S.

    If you have deferred (new freshman or new transfer student) or discontinued (former) enrollment to serve a mission, you should have received an email from the Admissions department. If you have not received one, contact mission_deferment@byuh.edu or you can complete the Mission Deferment Intent to Return & Return Missionary Form.

    Once this form is completed and submitted, a support rep will get in contact with you via email to keep you informed of where you are in the process.
  • One benefit of BYU–Hawaii's innovative academic calendar is that a new semester is always just around the corner. Another option to help you get ahead of your education before coming to BYU–Hawaii is to enroll in the BYU–Hawaii Online distance learning program.
  • Yes. BYU–Hawaii offers a returned missionary voucher program to incoming new and transfer students.
  • You have two main choices:

    1. Enroll in English or academic courses when you return home and submit your grades to us after one year, or
    2. Apply to take the required English and/or academic courses through BYU–Hawaii’s online program. If you successfully complete these requirements, you could qualify to be admitted to BYU–Hawaii.
  • If you are currently serving on your mission, your mission president will sign in the bishop’s signature and comment area.

    If you are home, your bishop and stake president will sign.
  • You can apply to all church schools through apply.lds.org.
  • All former students are required to reapply through apply.lds.org. They must also reapply for financial aid, including I-WORK.
  • On the general application for admission, there is a section where you can indicate your housing preference when you come to BYU-Hawaii. (e.g.: off-campus, on-campus, live at home). Students should receive a letter from the housing office, which will include information about applicable housing fees. For more information about student housing, visit the official Housing Department website.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadlines are posted on the studentaid.gov website.

    Private scholarship applications are due March 31.

    IWORK and International Student Aid Applications (ISAA) should be submitted along with your application for admission and are due by the same applicable deadline.
  • If you are accepted to BYU–Hawaii, you will receive detailed instructions from the Admissions Office on how to apply for a visa. All international students, including students who are funded through the I-WORK program, will receive a DS-2019 form for a J Visa.