Prospective Students
BYU-Idaho encourages returning missionaries to apply for the first available semester after completing their service. Most new applicants will not be held to traditional deadlines if they apply to the earliest semester available after their mission release.
Students whose native language is not English will be required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), even if they have served an English-speaking mission. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States are not eligible for early admission. U.S. law requires certain documentation and financial information that must be submitted at certain times in the application process. Thus, international applicants must adhere to regular admissions deadlines.
Current BYU-Idaho Students
Missionaries returning to BYU-Idaho on deferment can request to enroll in the next available semester regardless of their track assignment. Where needed, an enrollment override can allow these returning students to attend the earliest available semester and then resume study on their regularly assigned track. (International students need pre-approval from BYU-Idaho International Services in order to return on a ‘flex’ semester.) To request an override or an earlier return semester, please call BYU-Idaho at (208) 496-1411.
Preparing to Serve
Prospective missionaries are encouraged to apply for BYU-Idaho prior to beginning missionary service. After being admitted and receiving a track assignment, students with a mission call can submit a Missionary Deferment that will preserve BYU-Idaho admission until missionary service is complete. Learn more at out our Missionary Deferment page.
Deferred Missionaries Returning Home Earlier than Expected
Students who have deferred, left on a mission, and returned earlier than initially expected from their mission will need to have their mission deferment removed before they can register for classes. To have the mission deferment removed the student should contact the BYU-Idaho Admissions office at (208) 496-1411 shortly after returning home. Students who do not intend to enroll in the first available semester following early return from missionary service may be asked to update their admission application for a future semester.
Housing Questions for Mission-Bound Students
Example: For Winter 2026, the cancellation window has already passed, so selling the contract is the only way out.
If you want it added early, contact Admissions and verify—more than once if needed—that the deferment will not be applied until your departure date.