Application Process and Materials

Application Process for Exchange & Study Abroad Students at Temple University

Applying to study abroad at Temple is designed to be simple and supportive. Whether you’re coming as an exchange student through a partner university or as a visiting study abroad student applying directly, we’ll walk you through every step.

Three students using a virtual reality headset

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Nomination or Direct Application

If you attend a partner university, your international office will nominate you first. Temple will then send you instructions and your application link.
If your university is not a partner, apply directly to Temple as a visiting student

Step 2: Receive Application Link from Temple Global Programs

Nominated students will be sent a link to our online application portal. The portal will guide you step by step and allow you to upload your documents.

Step 3: Submit Application and Required Documents

You’ll be asked to provide:

Official academic transcript(s)
Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Copy of your passport

Step 4: Review and Acceptance Notification

Temple’s Global Programs team reviews applications quickly.
Most students receive an admission decision within a few weeks.
Once accepted, you’ll get instructions on the next steps for your visa and pre-arrival planning.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start early and gather documents before the deadline.
Double-check that your name on all documents matches your passport.
Communicate with both your home university (if applicable) and Temple advisors.
Keep copies of all submitted documents.

Application Deadlines for Fall and Spring Admission

Fall semester (August – December): April 1
Spring semester (January – May): October 15

Supplemental Application Materials

After you submit your initial application form, you will then be prompted to upload multiple supplemental items. You must submit the following in order for your application to be considered complete.

Personal Statement

Submit a personal statement of 250-500 words with your application. Use the topics available when you begin your application.

English Language Exam Score

Most students must submit an official score report from an English language test. The following are the English proficiency tests we accept for the study abroad and exchange program, along with their minimum scores:

IELTS: 6.0
TOEFL iBT: 79
TOEFL ITP: 550
Duolingo English Test: 110
CEFR: B2
TOEIC Listening and Reading Test:
- TOEIC Listening: 390
- TOEIC Reading: 390

Please note that graduate (master's) students may have higher English language exam requirements. If English is your native language, your English language score requirement will be waived.

Transcripts

Submit with your application transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended. All transcripts must be accompanied by a certified English-language translation if the original document is written in a language other than English.

Undergraduate students must have completed at least 2 semester of full-time study at their home university before studying at Temple.

Undergraduate GPA requirements:

Exchange applicants: 3.00/4.00
Study Abroad/fee-paying applicants: 2.5/4.0

Graduate GPA requirements

Varies by academic program. Please contact us for more details.

List of Current Semester Courses

Submit a list of courses you are currently enrolled in at your home university. We use this list to check for prerequisites during course registration.

Course Registration Process Document

This document outlines the course registration process. Sign this document and indicate your major at your home university and whether you plan to take courses only within your major or outside of it.

Emergency Contact Information

Include details for an emergency contact in your home country and the United States (if applicable).

After You’re Accepted: Visa Preparation

Once admitted, you’ll apply for your Form I-20, which you will need to get your U.S. student visa. This process is managed by Temple’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team.

You will need to submit:

A complete I-20 application form
Official proof of financial support, such as a bank statement or sponsor letter dated within the past 6 months
A copy of your passport identification page

You’ll receive access to the ISSS portal after admission. Start gathering these items early so you are ready to go.

Learn more about the I-20 process and visa guidance at Temple’s Future Students pages.