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Costs & Dates

Plan Your Finances and Timeline for Studying Abroad at Temple University

We know that planning for costs and dates is one of the most important parts of preparing to study abroad. Whether you’re coming to Temple as an exchange student or as a study abroad student, we provide transparent information on tuition, fees, and living expenses to help you budget with confidence.

Exchange vs Study Abroad: How Tuition Works

  • Exchange students – You continue to pay tuition to your home university as part of the exchange agreement.
  • Study abroad students – You pay tuition directly to Temple University, billed per semester.
  • Hybrid Option – For exchange students wishing to spend a full-year at Temple, you may choose a hybrid option, where you spend one semester as an exchange student and one semester as a study abroad student.

Exchange vs Study Abroad: Other costs

Whether you are an Exchange or Study Abroad student, Temple University will bill you for some required fees, and may bill you for some optional fees.

  • Required: University Services Fee; International Student Fee
  • Optional: On-campus housing; campus meal plan; health insurance; course fees
  • Fees never billed by Temple: Off-campus housing; meals; books and supplies; travel and personal expenses

Estimated Cost per Semester

All figures are listed in U.S. dollars and are based on the 2026-2027 tuition and fee rates. These amounts are estimates and subject to change.

Estimates are based on 2026-2027 rates. Costs can vary by type of housing, meal plan, health insurance plan, etc.

Estimated Cost Per Semester - Study Abroad & Exchange Program

Undergraduate Tuition (Study Abroad students only)

$18,300

University Services Fee (Study Abroad students only)

$549

International Student Fee (Not charged to U.S. citizens)

$175

Housing & Meals

$7,500

Books and Supplies

$750

Other (Travel and Personal) Expenses

$2,000

Health Insurance

varies by plan

These estimates include both direct (billed) and indirect (personal) costs. For example, tuition and fees will appear on your Temple student account, while books and meals are typically paid separately. Costs like visa fees, bedding, or location transportation are not included in these estimates but should be factored into your personal budget.

Study abroad students can use Temple’s Tuition Calculator to estimate their exact tuition based on program and credit hours. When prompted, choose University College for the school or college.

Payments and Billing Information

The Temple University Bursar's Office emails balance due notifications by email. Students are issued bills before each semester begins and payment is due by the posted deadline. View the due date schedule here. 

All students will receive a balance due notification, which will include the following:

  • Exchange students: Required: University Services Fee; International Student Fee. Optional: On-campus housing, health insurance, course fees
  • Study abroad students: Required: Tuition, University Services Fee; International Student Fee. Optional: On-campus housing, health insurance, course fees

All tuition and fees are billed through Temple’s secure online system (TUpay). You can view charges, pay online, and even grant access to family members to help with payments. 

Scholarships, Funding, and On-Campus Work Options

Temple understands that financing study abroad can be challenging, and international students have several resources to help offset costs.

Scholarships and External Funding

  • Your home university or government provide scholarships for study abroad.
  • Many external organizations and cultural exchange programs may also offer funding.
  • We encourage you to explore national study abroad funding bodies and check with your home university’s international office.

On-Campus Employment

As an inbound international student, you may be eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Jobs include positions in libraries, dining halls, academic offices, and student centers. On-campus work is not a substitute for scholarships but can provide extra spending money and valuable U.S. workplace experience.

Living in Philadelphia on a Student Budget

Philadelphia is one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. compared to New York, Boston, or Washington, D.C. Students can save money by:

  • Choosing on-campus housing with a meal plan or sharing apartments off-campus.
  • Using public transportation, including discounted student passes.
  • Taking advantage of free or low-cost events through Campus Philly.

Temple’s international advisors can help you estimate your budget and provide resources for cost-saving strategies.

Semester Dates and Academic Calendar

Temple's academic year is divided into two main semesters:

  • Fall semester: late August to mid-December
  • Spring semester: mid-January to early May

Key dates to know:

  • Orientation takes place the week before classes begin
  • Housing move-in typically aligns with orientation
  • A 7-day mid-semester break occurs each term:
    • Fall: Thanksgiving week (late November)
    • Spring: mid-March
  • Final exams are held during the last week of the semester.

You may choose to study for one semester or a full academic year. Exact start and end dates, including exam schedules, are published annually on Temple’s Academic Calendar.