Find out what the application process is like for international students.

Here at Temple, we’re committed to making the application process for international students as easy as possible. Learn details about the process and what the most important deadlines are, because having a plan and applying early has its perks.

Who is an international student?
You’re an international student if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. No matter where you’re from, #YouAreWelcomeHere.

How to Apply

Join students from more than 123 countries and discover our top-tier academic programs and the many cultural experiences on Temple’s campus and in Philadelphia.

• You are a first-year applicant if you are a student still attending secondary school or high school, or you have not attempted 15 or more college-level credits.
• You are a transfer applicant if you have completed secondary school and have attempted at least 15 college-level credits or more.

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

3. Complete your application by sending official documents.

After submitting the Common Application, you’ll need to submit the following information to the university in order to complete your application. 

• Official secondary school or college transcripts   
• Standardized test scores (optional). Read more below for important information on testing options.
• English language proficiency test scores 
• Letter of recommendation (optional) 

Temple is test-optional.

Requirements

The following documents may be necessary to complete your application. Please review the testing options to determine whether you wish to submit academic testing to support your application. If your documents are not in English, please provide them in the original language and with an English translation.

English language proficiency 

Both international first-year and transfer students must submit one of the following English-language proficiency exams:

• TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials 
• IELTS or IELTS Indicator 
• PTE Academic 
• ITEP Academic Plus 
• Duolingo 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency 

Students do not need to submit English-language proficiency if they meet one of the following exemptions

• English is your native language.
• You have completed, at the time of application, three or more years in a curriculum where English was the sole language of instruction.
• You have successfully completed English composition at a U.S.-accredited college or university (transfer only).

View the English language proficiency test score requirements. 

How to Submit Documents and Testing

For any applicant submitting official testing, please use the following Temple University School codes or methods.

• SAT or TOEFL through Educational Testing Services (ETS)—School Code 2906
• American College Testing (ACT)—School Code 3724
• IELTS: Simply email your TRF number to internationaldocuments@temple.edu and include your full name and TUid.

Have documents and other testing submitted to internationaldocuments@temple.edu by a school official or examining/testing body. Documents sent by mail may delay application processing. The mailing address is below. For information on how documents or testing can be submitted, please contact the International Admissions office.

International Admissions
1938 Liacouras Walk, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19122
USA

Submitted documents become the property of Temple University and we cannot return them to you. If you prefer, you can retain your originals and submit notarized copies.

4. Check the status of your application with TUportal and determine if you need a student visa.

All decisions made regarding your application will be available to you via TUportal. It’s the gateway to the rest of the application process, so make sure to keep your username and password handy. After submitting your application, you can track its status and learn important next steps in TUportal.

If you’re admitted, you may need to obtain a nonimmigrant student visa—including a student (F-1) or an exchange visitor (J-1) visa—as a next step toward your enrollment at Temple. Learn how to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa.

5. Submit proof of secondary school graduation.

If you are admitted to Temple and you have submitted your enrollment deposit, you must have your secondary school send your final transcript or proof of graduation to Temple.

Need help determining what satisfies proof of graduation? Please contact the International Admissions office.

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When to Apply

International applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for each semester. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you will receive a decision.

Important Dates for International Students

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Conditional Admission Program

Academically qualified students with low or no language scores may still be accepted to Temple University through our Conditional Admission Program. This program provides English language classes while orienting students to university life and preparing them for success at Temple University. Students at the highest CAP levels take credit-bearing classes so they can begin working toward their degree even while learning English. Learn more about our programs for international students.

Learn more about scholarship opportunities for this program.

Temple Rome Entry Year Program

Another option to consider when applying to Temple is starting your degree at our campus in Rome, Italy. Through the Temple University Rome Entry Year program, you can spend your first year at Temple University Rome and then complete your studies at Main Campus in Philadelphia. The Temple Rome Entry Year program offers an American university education with a global foundation.

Temple Japan Entry Year Program

Another option to consider when applying to Temple is starting your degree at our campus in Tokyo, Japan. Through the Temple Japan Entry Year program, you can spend your first year at Temple University Japan and then complete your studies at Main campus in Philadelphia. The Temple Japan Entry Year program offers an American university education with a global foundation.

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