Policies

Eligibility

Temple University students must be in good academic standing and have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligibile to study abroad on any program, but should be aware that each program—Temple-administered, exchange, or external—sets its own criteria for admissions, which often exceeds the 2.5 GPA minimum. Check the application and eligibility requirements for your program of interest. Acceptance or approval to study abroad is rescinded if the student is placed on academic warning or probation.

General Education 

Temple students who successfully complete (with a C- or better) credit-bearing coursework worth at least three semester hours in an approved summer or semester study abroad program with a minimum stay abroad of 28-days will satisfy the World Society (GG) requirement.

Study abroad approval procedures for external programs

View procedures in the Undergraduate Bulletin and on our website.

Transfer Credit Policy for Matriculated Undergraduate Students 

The Transfer Credit Policy for Matriculated Undergraduate Students defines the circumstances in which transfer credit may be accepted toward the requirements of Temple undergraduate degrees after the student has matriculated, and the criteria for such acceptance. Undergraduate, degree-seeking students should take all (or almost all) their courses at Temple in order to fulfill their Temple degree requirements. Matriculated Temple undergraduates may receive credit for two types of transfer courses:

• A Temple-approved semester or summer external or exchange study abroad program* (eligible students must be approved by Education Abroad prior to registration), or;
• Taking Courses Elsewhere (eligible students must be pre-approved by their advising office and are allowed to transfer credit for two eligible summer or special session courses, up to a maximum of 8 credits, taken elsewhere toward their Temple degree)** 
  • Please note: International students are permitted to study abroad as long as the program is outside of their home country (since that's not "abroad" for the student). International students wishing to enroll in courses in their home country while home during the university breaks should instead pursue the Taking Courses Elsewhere with their advising office.
  • International students are typically not permitted to participate in a semester study abroad in their home country, but as a result of visa and travel restrictions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, some international students have been approved to study "at home" with partner universities in their home country (please contact global.programs@temple.edu if you have specific questions about the special Partner Institution Program for international students).  

Waitlists for Temple programs

Students are encouraged to apply early for Temple study abroad programs, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and space on some programs is limited. View program status and waitlist information.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 prevents Temple University from disclosing information about a student's education records without the written consent of a student or without proof that the student is the tax dependent of the parent. For more information, please visit the Dean of Students’ website and view the official policy at http://policies.temple.edu/ferpa/.

International travel policy and elevated/high risk travel

Temple University is a leader in international education. While experiencing and understanding the world is an essential feature of higher education, the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff while they are abroad is of the utmost importance. To that end, Temple University regularly monitors international information relevant to the political, geographic, and health risks in the regions where our travelers study and work. Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses, in conjunction with Risk Management, has defined Temple affiliated international travel and identified risks associated with international travel. The International Travel Policy establishes Temple's requirements for University affiliated international travel so that travelers can be connected with expertise and guidance on best practices, maximize safety and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Temple affiliated travel, including study abroad and other official university programs and/or activities, may be prohibited in countries or areas within countries that are deemed elevated or high risk in accordance with the University’s International Travel Policy. If the University has suspended travel to a particular country/region, information will be posted on the Alerts & Advisories page of the International Risk Management website. In some instances students interested in studying abroad in countries/areas designated by Temple as an elevated or high risk may be considered for a petition. Students planning to study abroad on a Temple exchange program or an approved external study abroad program will be notified by their program manager if their completed request to study abroad application requires a petition. 

The policy applies to all University employees, faculty, students, authorized volunteers and guests of the University who are traveling as part of any University Affiliated International Travel, regardless of funding source.

International travel medical insurance

Visit our Health and Safety page or the International Travel page on the University's Risk Management website to learn more about international travel medical insurance policies and coverage for study abroad. 

COVID-19 Acknowledgement of Risks