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International Transfer Students

Explore the application process as an international transfer applicant. 

If you are a transfer applicant, you have completed secondary school or high school and have attempted at least 15 or more college-level credits. Here, you’ll gain more insight into Temple’s application process as an aspiring international transfer student.

 When to Apply 

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

Fall Semester Start
  • Application Deadline: June 1
  • Nursing Application Deadline: Feb. 1

*Nursing is a four-year program, even for transfer students. Limited spaces are available.

Spring Semester Start
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 1

 How to Apply 

Apply using the Common App.

Temple exclusively uses the Common App. As a transfer student, be sure to select the correct semester you are applying for, either fall or spring.

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

APPLICATION SUPPORTING MATERIALS

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.

Official secondary school transcripts with English translations

Your application must include all official and original academic records from any secondary school you have ever attended.

If you are attending a secondary school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades nine through 11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed secondary school.  

If you are attending a secondary school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your primary school as well.

Test options

Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

Temple University is test optional. This means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration. Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency. 

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  and include your full name and TUid.

Submit documents and other testing to  through a school official or examining/testing body or submit by mailing to the following address. 

Temple University International Admissions
Conwell Hall 103
1801 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Documents sent by mail may delay application processing. For information on how documents or testing can be submitted, please contact the . 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.

Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact 

All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores item to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

English Language Proficiency

International first-year students must submit one of the following English language proficiency exams.

  • TOEFL IBT & Home Edition (Inst. Code 2906)
  • IELTS or IELTS Indicator 
  • PTE Academic 
  • ITEP Academic Plus 
  • Duolingo 
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency 
  • Michigan English Test (MET)
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

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. 

View the English language proficiency test score requirements

Letters of Recommendation

Submitting letters of recommendation is optional.

If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to  or through the Common Application.

Additional materials for Boyer College of Music and Dance, Tyler School of Art and Architecture and School of Theater, Film and Media Arts

Some majors in the Boyer College of Music and Dance, the Tyler School of Art and Architecture and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts may require additional supporting information such as an audition, interview or portfolio. Please check your intended major’s specific requirements with the school or college below.

For schools and colleges with such requirements, you may schedule your audition and submit your portfolio for review prior to completing the submission of your application.

After You Apply

Applicant Portal

Soon after you submit your Common App, you will receive an email about setting up your Undergraduate Applicant Portal, where you can track the status of your application and submit any requirements to complete your application. The undergraduate applicant portal is also where you can make any necessary changes to your account and connect directly with us. 

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 obtain your I-20 or DS-2019 from Temple and apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa.

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.

Advanced Credit Policy

Temple’s generous policy accepts advanced credits as determined by the examining body. If you have successfully completed IB, A Level, AP or CLEP courses/subjects, learn more about our policy.

 Conditional Admission Program 

Academically qualified students with low or no language scores may still be accepted to Temple University through our Conditional Admission Program (CAP). 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 Conditional Admission Program for international students.

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 Additional Resources for International Students 

Get more information about how Temple supports international students, and learn more about our global perspective on our Office of International Affairs website.

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