Temple University cherry "T" logo

Undergraduate

Search Keywords

External Programs

Last update: April, 2025

What is an External Program?

External programs are study abroad opportunities offered by other colleges, universities, and various study abroad organizations. These programs open up a world of possibilities, allowing students of all majors to study in almost any country. With options ranging from summer sessions to semester- and year-long programs, external programs go beyond those traditionally available at Temple.

For more information and a list of approved program providers, visit Education Abroad’s External Programs page. 

Application Process

Approved Program Providers

Students are encouraged to consider these program options before exploring other programs, as these programs have been vetted for safety, security, academics, and criteria established by the Faculty Senate Committee for International Programs.

To apply, please take the following steps:

  • Choose your approved program from our list of providers and click on the Request to Study Abroad button to begin your application.
  • After you have been approved, apply directly to your external program.
    • You may apply to your external program before submitting your Request to Study Abroad, but the Study Abroad Coordinator can not process any Home School Approval Forms until your external program application been submitted through Temple and approved.
Programs Not on the Approved List

If Temple’s approved programs do not meet your needs, you may petition to study on a program not on the approved list. Students interested in this option will need to submit a petition, which must clearly explain how the intended program meets their academic goals for study abroad more effectively than programs already approved.

To apply, please take the following steps:

  • Meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator to discuss program options and the petition process. Petition deadlines are earlier than those for approved programs – see Temple’s External Program Petition page for details.
  • If approved, apply to your external program as you would for an approved provider.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to study on an external program:

 

Fully matriculated, are enrolled fulltime, and have completed 2 semesters before studying abroad.
  • You must be enrolled as a full-time matriculated student at the time of application as well as the semester prior to studying abroad.
  • You will have completed at least two (2) semesters of college-level study by the program start.
Are in good academic standing, clear of any holds, and meet the minimum GPA requirement for the program
  • You must have a cumulative and current GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.  
  • You must be in good academic standing at the university, including the semester before participating in the program until the start of your term abroad.  
    • Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Visa Probation students are not eligible to apply. 
  • You must be clear of any holds at TUJ (including financial, visa, or any other holds) 
Clear of any conduct or disciplinary issues at TUJ

You must be clear of any conduct or disciplinary issues at the time of application and remain so through the start of your term at Main Campus.

Meet the minimum age requirement

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

Program Costs

Students will not pay tuition to TUJ; all program tuition and costs will be paid directly to the program provider.

Most external study abroad program providers offer scholarships. Students are encouraged to research their program’s website and Temple’s Education Abroad Scholarship database for opportunities. If you are a Japanese citizen, JASSO offers many scholarships that may apply to you.

Credit Approval Process

Students who participate in external programs can earn transfer credits for approved courses through the course evaluation process. These credits may fulfill major, minor, or elective requirements.

Applicants should meet with their assigned academic advisor in the Academic Advising Center to review course selections and determine how their chosen program fits in their overall academic plan. Faculty advisors will then approve and assign any corresponding Temple courses or requirements.

If students plan to fulfill major or minor requirements, an approval by the department’s major coordinator is required.

Application Timeline

Once your request has been processed, you should expect to receive a decision via an email to your Temple email account within 2 weeks of submission. If your request is approved, you'll be granted access to remaining pre-departure information, materials, and requirements.

DEADLINES

Fall Semester and Academic Year: September 1
Spring Semester: March 1
※ All applications will be reviewed after the application deadline. Students can expect to receive a decision at least one month after the application deadline.

※ Note: Your external program application deadline may be different; please check your program’s website for application procedures and deadlines.