Financial Aid

Planning to study abroad can be both exciting and complicated. One of the most important components to be considered is how to finance a study abroad experience. Besides the many scholarships available specifically for study abroad (see Scholarships), students can typically use regular sources of financial aid, such as Pell grants and Perkins loans. The sections below for Temple students on Temple programs, Temple students on non-Temple programs, and non-Temple students on Temple programs outline the possibilities for utilizing financial aid for study abroad.

• Temple Students on Temple Programs
• Temple Students on non-Temple Programs
• Non-Temple Students on Temple Programs

Temple Students On Temple Programs

Temple students studying on a Temple University study abroad program may use Temple, federal and state financial aid: loans, grants, even outstanding achievement scholarships. Work-study positions are also available at Temple University Rome. Applying for and receiving financial aid for a Temple study abroad program abroad works almost the same as it would if a student were studying at any of Temple’s campuses. Students complete their FAFSA early in the calendar year, are notified of their financial aid package, if eligible, and their aid is posted to their accounts, again, in the same way as if they were taking courses at Temple Main, Tyler, or any other campus. The one difference is that International Programs supplies budgets to Temple Student Financial Services for all study abroad programs, and it is always recommended that Temple students who are accepted to a Temple study abroad program take a copy of their acceptance letter to Student Financial Services. Student Financial Services can then re-evaluate a student’s aid package based on the budget for the study abroad program the student will be attending. In some case a student’s aid package may be adjusted to reflect any possible increased cost difference.

If a student’s study abroad fees exceed their final financial aid award, then students are responsible for paying the balance. If their financial aid exceeds their program costs, then a refund is generated.

Temple University students can also apply other financial assistance available through regular University channels to their study abroad program costs, such as Veterans' benefits and tuition remission.

Students who intend to finance all or a portion of their overseas study through financial aid funds must follow procedures designed to ensure that required forms are completed prior to departure for their program. Temple students accepted to a Temple study abroad program are required to submit proof of their financial aid to International Programs. All awards must be documented through a photocopy of the award letter from the official granting institution or agency, and it must also include the name, address, and phone number of the individual who administers the award.

Temple Students on non-Temple Programs

Temple students studying on a non-Temple University study abroad program will still be able to use their federal and state aid, and in many cases, their Temple aid. Students must choose a non-Temple program that has been approved by International Programs, their major department(s), and their academic advising office. In addition, students must obtain from Temple Student Financial Services a consortium agreement in order to have their financial aid transferred to a study abroad program sponsored by another university. The consortium agreement must be forwarded to the non-Temple study abroad program for completion, and then must be forwarded to Temple Student Financial Services along with the student’s  completed "Approval to Study Abroad on a non-Temple Program" form.

Generally, Temple students attending a non-Temple program will not receive an increase in their aid package, even if the non-Temple program costs more than studying at Temple. However, it is very important for Temple students to discuss their financial aid package with Temple Student Financial Services. Also, even if a student’s aid package can not be increased, there are additional scholarships available specifically for studying abroad (see Scholarship link).

The International Programs library has a variety of resources available for students to research funding opportunities for study abroad. Among the books in the library are: Financial Aid for Research and Creative Activities Abroad; Financial Aid for Study and Training Abroad, and Financial Resources for International Study. All three of these volumes have information for funding at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. There are also binders, arranged by country, of scholarship competitions and sources of financial assistance, and handouts outlining grants for Temple and non-Temple programs administered by International Programs.

Non-Temple Students on Temple Programs

Students from other institutions should consult with financial aid officers at their own institutions to find out which sources of aid are available to them and what the processes are for using aid to attend a Temple program. Federal awards and a number of state awards are generally transferable to Temple and other institutions.

In general, most institutions utilize a contractual agreement, usually called a consortium or consortial agreement, as a means to process a student’s aid when that student is attending another hosting institution, such as Temple. The agreement is usually forwarded to the hosting institution, completed by the host, then forwarded back to the student’s financial aid office. In some cases the aid is forwarded directly to Temple. In other cases the aid is forwarded to the student. Again, students must check with their home institution early on to make sure they understand what aid can be used and what the process is.

Students who intend to finance all or a portion of their overseas study through financial aid funds must follow procedures designed to ensure that required forms are completed prior to departure for their program. Students from other institutions attending a Temple study abroad program must document their awards by providing to Temple International Programs:

1. Photocopies of the official notification letter(s). Such letters should state the amount, source, and date of availability of the awards.

2. The name, title, address, and phone number of the person or persons responsible for the administration of each of the grants, loans, or scholarships submitted. Also included should be the name and address of the regular financial aid office at the student's home institution.