Temple University Global Scholar Award

The Temple University Global Scholar Award is a significant merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree in Philadelphia. This award can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs, making a world-class American education more accessible. It is automatically considered upon admission, meaning there is no separate application, but you must meet specific academic and English proficiency benchmarks. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided you maintain a competitive GPA.

What is the Temple University Global Scholar Award?

This is the flagship merit scholarship for international freshmen at Temple University. It is designed to attract and reward students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in high school. The award is granted automatically based on the strength of your admission application.

• It is a merit-based scholarship, not based on financial need.
• It is available exclusively to new, first-year international students.
• The award amount is significant, often covering a large percentage of non-resident tuition.
• It is renewable for up to eight semesters (four years).

Award Value and Coverage

The exact monetary value of the Global Scholar Award varies each year based on the applicant pool and university funding. The scholarship directly reduces your tuition bill. It does not cover room, board, or other fees.

“This award made Temple a financially viable option. Without it, I would not have been able to consider studying in Philadelphia. The automatic consideration process was a huge relief.” — A previous Global Scholar

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet several clear criteria to be considered for this award. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you will receive the scholarship.

• International Status: You must be a non-U.S. citizen or non-permanent resident.
• First-Year Applicant: You must be applying as a freshman, not as a transfer student.
• Full-Time Enrollment: You must plan to enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program on the Main Campus.
• Strong Academics: You need a competitive high school GPA, typically well above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• English Proficiency: You must meet Temple’s minimum English language test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo).

How to Apply for the Global Scholar Award

There is no separate scholarship application form. The process is integrated into your main application to Temple University.

1. Submit your Common Application or Temple Application. Select your intended major and provide all required academic history.
2. Upload your official transcripts. These must be translated into English and show grades from all four years of high school.
3. Submit your English proficiency scores. Send them directly from the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS PTE, or Duolingo).
4. Write your personal statement. While not specifically for the scholarship, a strong essay showcasing your achievements helps your overall profile.
5. Meet the priority deadline. While applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, applying early (November or early December) gives you the best chance for the largest award.

“The key is to apply early and make sure your academic record is as strong as possible. The scholarship committee looks for students who have taken the most challenging courses available to them.” — Temple University Admissions Counselor

Renewal Conditions and Maintaining Your Award

Receiving the award is just the first step. You must meet specific academic standards each year to keep it. The scholarship is automatically renewed if you meet the conditions.

• GPA Requirement: You must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of each spring semester.
• Full-Time Enrollment: You must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester.
• Continuous Enrollment: You must enroll every fall and spring semester. Taking a leave of absence will stop the scholarship.
• No double-dipping: You cannot combine this award with most other Temple-specific scholarships.
• Review Period: Your GPA is checked after spring grades are posted. If you fall below a 3.0, you may have one probationary semester to recover.

Tips for Strengthening Your Application

Since the scholarship is awarded based on your admission application, every part of your profile matters. Here are practical ways to stand out.

• Challenge yourself academically. Taking AP, IB, A-Levels, or honors courses shows you are ready for university rigor.
• Write a compelling personal essay. Use the essay to explain your academic journey, challenges you overcame, or unique perspective. Avoid generic topics.
• Secure strong recommendation letters. Ask teachers who know your academic work well. A detailed letter from a math or science teacher can be powerful.
• Demonstrate leadership. Participation in debate, student government, or leading a club shows initiative beyond grades.
• Show consistent improvement. If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trend in your final years can still be impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit a separate application for the Global Scholar Award?

No. The scholarship is automatically considered when you apply for undergraduate admission as a first-year international student. There is no separate form or essay to fill out for the award itself.

Can transfer students receive this scholarship?

No. The Global Scholar Award is strictly for first-year, entering freshmen. Transfer students have different scholarship opportunities through Temple, but not this specific award.

What is the minimum GPA required to be considered?

There is no published minimum GPA, but competitive applicants typically have a GPA equivalent to 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The scholarship committee looks at the strength of your entire academic record.

Does the scholarship cover room and board?

No. The award only applies to tuition costs. You are responsible for covering housing, meal plans, books, health insurance, and personal expenses through other means.

Can I combine this award with other Temple scholarships?

Generally, no. The Global Scholar Award cannot be combined with most other Temple-funded merit scholarships. You may be able to combine it with external scholarships from private organizations or your home country.

What happens if my GPA drops below 3.0 during the school year?

Your GPA is only checked at the end of the spring semester. If it falls below 3.0, you may be placed on scholarship probation for one semester. If you restore your GPA to 3.0 by the end of the next fall semester, the scholarship is reinstated.

Is this scholarship available for all majors?

Yes, the Global Scholar Award is available for any undergraduate major offered at Temple University’s Main Campus. This includes programs in business, engineering, arts, sciences, and media.

How will I know if I received the award?

You will see the scholarship listed in your financial aid offer letter, which is typically included with or shortly after your admission decision. It will clearly state the annual amount and the renewal conditions.

Can I defer my admission and keep the scholarship?

Deferral policies vary. In most cases, if you defer your start date for a valid reason, you may be able to keep the scholarship. You must contact the admissions office in writing to request a deferral and confirm your award status.

Is the award amount the same for every student?

No. The award amount varies based on the strength of your application and the overall applicant pool. Some students receive a higher award than others. The amount is not negotiable.

Conclusion

The Temple University Global Scholar Award represents a powerful opportunity for international students to reduce the cost of a high-quality American education. Because it is automatically considered, your focus should be on building a strong, well-rounded application that highlights your academic excellence and personal initiative. If you meet the eligibility criteria and present a competitive profile, this scholarship can make studying in Philadelphia a realistic and affordable goal. Plan ahead, submit your materials early, and ensure your academic record is as strong as possible to maximize your chances.