Temple University for Nigerian Students

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States ยท R1 Public Research University
Direct Entry Available WAEC Accepted 3 Scholarships โœ“ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #721
Founded 1884
Students 34,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 ยท Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts โ€” Nigerian Students
WAEC/NECO Accepted Yes (via Foundation Year)
Minimum GPA (Masters) 3 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall
Tuition Range $35,512 โ€“ $40,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes โ€“ 3 available
Application Deadline December 1 โ€“ February 1 (varies by programme)
Processing Time 8โ€“16 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Direct entry available. Apply via Common App or Temple portal. Fox School of Business is the flagship. WAEC accepted as secondary qualification. Merit-based scholarships available for strong applicants.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $35,512โ€“$40,000. Application deadline: November 1โ€“15 (Early Action/Decision); January 1โ€“15 (Regular Decision).

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Strong graduate programmes in Business, Law, Education, and Health Sciences. Graduate Assistantships available across departments. STEM OPT eligible for technical degrees.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted โ€” contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: $35,512โ€“$40,000. Application deadline: December 1 โ€“ February 1 (varies by programme). Decision time: 8โ€“16 weeks.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. PhD programmes available across disciplines. Many funded via teaching/research assistantships. Fox Business School doctoral programmes are particularly well regarded.

Specific Requirements

Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.

Deadline

December 1 โ€“ January 15

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
WAEC/NECO certificate or result slip
Motivation letter (500โ€“1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Research proposal (PhD applicants)

Available Scholarships

Temple University Graduate Assistantship

Tuition remission + competitive stipend โ€” teaching or research (~20 hours/week) Deadline: Considered with application โ€” rolling, apply early

by Temple University ยท Masters, Phd

Learn more โ†’

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Full tuition + living allowance + flights + health insurance Deadline: Februaryโ€“May (via US Embassy in home country)

by US Government (Department of State) ยท Masters, Phd

Learn more โ†’

Graduate Assistantship (Teaching/Research)

Full tuition waiver + $15,000โ€“$34,000/year stipend Deadline: Januaryโ€“February (apply with graduate application)

by University Department ยท Masters, Phd

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Temple University accept WAEC/NECO for undergraduate admission?

Yes โ€” WAEC/NECO is accepted as the secondary school qualification for undergraduate admission to Temple University. WES credential evaluation is recommended for graduate applications. No foundation year is required.

What GPA is required for a Masters degree at Temple University?

The minimum GPA for Masters admission at Temple University is 3.0/4.0. Competitive programmes may require 3.5+. Your undergraduate transcript from a recognised Nigerian university is the primary academic credential.

What scholarships are available for Nigerian students at Temple University?

The main scholarships for Nigerian students at Temple University are: the Temple University Graduate Assistantship (tuition remission + stipend for teaching/research), the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (US government, full funding for Masters/PhD โ€” apply through the US Embassy in Nigeria), and departmental Graduate Assistantships (tuition waiver + $15,000โ€“$34,000/year stipend).

Tips for Applying to Temple

Temple University is an accessible, urban research university in Philadelphia โ€” a major East Coast city with a vibrant Nigerian diaspora community. The Fox School of Business is one of the largest and most respected business schools in the US, and Temple's Graduate Assistantship programme offers tuition remission plus stipend for teaching and research positions. Standard OPT (12 months) and STEM OPT (36 months) are available to qualified graduates.

Official source: Temple University โ†—

Plan Your United States Student Visa

Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Nigerian passport holders applying to United States.

Full Visa Guide โ†’

Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA

Accommodation $1,000 โ€“ $1,800/month

North Philadelphia near campus is affordable. South Philly and West Philly also offer good value.

Food & Groceries $350 โ€“ $550/month

Cook at home for savings. Philadelphia has excellent affordable food markets and ethnic grocery stores.

Transport $96/month

SEPTA monthly pass covers subway, bus, and trolley. Temple campus served by several SEPTA lines.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost $1,446 โ€“ $2,446/month