visiting phd student usa

Must begin on first day of the start month, end on the last day of the end month

For additional information on VSRC enrollment fees and funding eligibility, we encourage you to visit the Nondegree Financial Support section to learn about VSRC fees and student benefits.

Becoming a Visiting Student Researcher

Faculty affiliated with CEAS are sometimes asked to supervise the research of visitors who may not be appointed as Visiting Scholars under current Stanford policy. The qualifications for appointment as a Visiting Scholar state that a person must hold a Ph.D. (or its equivalent from a country other than the United States) or be a recognized expert in the field. There are a limited number of instances, however, when it would be to the benefit of Stanford faculty to permit graduate students who have not yet attained the Ph.D. to engage in research on the Stanford campus using Stanford research facilities. Such instances might include students at other universities who are engaged in research at the doctoral level and who are doing research in a field of interest to a Stanford faculty member, or a student who is doing a laboratory rotation as part of a larger research study or grant. When agreeing to invite such graduate students to conduct research at Stanford, CEAS faculty is mindful of the need to place primary emphasis on providing research opportunities to regularly matriculated Stanford students. In general, faculty  should only sponsor Visiting Student Researchers when there is a clear and beneficial existing relationship.  In addition,  invited students must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of other Stanford graduate students, and the research must be of benefit to Stanford as well as the visitor. Visiting graduate students must work VERY INDEPENDENTLY at CEAS in order to be successful.

Enrollment Status

Any visiting graduate student who will be participating in research at Stanford for more than 30 days must be appointed into non-matriculated student status as a Visiting Student Researcher. Students may be classified as Visiting Student Researchers if they are here fewer than 30 days, at the discretion of CEAS. (No SUnet ID can be sponsored until the VSR appointment has been approved and processed by the Office of the University Registrar.)  

Visiting Student Researchers will be registered in the category: "Non-Matriculated Graduate Students - Visiting Student Researchers" (VSR).  Persons registered in the VSR category are not permitted to enroll in any classes. If Visiting Student Researchers wish to take classes at Stanford, they should contact the Graduate Admissions, Office of the University Registrar, and request an application for nonmatriculated graduate student enrollment status. A complete application, including letters of recommendation, official transcripts and applicable test scores, would be required by the nonmatriculated application deadline set by Graduate Admissions, Office of the Registrar. Nonmatriculated students must register for a minimum of eight units and are charged the regular tuition rate. Visiting Student Researchers from other U.S. universities who have educational loans cannot be certified by Stanford for loan deferments because they are neither matriculated at Stanford nor are they carrying a full-time course load. If the researcher is still matriculated at another university in the United States, s/he should contact their home institution regarding eligibility for loan deferments. VSR status is valid for up to one year. The status may be extended once for an additional year.

If duration of stay is greater than 90 days, Visiting Student Researchers will receive an ID card according them library privileges at the University libraries and sports privileges at the University's sports facilities, and may apply for a full-service University email account. Health benefits are not provided. Spouses do not have library or other privileges, though individual arrangements can on occasion be made for access to sports facilities. Limited shared office space is available on a first-come first-served basis. We cannot guarantee that scholars will have office space during their visit. CEAS is unable to provide computers for visitors. It is recommended that visitors who need regular access to a computer for writing or research bring one with them or buy one here.

Mandatory Fees

VSRs are subject to the following fees: 

• monthly VSR fee (see VSR Fees for current rates). Stanford does not waive or prorate the fee; the student is responsible for the full amount.
• quarterly Campus Health Services Fee  (see Campus Health Service Fee for current rates).
• quarterly departmental visiting student researcher fee of $500 per quarter.  This fee is assessed by CEAS regardless of how long in each quarter VSRs are in residence, and the fees for the entire intended duration of stay are due in full at the arrival orientation. 

In addition, Stanford university mandates a minimum level of funding necessary for living expenses, currently $2,500 per month for the scholar, plus $600 per month for a spouse, and $300 per month for each dependent child.  Information on all current fees anf funding requirements may be found at:  Funding Requirements for J-1 Scholars

Additional Possible Fees

All VSRs are required to maintain health insurance equivalent in coverage to the standard Cardinal Care offered by Vaden Health Services.  VSRs who do not have existing comparable health care will be required to purchase  Quarterly Health Insurance at the standard rate.  More information about standard coverage and waiving coverage through Stanford may be found at: Vaden Health Insurance

Foreign scholars not already affiliated with a U.S institution will need to apply for a J-1 visa to enter the U.S. as a Visiting Student Researcher. CEAS staff will help guide scholars through the application process. This process, from initial contact to receipt of the visa can take up to six months. Prospective visitors are encouraged to begin planning for their visit early. There are two types of J-1 visas:

•  Regular J-1
•  Short-term J-1

Foreign scholars who will be at Stanford for more than six months will apply for a regular J-1 visa. Scholars may be in the United States on a J-1 visa for a maximum of five years before the scholar is required to return to their home country. After completing their program, however, regardless of length of stay in the U.S., scholars will be barred from returning to the U.S. under a second J-1 visa for two years. The two-year bar does not apply to programs less than six months; thus a short-term J-1 visa is the best option for visitors who are only staying for less than half a year.

The Stanford fee for preparation of the initial and transfer DS-2019 documents for J-1 Visiting Student Researchers and family members, as well as costs for mailing of the documents via international courier, is included in the CEAS VSR fee (see above). All other J-1 application fees, including the SEVIS fee of $180 to the US Government which is paid online by the VSR before receiving the DS-2019, along with any local embassy/consulate appointment fees, are paid directly by the scholar.

CEAS does not provide funding for visiting scholars. All scholars who apply must show proof of financial support (through any combination of private funds, institutional support, or fellowship) equal to a minimum of $2,500 per month for the length of their entire visit. While this is the minimum required amount, due to the high cost of living around Stanford, CEAS recommends the following minimum funding amounts:

• $4,000/month Visiting Scholar
• $1,000/month Spouse
• $ 800/month each dependent child

Thus, we recommend a family of four have a minimum $6,600/month for the length of their stay.

CEAS staff are unable to assist visitors with finding housing. Visitors are able to view on-line listings and other resources at the  University Housing Office  once their names and e-mail addresses are forwarded during the application process. Visitors are also encouraged to utilize other resources such as  Craigslist , or other pay-for-service rental sites.

Graduate School

Visiting research fellows.

• Academics & Research
• Partnerships & Exchanges

The Graduate School offers the Visiting Research Fellow and non-degree student statuses to accommodate visiting graduate students from other institutions and other non-degree students.

The Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) status is for graduate students from other institutions who would like to come to Brown for durations of usually less than 12 months to conduct research with a Brown faculty member. Visiting Research Fellows are not enrolled in classes and do not have official student status at Brown. They are required to have a faculty advisor at Brown who will supervise and direct their activities. All requests for Visiting Research Fellow status are made by host programs to the Graduate School. See a full description of the program in the Graduate School Handbook .

Programs should submit the following documents to their Graduate School Admission Coordinator

For u.s. citizens.

• Visiting Research Fellow Request Form
• Letter(s) of endorsement by the program chair/director and the faculty member who will advise the visitor at Brown
• A copy of the student’s original appointment request to the program
• Proof of health insurance

For International Students

Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) Visiting Research Fellow webpage for details and a list of the documents required. Once the documents have been received and processed, the Graduate School will issue a formal letter of invitation as a VRF at the Brown University Graduate School. Upon the student’s acceptance of the invitation, the Graduate School will submit the appointment request to OISSS (Office of Student and Scholar Services) for processing of the appropriate entry form (I-20 or DS-2019).

Required Documentation for Appointment as a Visiting Research Fellow

I. health insurance, international visiting research fellow.

International students coming to Brown University as a Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) through the Graduate School will be required to purchase the Brown University International Scholars Insurance (Inbound) coverage for the duration of their time in the U.S. prior to the issuance of the DS-2019 certificate for J-1 visa eligibility. Find more information in the Health Insurance section of the OISSS Visiting Research Fellow webpage .

Domestic Visiting Research Fellow

At the time of appointment, a domestic Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) is required to provide proof of health insurance.

Acceptable documents from your U.S. based insurer for demonstrating health insurance coverage include a health insurance card with your name on it; a signed letter on letterhead stating coverage; or proof of payment. A domestic VRF who does not provide proof of health insurance will not have their appointment activated and will not receive a Brown ID card.

II. Financial Support

International visiting research fellows only.

A Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States and who requires the assistance of Brown to obtain a visa is required to provide documentation of their ability to meet all anticipated expenses during the period of stay. Current requirements stipulate $2,770 per month for the visitor, an additional $583 per month for each additional adult, and an additional $415 per month for each child age 18 or under. We recommend that you consider the required levels of support as the minimum you will need, actual expenses at Brown are likely to be higher. Proof of your ability to meet these costs is best provided in the form of a bank certificate/statement that indicates the current availability of the required amount in U.S. currency or funds easily convertible into U.S. dollars. The adequacy of your financial arrangements is subject to reviews by University authorities and by the U.S. consulate at the time of your visa application.

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The Office of International Affairs

Non-degree visiting students.

• About / Contact
• F-1 and J-1 Students
• Visiting Students
• Employees and Researchers
• Administrators and Faculty
• Spouses and Partners

OIA Newsletters:

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Student Quick Links

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Tax Info for F-1/J-1 Students

Admitted Students: Request an I-20 or DS-2019

Work Authorization for F-1/J-1

Travel Information

Check-In for New Students

Visa vs. Status - Learn More!

OPT Reporting Links:

• F-1 OPT Update Form
• F-1 STEM OPT Update Form

Scholar/Employee Quick Links

J-1 Check-in Form

J-1 Occasional Lecture Short-Term Consult Request

H-1B/TN/E-3 Check-in Form

Travel Re-entry Form

Travel Guidance

J-1 and H-1B Orientations @ OIA

Tax Info for International Students and Scholars

Labor Condition Applications

Administrator Quick Links

H-1B TN E-3 Sponsorship Request

J-1 Request Form

Checklist J-1 English Language Requirement

AEPA Instructions

Deemed Export Control Attestation (for H-1B and O-1)

Graduate NDVS Request

J-1 Funding Requirements

Related Links

Campus and Student Life

Career Advancement

International House

UChicagoGRAD

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs

Student Manual

Make sure to read the content of this page in its entirety .  Any information you miss can cause significant problems along the way and could even jeopardize your status in the U.S.

•   Graduate NDVS
•   Undergraduate NDVS
• English Language Requirement

Required Expenses and Costs

J-1 visa status.

• 2: Request an Immigration Document from OIA
• 3: Obtain your DS-2019
• If You Are Coming to the U.S. in J-1 Status
• 5: Enter the U.S. in J-1 Status and Check In
• Maintain Valid Documents
• Update Your Address Within 10 Days
• Make sure your DS-2019 end date is accurate
• Leave by the end of your Grace Period

Health Insurance

• Tax ID numbers: SSN vs. ITIN
• J-2 Dependents

Travel in J-1 Status

• Getting Help and Assistance
• Other resources for J-1 NDVS

About 'Non-Degree Visiting Student' Status

Non-Degree Visiting Students (NDVS) are students that are attending other institutions inside or outside of the U.S. who come to the University to do thesis or dissertation research.  Students typically do research with a specific PI or lab.

More information about undergraduate and graduate NDVS policies can be found below. If you are interested in becoming an NDVS at the University of Chicago, contact the department with which you would like to do research. Your first step is to be invited by the PI or department.

Graduate Non-Degree Visiting Students

Graduate Non-Degree Visitors  are advanced graduate students pursuing a graduate level degree at another academic institution, who are at the research or writing stage, and who temporarily work on their research project with a faculty member at the University of Chicago. Graduate non-degree visiting students are:

• Considered to be in a full-time student status;
• Charged the Non-Degree Visitor fee per quarter as well as other mandatory fees;
• Eligible to participate in laboratory-based research;
• Not eligible to enroll in courses at the University (thus exempt from the immunization requirements);
• Not allowed to take on a teaching position with the University; and
• Given student privileges such as access to the libraries, athletic facilities, and electronic networks

Graduate non-degree visiting students must comply with all University rules and regulations and are subject to student disciplinary systems. This status is available for no more than four consecutive quarters, including the summer quarter. This status may be extended by up to four consecutive quarters upon recommendation of the faculty sponsor and the area Dean of Students and with the approval of the Executive Vice Provost. Note: the J-1 non-degree visiting student visa allows maximum participation up to 24-months. NDVS cannot be extended beyond this amount of time as this is a U.S. Department of State regulation. 

A student who has been offered and has accepted admission to a graduate program at the University of Chicago may join the University as a non-degree visiting student for the summer immediately preceding the beginning of graduate studies with the University. Summer term is understood to extend from the first day after the end of the spring quarter to the last day before the beginning of the autumn quarter.

Undergraduate NDVS

The information for undergraduate non-degree visiting students is the same as that for graduate non-degree visiting students (see above), except for the following: Undergraduate non-degree visiting students can come to the University of Chicago for research during the summer only . The cost of living and tuition and fees are slightly different from those for graduate non-degree visiting students as well.

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Required English-Language Proficiency

All international students, including NDVS, are required to meet the English language requirements of the University of Chicago. As an NDVS student, you must meet   the requirements as outlined here:  https://grad.uchicago.edu/admissions/apply/english-language-requirements/ndvs_english_proficiency/

There are costs associated with being an NDVS. Graduate level NDVS expenses consist of:

• Tuition and fees
• An estimated cost of living
• Mandatory health insurance
• Additional costs for dependents (spouse, children), if applicable

All expenses are estimates assessed by a quarterly basis. Quarterly expenses cannot be prorated, even if you are here for part of a quarter only.

Your department/division will inform you of the tuition and fee amounts in effect at the time of your visit. Your department/division will be careful to align your visit as closely as possible with the start and end date of the University's quarters so as to avoid extra costs.

Getting Immigration Sponsorship from UChicago

There are several steps you must do to receive immigration sponsorship from the University:

STEP 1: Receive an Official Invitation and be admitted to UChicago as a Non-Degree Visitor

To come to the University of Chicago as an NDVS, you require an invitation (admission) from the department/division where you plan to conduct your research. 

Although OIA issues your immigration document and provides information and guidance on immigration and related matters along the way, we do not admit NDVS, nor can we help you find a host department in the University. If you wish to come to the University of Chicago to conduct research toward your degree, the first point of consultation should be your faculty adviser at your home institution.

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To legally attend the University as an NDVS, you must be in an immigration status that allows for full-time study. As an NDVS student, you are eligible for J-1 immigration sponsorship from the University. The J-1 NDVS category permits someone to remain in this status for up to 24-months, but no longer.

Already in the U.S. at a different institution?

If you are currently in the U.S. with an I-20/DS-2019 issued by a different school, please see the information about attending UChicago in your current immigration status .

Transfer Your Current F-1/J-1 Record to UChicago

If you have a current, active F-1/J-1 record at another school, you may be able to transfer your SEVIS record to UChicago. Please see our transfer page for information .

A Note about Tourist Status, B-1/B-2, and/or ESTA

Note that you cannot be an NDVS in B-1/B-2 status or under the Visa Waiver Program (also referred to as ESTA). Visitors in B-1/B-2 tourist status or who have entered with the Visa Waiver Program (WVP) are NOT legally eligible to study or take courses.  Studying at UChicago while in tourist status or under VWP would likley violate your status and have a negative immigration impact.

STEP 2: Request an immigration document from OIA

After you've been admitted to the university as a Non-degree visitor, your admissions department will send you information about required documentation, timelines, and instructions to apply for the DS-2019.  

DS-2019 Request Process at a Glance:

• STEP 1: Once ready, your admitting department will invite you to complete an I-20/DS-2019 Request within the University of Chicago's OIA Portal. Please note you will need your CNET ID and password to access the OIA Portal. NOTE: Activating your CNET ID may take up to 3 days to fully complete, which could prevent successful login to the OIA portal. 
• Brief video tutorial:  How to complete the I-20/DS-2019 Request
• STEP 3: Upon upload, your I-20/DS-2019 Request will be reviewed by our office and you will be notified if it is complete to process or incomplete and requires further attention.
• STEP 4: If accepted, your I-20 or DS-2019 will be issued within 3 weeks. If rejected, you will be notified by email why your submission was rejected (e.g. missing documents, etc.).
• STEP 5: Once your I-20/DS-2019 is issued, you will receive an email with your SEVIS ID#, School/Program Code, and next step instructions to pay the SEVIS Fee and schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy/consulate. 

Required documentation for the I-20/DS-2019 Request:

• A copy of the biographical page(s) in your passport (the pages with your picture, name and date of birth).  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times while in F-1/J-1 status.
• For more about  acceptable financial documentation.
• Please only submit summary statements and not all pages of accounts. 
• Copy of your letter of admission to the University of Chicago (this can be the PDF you received via email). 

STEP 3: Obtain a DS-2019

After you submit your documents to your academic department, the documents will be reviewed and sent to OIA for processing.  After your I-20 or DS-2019 is created, it will be mailed to you. Learn more about the document issuance process and what to expect on the admitted students website.

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STEP 4: Apply for and Receive the J-1 Visa

Once you have your DS-2019, you must use the document to apply for a J-1 visa by following these steps:

• Pay the SEVIS fee and print your SEVIS fee receipt
• Make a visa appointment and go to consulate/embassy to get a J-1 visa no earlier than 120 days before your I-20/DS-2019 start date
• Canadian Students: students from Canada (holding a Canadian passport) do not need to apply for a J-1 entry visa.  All other steps and immigration regulations will apply, including needing a DS-2019, paying the SEVIS fee, and entering the U.S. in J-1 status.

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STEP 5: Arrive in the U.S. in J-1 Status and Check In

Once you have a DS-2019 and your J-1 student visa, you will need to enter the U.S. with those documents to become a J-1 student.  To do this, you must follow the steps below:

• Travel to the U.S. no more than 30 days before your DS-2019 start date
• Update your address in my.UChicago or the Booth Intranet ( READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST ). You must follow all instructions exactly, otherwise we cannot report to SEVIS that you have arrived
• Submit the International Student Check In form  within 5 days of arriving in Chicago. If you fail to report your arrival, your SEVIS record will automatically be invalidated by the SEVIS system. If this happens, you will no longer have legal status in the U.S. and will have to discontinue your program and return home.

Maintaining Lawful Status in the U.S.

Individuals in J-1 status must follow certain requirements to maintain legal status in the United States.  While you are in the U.S., you must make sure to do the following. 

Click on the links to learn about your responsibilities:

• Submit the International Student Check In form  within 5 days of arriving in Chicago.
• Maintain valid documents. Keep your documents valid at all times and make any requests for changes in a timely manner
• Update your address within 10 days of moving. You are required by law to keep your address updated throughout your program by following the address update instructions exactly.
• To apply for an extension: Apply at least 4 weeks before your current end date.  Contact your Dean of Student's office to request the extension. If your request is approved, your department will send a request for extension to OIA.
• Your Form DS-2019 cannot be extended after the expiration date has been reached! Once the end date on your Form DS-2019 is reached, you must discontinue your program activities here.
• Leave the U.S. by the end of your Grace Period. You have a 30-day grace-period after your program ends (reflected on your DS-2019). 
• Do not work Off Campus! NDVS are NOT eligible for any kind of off campus employment authorizations except where required as part of the pre-established NDVS arrangement.  However, NDVS may work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during official university breaks. NDVS in J-1 status must report their on-campus employment to OIA via the J-1 On Campus Employment Report Form . Note: NDVS are not allowed to take on teaching positions with the university. See the Graduate Student Manual for more information

Other Important Information for NDVS

• Non-Degree Visitors (J-1) and their dependents (J-2) are required to carry health insurance for the duration of their program. See Health Insurance for J-1 Exchange Visitors for full requirements.
• Students can meet the J-1 health insurance requirement by purchasing the University Student Health Insurance Plan ( USHIP ) or another plan that meets the same requirements. If you intend to purchase your own insurance, please use this  Comparable Coverage Checklist 2023 - 2024   to ensure your plan will also meet the J-1 requirements.
• A willful failure to carry health insurance is considered to be a violation of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations and could result in termination of the J-1 / J-2 status.

Tax ID Numbers (SSN vs. ITIN)

Because they are not eliglbe for any kind of work authorization, international NDVS are not eligible for a Social Security Numbers.

If your department is providing a stipend, scholarship, or other funding, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) , if needed.  Visit the link for ITIN information and application instructions.

Dependents (Spouses and Children)

If your spouse or child will join you after you arrive in the U.S. and wants to do so in J-2 status, you can add them as a dependent. Please see adding a dependent for more information.

Please review our travel information in advance of any travel.

Getting Help

Your department will advise you on day-to-day student matters in the University, including your registration as an NDVS in the Registrar's system (even though you are not taking classes here), billing for fees, how to obtain your e-mail address and UChicago ID card, and more.

OIA assists you with all immigration and immigration-related matters, such as applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, information how to obtain a drivers license in the U.S., and other matters of a governmental or bureaucratic nature. 

We also advise you on a range of concerns having to do with your stay at the University and we can direct you to additional resources. So please do not hesitate to contact OIA if we can provide information or support at any time. If we are not the ones to resolve an issue, we can usually connect you with the office or person who can.

Other Resources for J-1 NDVS

Additional information for NDVS in J-1 status:

• Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
• Employment Authorization for J-2 Dependents

Regulations for Visiting Scholars and Visiting Students

Visiting scholars.

Philosophy Faculty may sponsor non-Stanford-affiliated professors or other qualified individuals — who are employed or appointed at another institution or organization — to carry out research with the department for a defined period of time. Visiting Scholar appointments range from a few months to one year with the possibility of renewal.  

Criteria for Visiting Scholar Appointments

• The individual must be visiting from, and have an ongoing affiliation with, an outside academic or research institution or organization.  The individual must have leave from the academic or research institution where he/she holds an appointment which will not expire prior to expiration of the Stanford appointment.
• The individual must have a doctoral degree or recognized research-related expertise in his or her field.
• The individual must have a source of financial support from outside Stanford University (Visiting Scholar appointments do not provide any Stanford salary).
• The visitor must be proficient in English.

        Please note: all requirements must be fulfilled. 

Examples of Visiting Scholar Appointments

• Faculty from other academic institutions who are invited to Stanford on an unpaid basis during a period of  sabbatical at their home institution.
• Qualified personnel from industry, government or other organizations (such as research institutes), including qualified retirees from those institutions, who wish to visit Stanford on an unpaid basis.

NOTES: Anyone who wishes to pursue such appointment with the Department of Philosophy must first request a faculty member to sponsor them.  The appointment would then need to be approved by the Stanford School of Humanities & Sciences (H&S) Dean's Office.

Visit the H&S Dean's Office to learn more about becoming a visiting scholar

Check out the Bechtel International Center at Stanford for visa questions and more

For more information about being a Visiting Scholar at the Stanford Department of Philosophy, please contact lmfagan [at] stanford.edu (Linda Fagan.)

Visiting Students

Exchange scholars.

Stanford University participates in a limited number of exchange programs at the graduate level, permitting enrolled Stanford graduate students to register for courses at other participating universities, and permitting graduate students at those universities to register for courses at Stanford.

The participating institutions are Brown University, University of California at Berkeley, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Stanford University (School of Humanities and Sciences), University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.

Find more information about the exchange scholar program

Visiting Student Researchers

PhD students from other universities who are at the dissertation stage of their degree and have completed all coursework are eligible to apply to be a  Visiting Student Researcher (VSR)  at Stanford.

The  requirements and application information are available at the  Stanford University Office of the Registrar .

For international applicants, we recommend looking at the visa requirements on the Bechtel International Center site .

Prospective visiting student researchers need to be invited by a Stanford faculty member, and are required to provide evidence of sufficient  funding  to cover living expenses (for themselves and their dependents), health insurance, and VSR fees. We do not provide any funding. International VSRs are also required to provide TOEFL scores high enough to meet the  visa requirement.

VSRs are allowed to sit in on classes if they receive the instructor's permission, but do not receive official credit, grades, or transcripts.  VSR fees include access to the libraries and an email account.

To apply to be a visiting researcher, the first step is to find a faculty sponsor. If a faculty member agrees to invite you, the next step is the application. Please contact the  graduate administrator  if you have secured a faculty sponsor, in order to start the application process.

Please be advised that international VSRs are required to demonstrate proficiency in  English  via a TOEFL score as part of the visa application process. 

For more information, please contact the  graduate administrator . 

The Department of Communication welcomes two self-funded graduate students/researchers from across the US and around the world on a rotating basis. Graduate student visitors are typically well-advanced in their PhD-level coursework and/or research. Visits can begin at any time that space is available; the maximum length of the visit depends on the way in which the visitor affiliates with the department. If selected as visitors by the Department, international graduate students can affiliate with the department through one of three ways: 1) as a visiting graduate exchange student enrolled in courses and earning academic credits for one to three quarters (i.e. three to nine months); 2) as a visiting doctoral researcher via the UW’s Visiting International Student Internship & Training Program  for up to 12 months; or 3) as a short term visiting doctoral researcher for up to a few weeks. Each of these options and the differences between them are explained below.

Visiting Graduate Exchange Students

This option is for self-funded graduate students from other universities who desire to take graduate courses in the Communication department and earn credits for their coursework as well as receive mentoring from departmental faculty. International graduate student applicants must be enrolled in a partner university with the University of Washington and be nominated by their home institution for the exchange. In addition to the departmental application requirements specified below, and after receiving approval from the Communication Department Chair, applicants for Visiting Doctoral Student status must complete the UW Graduate School application requirements. See this information for international exchange student applicants , click on “Graduate Applications” and follow the relevant links.

The Department provides the visiting graduate exchange students it selects with a letter of invitation, basic visa support, basic technical and administrative support, access to the UW library system and digital resources including a UWNetID, and a shared office in which to work in the department. To support these services, the Department requests from each visitor a one-time donation of $250 USD upon their arrival at UW. Visiting doctoral students are responsible for the UW visa processing fee  and other application fees. The visa processing fee must be received via wire transfer prior to applying for a U.S. J-1 visa; payment instructions will be provided in the Department’s letter of invitation.

Visiting Doctoral Researchers

This option is for self-funded, advanced doctoral students who wish to work intensively with one or more departmental faculty on their dissertation research for several months (up to 12) but will not enroll in courses at UW. The UW’s Visiting International Student Internship & Training (VISIT) Program is designed to permit students pursuing degrees at universities outside of the US to participate in full-time supervised research at UW.

The Department provides the visiting doctoral researchers it selects via the VISIT program with a letter of invitation, basic visa support, basic technical and administrative support, assistance in obtaining access to the UW library system and digital resources, and a shared office in which to work in the department. To support these services, the Department requests from each visitor a one-time donation of $250 USD upon their arrival at UW. Visiting doctoral researchers are responsible for the monthly cost of a UWNetID during their visit (necessary for accessing UW’s online library and digital resources), and for the UW visa processing fee and VISIT program fees . The visa processing fee must be received via wire transfer prior to applying for a U.S. J-1 visa; payment instructions will be provided in the Department’s letter of invitation.

Short-term Visiting Doctoral Researchers

This option is for self-funded, advanced doctoral students who wish to visit the Communication Department for a short period to consult with one or more departmental faculty on their dissertation research. Such visits are typically a few days to a few weeks in length and require the endorsement of at least one departmental faculty member. The Department provides the short-term visiting doctoral researchers it selects with a letter of invitation; this category of visitor is responsible for obtaining whichever US visa they need. If access to UW online library and other digital resources is desired, visitors are responsible for the monthly cost of a UWNetID during their visit, but will receive departmental assistance in obtaining access to the UW library system and digital resources. Desk space in a shared office is sometimes possible for short-term visiting doctoral students, but it is not guaranteed.

Opportunities and Expectations

While at UW, all visiting doctoral students and doctoral researchers are welcome at all departmental colloquia and events. All visitors other than short-term visiting doctoral researchers are expected to:

– give a colloquium lecture during their stay; – and interact regularly with departmental faculty and graduate students.

Visiting doctoral students and doctoral researchers are also encouraged to enrich the departmental community in other ways, such as by participating in informal topical reading groups for faculty and students, exchanging research expertise, collaborating on research projects and symposia, and inviting members of the departmental community to their home institutions.

Application and Selection Process

The Communication Department receives a significant number of inquiries from prospective graduate student visitors each year. Applications are reviewed by the Department’s Associate Chair, then by the Graduate Program Committee. The applicants recommended are then reviewed by the Communication Department Chair. Approval from the Department Chair is a necessary pre-condition to application via either the UW VISIT Program (for prospective visiting doctoral researchers), or to the UW Graduate School (for prospective visiting graduate exchange students). In other words, prospective graduate student visitors should wait to begin the university-level application process until after receiving approval from the Communication Department Chair to do so.

For the selection of visiting graduate exchange students, the primary criteria employed are a good fit between the coursework interests of the prospective visitor and the courses that will be offered during the period of their visit, and the strength of the applicant’s rationale for visiting the Department. Prospective visiting graduate exchange students are strongly recommended to secure at least one primary faculty “sponsor,” that is, a faculty member in the department whose research interests align with theirs and who agrees to supports their application to visit the department. In addition to a primary sponsor, prospective visitors are expected to identify one or two other departmental faculty or graduate students with whom they share interests, and who are willing to liaison with them during their visit.

For the selection of visiting doctoral researchers, whether long-term or short-term, the primary criteria employed are a good fit between the research interests of the prospective visitor and at least 2-3 of the faculty and/or graduate students in the Department, and the strength of the applicant’s rationale for visiting the Department. Prospective visiting doctoral researchers who wish to affiliate via the UW VISIT program, are required to secure at least one primary faculty “sponsor,” that is, a faculty member in the department whose research interests align with theirs and who agrees to UW VISIT program’s supervision requirements. In addition to a primary sponsor, prospective visitors are expected to find one or two other departmental faculty or graduate students with whom they share interests, and who are willing to liaison with them during their visit.

Applications from doctoral students who wish to visit the Communication Department in one of the three ways described above may be sent to the Department Associate Chair, Leah Ceccarelli ( [email protected] ). 

Applications should include:

-your ideal (approximate) arrival and departure dates; -the name of the faculty member in the department who has agreed to serve as the primary sponsor for your visit, and the names of 1-2 other faculty or graduate students who have agreed to liaison with you during your visit; -the names, titles, and contact info for two references, including their email addresses and phone numbers; -a curriculum vita; -whether you want to be in the department as a 1) a visiting doctoral student, 2) a visiting doctoral researcher, or 3) a short-term visiting doctoral researcher. -If you want to be a visiting graduate exchange student, identify the courses you hope to take from the Communication graduate course list, and explain why it would help you to take those courses in the UW Communication Department. -If you want to be a visiting doctoral researcher, briefly describe your general research interests and the specific research you wish to conduct while visiting the Department, and explain why this Department would be a good environment in which to conduct your proposed research. -If you want to be a short-term visiting doctoral researcher, briefly describe the research interests that prompt you to want to visit the Department, and explain why a short visit to the Department would advance your dissertation research.

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Visiting Student Program

How does the visiting student program work.

Each year usually accepts the equivalent of nine visiting students. These months are centrally tracked in the Visiting Student portal. There are standardized dates for each appointment start (1st or 15th of the month) and end (last day of the month). Students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution of higher education in the US (other than MIT) or abroad and who have been invited by a MIT department or laboratory to do research in their field of study, may apply for Visiting Student Status for a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 12 months.  All research must be conducted on the MIT campus.  Please be aware that the appointment process can take up to 90 days  from the day ISO receives the required application documents on iMIT  for international students.

It is strongly suggested that students invited to conduct research on the MIT campus, no matter how short their visit, have a visiting student appointment for the minimum term of 3 weeks. The Visiting Student Program was created to help protect the non-MIT student visitors and MIT’s reputation, and a visiting student appointment ensures that these students have an officially established affiliation with MIT.

The  International Students Office  (ISO) is the MIT office overseeing the process   at the Institute level for both U.S. and international students. Just as with the procedure for admitting regular graduate students, the procedure for admitting Visiting Students is centralized within the Education Office. However, the process involves faculty members and their administrative assistants since they will be the source of the information needed for the application.

Note that the faculty host is responsible for a $1,000 processing fee and research funds cannot be used. Either the faculty host or the visiting student can pay the monthly Visiting Student Fee ($625/month, includes registration, MIT Student Extended Insurance Plan, and student life fees). All fees are waived for visits of less than five weeks*. A visiting student must register for 12.NIV (visiting student) but the student is not allowed to register for classes or earn academic credit while at MIT.

How do I start the process?

To initiate the VS appointment process, the faculty member or Administrative Assistant should complete a  Visiting Student Mentoring Plan ** and the  English Proficiency Assessment *** and the  offer letter  and submit them, along with the required student information, to the Education Office via the  Visiting Student Request form . All applications must be submitted via the linked form; Word documents will no longer be accepted by the Education Office.

*For students whose visits are less than five weeks in duration, the Visiting Student fee will be waived, but they will still be required to enroll in the MIT SEIP unless their host institution is in Massachusetts and they can provide proof of enrollment in their school’s student health insurance plan. **Mentoring Plan not required for visits of less than five weeks in duration. ***International students only

What happens once my appointment has been approved?

After receiving the Visiting Student Information form, the Education Office will enter the student’s information into the Visiting Student portal. An email will be sent to the student to notify them they are responsible for:

• Creating an MIT account and Kerberos ID
• Official Undergraduate and/or Graduate Transcripts
• Mentoring Plan (to be completed by the MIT Faculty Host)
• Copy of Passport
• Certification of English Language Proficiency (international students only)
• Signed Visiting Student Acknowledgement
• Once the student has uploaded the pre-admissions documents and they have been accepted by the Education Office, approval will continue to the Department Head, then to SoS, and finally VPR.

The student will then be responsible for completing the following post-admissions tasks:

• iMIT ( imit.mit.edu )
• CovidApps to document vaccination status and for campus access
• Sexual harassment training
• Bill and payment
• MIT Department Invitation Letter (to be uploaded by the Education Office)
• MIT Medical information
• Mandatory orientation sessions

Once the student arrives on campus, they will be required to complete the following steps:

• Online check-in with ISO within 10 days of arrival
• J-1 visa orientation. Register for a session date in iMIT within 10 days of arrival.
• Confirm registration as a Visiting Student in onboarding app – must be registered within 30 days of program start date
• Download digital MIT ID. Physical ID cards available at Atlas Center
• Lab training

When a visiting student is continuing for a new term, the Education Office will prepare the required registration letter, obtain the faculty host’s signature, and give the signed letter to the visiting student to hand-deliver to the Registrar.

Upon conclusion of the visiting student appointment, both the student and the faculty host will receive exit surveys to complete as part of the visa requirements.

Useful Links

International Students Office

Visiting Student Fees

Visiting Student Mentoring Plan template

Visiting Student Estimated Expenses While at MIT Form

Visiting Student program FAQ – updated October 2021

Visiting Scholar/Visiting Researcher Program

VS/VR Admissions

Each year the Graduate Program hosts some 30 to 35 Visiting Scholars and Visiting Researchers (“Visitors”) from around the world. A Visiting Scholar is generally a Professor of Law at another institution; a Visiting Researcher is generally someone who is working towards a graduate degree or doing postgraduate work at another institution. In recent years our Visitors have included a Justice of the Supreme Court of Norway, a professor in a cyberlaw research institute at the University of Tokyo, the Director of the Graduate Programme in Law at Osgoode Hall Law School, and graduate students from all over the world.

The program provides Visitors access to Law School facilities (including the Law School’s libraries as well as other libraries at Harvard University) so that they can conduct research on an approved topic while in residence. Visitors may audit Law School courses on a non-credit basis with the permission of the course instructor and the Registrar’s Office. They may be able, from time to time, to consult with faculty members interested in their fields of study. The Graduate Program arranges a number of informal functions for Visitors at which they are able to present their work and meet each other as well as other members of the Law School community.

Visitors must be sponsored by a faculty member who is willing to act as an advisor to the proposed research project, and it is the responsibility of a prospective Visitor to contact appropriate faculty members and arrange for such sponsorship. Visitors do not have faculty status, nor do they have access to office space, telephones, or secretarial services. Please note that “Visiting Student” status is not available at Harvard Law School.

Because of the large number of applications we receive each year, the Graduate Program is unable to accommodate all those who express interest in visiting for research purposes. In selecting applicants for Visitor status, the Committee on Graduate Studies considers the applicant’s background, field of interest, scholarly achievement, research proposal, availability of Harvard Law School faculty for consultation in the proposed research area, and English language proficiency. Applicants should have completed their basic legal studies with high academic standing.

Visitors normally are in residence at the Law School for either a semester or academic year. Normally, applications for stays of less than one semester will not be considered. Prospective applicants interested in gaining access to the Harvard Law School libraries for shorter periods should visit the  Library Admission page  or contact: [email protected] or Library Access, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. Prospective applicants interested in an affiliation with a  specific research program  at the Law School should contact the respective program directly for application information and procedures.

For further information about the application process, please see  application information  for the Visiting Scholar/Visiting Researcher program.

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Visiting students.

Whether you’re seeking to take a deep dive into an area of interest or incorporate a cross-disciplinary perspective into your studies, the Visiting Students program offers students enrolled in a degree program at another institution the specialized, world-class instruction that you would expect in the Ivy League. Visiting students are enrolled alongside matriculated Columbia degree students, and earn credits that may be used towards graduation at your home institution.

As a student in the Visiting Student Program you will work with an advisor to create a customized schedule to reflect your individual academic and career goals from a selection of the 3,000+ University undergraduate and graduate courses available to you. If you are looking for a more structured curriculum you may apply to one of our structured programs open to visiting students. All visiting students have access to Columbia resources, including the libraries, writing center, academic advisors, fitness center, and student services. Learn more here .

Visiting students may enroll during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students interested in studying in the summer may do so for either six or 12 weeks and should  visit our summer website for program options .

If you are a current high school student, you can kickstart your college education and experience Columbia University in the City of New York through our rigorous pre-college academic programs. High school students from all grades are encouraged to apply. To request information about or to apply to a program,  visit the Programs for High School Students website.

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Becoming authentic how simone de beauvoir's philosophy can help us gain clarity amidst chaos and lead more authentic lives. new career design workshop for visiting students to launch this summer the columbia university summer session will launch the career design workshop in 2022. school columbia university summer session: registration opens march 1 hundreds of courses are confirmed for the 2022 summer session, including money & banking, biodiversity, and how to write funny. upcoming events, visiting students webinar.

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Learn more about Visiting Students at Columbia University School of Professional Studies or contact the program advisor.

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As admissions to our program are highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.

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Visiting Fellows

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Visiting fellows are considered full-time research students at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS), with access to Harvard University’s libraries and facilities. They may only affiliate with one department or program based on their academic interests. 

While they do not take courses for academic credit, they may audit courses with the approval of the instructor and seek faculty guidance as they conduct independent research. They may also audit courses at Harvard Business School, Harvard Divinity School, and Harvard Law School (Harvard Business School charges auditors a cross-registration materials fee) with instructor permission. They may also audit courses at MIT and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University with permission from the course’s instructor. Please note that visiting fellows are normally not permitted to audit basic skills courses such as beginning languages or computer science.

Visiting fellows may submit a new application to extend their program. Extension is not automatic; reapplications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that office and laboratory space are extremely limited, however, you may request a study carrel at Widener Library. Please note any special laboratory requirements in your application and discuss whether space is available with your affiliated department.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a doctorate, have equivalent professional experience, or be advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all required coursework. 

To be considered for visiting fellow status, you should note in your application the name of at least one faculty member with whom you intend to work and reference any communication with faculty members or academic departments. While visiting fellows are occasionally invited by departments or research centers to participate in seminars or other organized activities, they are expected to conduct independent research full-time. You must formally register as a student each term of attendance and follow the academic calendar.

Before applying, you must select one department to affiliate with based on your academic interests. 

Reduced Tuition is charged and cannot be waived or reduced. Visiting fellows are not eligible for institutional financial aid. Visiting students are typically either self-funded, by home country or home university scholarships, by third-party scholarships, or a mix.

For information about tuition and fees, see the Cost of Attendance section.

Restrictions

• Admission cannot be deferred.
• Visiting fellows are restricted from participating in a select group of departmental offerings.
• Individuals denied admission to a degree program at Harvard Griffin GSAS cannot apply as a visiting fellow for the same academic year.
• Visiting fellows may not apply to a degree-seeking program.
• Faculty members from other universities may not apply to be a visiting fellow. Contact your academic department of interest to inquire about their visiting scholar policy.
• Visiting fellows are based at Harvard Griffin GSAS and are part of the visiting students program. Those interested in studying at another Harvard School should reach out to that School’s admissions office directly.
• Visiting fellows cannot benefit from Harvard-administered financial aid programs and do not qualify for Federal Student Aid.
• Reduced tuition is charged and cannot be waived or reduced.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

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The Wharton Finance Department hosts several visiting scholars, including PhD students and faculty from other universities, throughout the academic year. The major criterion for being selected as a visiting scholar is to have a member of our Standing Faculty serve as a liaison.

The Finance Department does not offer any monetary compensation for these visits and visitors will have to provide proof of financial support as well as proof of comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay in Philadelphia.

The Finance Department generally provides visiting scholars with (shared) office space and access to various resources. Please note that the number of visitors is thus restricted by office space availability.

Please review the below requirements for your application as a visiting scholar:

• A current CV for any student or faculty who wishes to visit the Finance Department.
• A request for a specific timeframe for your visit including beginning and end date.
• A brief statement explaining your purpose and goals for the visit.
• A brief statement from a member of our Standing Faculty agreeing to serve as your liaison. This statement should describe why the applicant should be a visiting scholar, including any potential benefits to faculty, graduate students, or the department in general.
• A recommendation letter from a faculty member at the applicant’s home institution.
• Information regarding visa status and whether you will need the department to sponsor one for you.

Please email the required documents to Beth Dellipriscoli at [email protected] once complete, including your sponsoring Finance Standing Faculty member on the request.

Requests will then be reviewed by the PhD Program Coordinator and the Department Chair.

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Information about Visiting Student Researcher, Visiting Scholar or Post Doc appointments

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This page outlines the differences between Visiting Student Researchers, Visiting Scholars, and Postdoctoral Scholars, as well as the policies and application processes associated with each of these categories.

A Stanford postdoctoral scholar is a trainee in residence at Stanford University pursuing advanced studies beyond the doctoral level in preparation for an independent career. Postdoctoral Scholars are appointed for a limited period of time (minimum stay of 9 months) and may participate on Stanford research projects and/or may be supported by external awards or fellowships. Sponsoring faculty must be active members of the Stanford Academic Council. Prior to beginning the postdoc appointment process, the prospective postdoc must have their diploma in hand or a letter from their university's registrar (not the department) clearly stating that ALL degree requirements have been completed.  Sponsoring faculty are responsible to ensure that minimum Stanford funding package for postdoctoral scholars (including salary/stipend and benefits) is met by a Stanford fund or an external award/fellowship.

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• Minimum salary/stipend levels
• Fringe benefit rates
• Postdoc benefits

Funding Options

• (Preferred method)  The funding is directed to the GSE as a sponsored project, with a principal investigator (PI) identified, and provides a budget that includes all expenses (salary/stipend, full benefits, postdoctoral registration fee and indirect costs).  Please be advised that the cost of benefits can be upwards of 30% of salary/stipend and may depend on the level of coverage.
• In the event that the external source of the funding will only pay the postdoctoral fellow directly, then the funding letter must state the amount of salary/stipend and specify funds that will be used by the postdoctoral fellow to cover full benefits and any other related fees required by Stanford University.  Please be advised that the cost of benefits can be upwards of 30% of salary/stipend and may depend on the level of coverage.  In cases where the postdoctoral fellow will be paying for his/her benefits, the arrangement must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs prior to the appointment.

Benefits Given to Postdoctoral Fellows

• Official affiliation with Stanford University (Stanford ID, $20 fee to be paid at ID card office)
• Stanford computer account
• Library privileges
• Medical plan through Blue Shield of CA
• Dental and vision coverage
• Leave benefits
• Use of recreational facilities
• Graduate student housing, only if available after matriculated students are housed
• Access to off-campus housing information
• Audit university courses without fee, subject to permission of the instructor
• If a Postdoctoral Scholar wishes to take courses for credit, the Scholar is responsible for tuition and additional fees.
• Campus parking privileges for a fee (arranged through Parking & Transportation Services)

More Information

In all cases, postdoctoral appointments at Stanford are for the purpose of advanced studies and training under the sponsorship of a Stanford faculty member. Individuals interested in postdoctoral study should make their inquiries directly to the faculty with whom there are overlapping research interests. Faculty members are expected to respond to all correspondence regarding possible postdoctoral status, to determine whether the area of interest is appropriate for study at Stanford, and whether there is sufficient office/laboratory space and other resources needed to support the Scholar. Please note that the standard visa for a GSE postdoc is a J-1. Requests for other types of visas will be considered on a case-by-case basis only. If you would like to hire a postdoctoral scholar, please contact Jeremy Edwards  three months in advance of the anticipated start date in order to begin the application process. No appointment is finalized until approved by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. More information for faculty can be found here , and more information for postdocs can be found here . See also the Postdoctoral Scholars website for more information, including minimum salary and funding requirements, appointment terms, etc.

A Visiting Scholar is a scholar established in his or her field (must hold a Ph.D. or be considered a field expert) who visits Stanford from an outside institution or organization and is funded by external or personal sources (cannot be funded by Stanford). Visiting Scholars are not employees or students of the University, and therefore are not entitled to Stanford compensation or other benefits available to regular staff, faculty or students (including health insurance).

Visiting Scholars must be recommended by a faculty member in the School for a fixed-term designation of Visiting Scholar. Faculty will recommend the appointment for approval by the Area Committee and the Deans. A limited number of appointments are available each year. Interested scholars should contact specific faculty directly regarding the possibility of such an appointment, and faculty can work with the Academic Affairs Officer to begin the appointment process. See also the Research Policy Handbook regarding visiting scholar appointments.

Please see the "For Visitors" page on Health Alerts regarding current COVID-19 safety responsibilities.

The benefits given to visiting scholars are as follows:

• Official affiliation with Stanford University (Stanford ID) issued to Visiting Scholars who are in residence for a minimum of one quarter. ($25 fee to be paid at the ID card office)
• Audit University lecture courses without fee, subject to permission of the instructor (Classes that require individual instruction and participation, such as laboratory and language courses, studio and performance courses, or creative writing courses are not authorized for auditing.)

Off-campus Housing Resources for Visiting Scholars

• Faculty Staff Housing

In limited instances, it is to the benefit of Stanford faculty to permit persons who have not yet obtained a Ph.D. (or its foreign equivalent) to engage in research on the Stanford campus using Stanford research facilities. Such instances might include students at other universities who are engaged in graduate-level research in a field of interest to the faculty member, a person doing a laboratory rotation as part of a larger research study or grant, or employees of companies who are conducting research which requires specialized equipment available only at Stanford. Invitations can be extended for up to four quarters.

In order to be a Visiting Researcher at Stanford GSE, one must be invited from a Stanford GSE faculty member by an official invitation letter that includes the amount of time for which the visitor will be conducting research (no appointments are finalized until approved by the Office of the University Registrar and confirmed by the GSE Office of Academic Affairs). Interested researchers should contact specific faculty directly regarding the possibility of such an appointment, and faculty can work with the Academic Affairs Officer to begin the appointment process. Please note that the appointment process can span up to three months, and the process will depend on various factors (student status, citizenship, etc.).

Visiting Student Researchers must be registered as “Non-Matriculated Graduate Students.” They are charged a registration fee of $1,324/month (for the 2024-2025 academic year). There is no prorating of the fee, so corresponding the start and end dates of the appointment with the quarter start and end dates is important. In addition, international students must show proof that they will have a quarterly estimated living expense of $4,815/month while here on campus (this can be a fellowship, personal savings, etc.). All visiting researchers must show proof of health insurance or buy Cardinal Care through Stanford while they are appointed. The Cardinal Care fee is $7,620 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students must also pay the quarterly campus health fee of $261.

International visiting student researchers will need to have their visa paid for by the faculty sponsor. Stanford charges a $125 fee for preparation of the initial and transfer DS-2019 documents for J-1 Visiting Scholars and family members, which the faculty member may request to be reimbursed by the Visiting Researcher upon arrival at Stanford GSE.

The benefits given to Visiting Student Researchers are as follows:

• Official affiliation with Stanford University (Stanford ID, $25 fee to be paid at ID card office)
• Access to Vaden Health Center (campus health fee applies: $261/quarter)
• Not permitted to enroll in or audit any classes. If VSR wish to take classes at Stanford, they should contact the Office of the University Registrar and request an application for nonmatriculated graduate student enrollment status.

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Visiting Student Learning Opportunities™ (VSLO®)

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Search for and apply to opportunities in the VSLO® system.

The AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities ™  (VSLO ® ) program enables medical and public health students to pursue short-term learning opportunities in locations away from their Home institutions. These elective opportunities include observerships, summer research programs, clinical opportunities, away rotations, away electives, clinical rotations, and visiting opportunities. Offered by participating Host institutions in the U.S. and around the world, elective opportunities are available in teaching hospitals, community clinics, and urban or rural sites and are open to preclinical, clinical, or final-year students, as determined by the Host institution.

If you are new to the VSLO program, start by familiarizing yourself with the   resources below. If you are ready to begin the application process, login to the VSLO application service by clicking the VSLO® Sign-In button above. The   VSLO program is only accessible to students at participating Home institutions. It’s easy for your school to join the VSLO program .

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VSLO® News and Announcements

The VSLO team regularly updates resources, data, research, and the VSLO application service to meet the changing needs of the medical education community.

The University welcomes research visits from international academics.

The University welcomes applications from academics who are employed at a university overseas for visits of between one month and one year. If you would like to visit Oxford for less than a month, you also have the option of visiting Oxford’s libraries and attending research seminars as an independent researcher.

We accept two types of visiting researchers:

• Visiting scholars (those who are research-active academic staff at other institutions)
• Doctoral researchers visiting Oxford (who are registered as doctoral students at another institution)

Graduate students who are interested in spending time studying under the supervision of an Oxford academic can apply for  Recognised Student status .

The Oxford University Welcome Service  provides practical information on coming to Oxford from abroad.

Arranging a visit

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The University of Houston strives to provide affordable and accessible education to a diverse student body, including first-generation college students. UH offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, education, health, law and the arts.

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teachHOUSTON, the University of Houston’s renowned STEM teacher preparation program, has received a $3 million award from the National Science Foundation to help address a STEM teacher shortage and retention crisis.

June 03, 2024

University of Houston Study Shows Electric Vehicles Can Have Positive Impact on Air Quality and Public Health in Some Cities, Not All

A University of Houston study assessing the impact of vehicle electrification on air quality and public health finds mixed results for Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. The researchers emphasize the need for strategies to be tailored to different regions for effective air quality management.

May 28, 2024

Optimal Cancer-Killing T Cells Discovered

A team of cancer researchers, led by the University of Houston, has discovered a new subset of T cells that may improve the outcome for patients treated with T-cell therapies.

May 22, 2024

The Neural Basis of Human Creativity

University of Houston neuroscientist Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, the pioneer of brain-machine interfaces, has been invited to speak and present emergent research on brain computer interfacing and artificial intelligence at the United Nations AI for Good Global Summit.

May 21, 2024

University of Houston Graduate Students Selected for Prestigious U.S. Dept. of Energy Program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science has chosen three University of Houston graduate students for its prestigious graduate research program. UH doctoral candidates Farzana Likhi, Caleb Broodo and Leonard Jiang were among 86 students from 31 states selected for Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program which provides world-class training and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources at DOE national laboratories.

May 15, 2024

With a multi-million-dollar grant from NASA, the University of Houston will open an aerospace engineering research center to extend human presence on the moon and Mars for sustainable, long-term space exploration, development and utilization.

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WSU graduate who vanished from Seattle airport may be with man and his missing 2-year-old daughter

A recent Washington State University graduate who vanished from a Seattle airport more than a month ago may be traveling with a 21-year-old man wanted for failing to return his 2-year-old daughter to the child's mother.

Nadia Erika Cole, 21, disappeared on May 29 after security camera footage showed her leaving the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport at 3:08 p.m., the Fife Police Department said on X .

She was wearing a black North Face jacket, a sage green hoodie, black pants and white sneakers at the time. Authorities said she may have been seen in the area of Fife, a suburb of Tacoma. 

Police in Pullman said they believe Cole may be with Aaron Aung, whose 2-year-old daughter Seraya Aung Harmon was reported missing.

Aaron Breshears with the Pullman Police Department told NBC affiliate KING-TV of Seattle that Cole is in a relationship with Aung and "it’s more than coincidence that she went missing at the same time."

Aung, of Moscow, Idaho, and his daughter were last seen on May 29, the same day Cole vanished, according to authorities. Aung reportedly took Seraya to Montana on a fishing trip and was supposed to return the child to her mother in Pullman on Monday, police said. Aung never showed up for the scheduled custody exchange, according to authorities.

On Wednesday, an arrest warrant was issued for Aung for first-degree custodial interference after police said he violated a Latah County District Court parenting plan.

Cole's family said the circumstances surrounding her disappearance are "entirely out of character for her," KING-TV reported, citing a statement released by a private investigator they hired. On the day she vanished, the family said she left her belongings at an airport gate to use the restroom and was seen leaving the airport with "a distressed expression."

"We are utterly devastated by her disappearance and are fervently praying for her safe return," her parents, Beata and Kirk Cole, said in the statement.

Cole had recently graduated from Washington State University, authorities said. There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.

Pullman police said they are working with the Moscow Police Department in Idaho and the FBI in Seraya's disappearance.

Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.