Visiting Scholars Application Procedure

Visiting Scholars Application Procedure

Eligibility

The Centre can award the title of Visiting Scholar to a suitable applicant who is already engaged in, or building, an academic career. Visiting Scholars hold a doctorate and are usually employed by a higher education institution in the UK or abroad.

Application procedure

All enquiries and applications should be sent to the Centre Administrator.

Applications should comprise:

  • An academic curriculum vitae (up to a maximum of five pages)
  • A covering letter incorporating the dates proposed for the visit and a short statement (maximum of one page) describing the applicant's academic plans while resident in Cambridge. This should clearly outline the applicant’s reasons for wishing to spend time in Cambridge, e.g. to work closely with a particular member of staff, or to consult specific resources available in Cambridge.
  • Two academic references (sent by the referees themselves)

It is essential that applications are made well in advance so that, if approved and as applicable, visitors have the necessary time to plan their visit in line with the strict visa regulations set out by UK Border Agency (UKBA) and so that the Centre can ensure that the relevant facilities can be provided.

Applicants may have a greater chance of success if their projects connect in some way with research already been undertaken at Cambridge. For this reason applicants are encouraged to set out in their covering letter any possible points of contact they envisage with the research specialisms of teaching staff or postdocs here, which may form the basis of productive discussions and/or collaborations during the period of their stay here.

Facilities provided for Visiting Scholars

The Centre is able to provide for all visiting academics:

  • A temporary Cambridge University e-mail address
  • An introduction to the University Library and Centre Library
  • An invitation to attend the Centre’s research seminars, and in many cases the opportunity to present their research
  • An invitation to attend various public events organised by the Centre

The Centre is not able to cover the cost of photocopying, printing and other consumables.

Orientation

The University’s Newcomers and Visiting Scholars Group, an organisation run by volunteers, aims to assist newly arrived partners and families of Visiting Scholars to settle down in Cambridge. Further details of the Group’s activities can be found here.

Grants and fees

Visiting Scholars are not eligible for such expenses, and will be charged a fee of £660 per term (including VAT). In exceptional circumstances, Visiting Scholars can apply to the Committee of Management for exemption from this fee. 

Visa procedures

The UK Border Agency’s website provides advice on visa applications and time-scales. In all case, it is the academic visitor's responsibility to apply for the correct visa.

Accommodation

The Centre is unable to help with accommodation, but the University’s Accommodation Service might be able to provide advice and assistance (tel: +44 (0)1223 338099) e-mail