Visiting Scholars

Researchers may apply to visit the School for a period of 6 to 12 months. The applicant should have a specific research reason to be in Edinburgh, either because of materials available in the University library, or because of a research link with a current member of University staff.

How to apply

Individuals wishing to be considered as a Visiting Scholar need to obtain the agreement of a member of academic staff within the School to act as their Academic Sponsor. Applicants should first complete an Expression of Interest Form (linked at the bottom of this page), providing brief details of their project plans, visit dates, and proposed Academic Sponsor. With the agreement of the Academic Sponsor, successful applicants will then be invited to complete a full application form.

All submitted full applications will first be assessed by the relevant Subject Area within the School. Assessed applications will then be passed to the LLC Visiting Scholars Selection Committee for final School selection.

Expression of Interest Forms can be submitted at any time. If invited to complete a full application, final applications must be received by 1st March (for visits beginning from June onwards) or by 1st October (for visits beginning from the following January onwards). Please bear this in mind to ensure you submit your Expression of Interest Form in good time ahead of these deadlines. We are unable to accept late applications.

The fee structure will be £300 per calendar month, to be paid in full in advance of the agreed visit. Information regarding payment of the fee will be provided once the visit has been approved by the Visiting Scholars Selection Committee.

Approved visitors from the Least Developed Countries, Other Low Income Countries, and Lower Middle Income Countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients may apply for a fee reduction. In exceptional circumstances, other visitors not receiving funding for their stay may be considered for a fee reduction. All requests for fee reduction must be made at application stage, and retrospective requests will not be accepted. Please contact us directly as soon as possible for more information.

Please note that applicants must be able to meet the UKVI criteria, if appropriate.

If you do not have an Academic Sponsor in mind, please have a look at our staff research profiles on the Edinburgh Research Explorer and our Staff by Subject Area webpage. You’ll then be able to find staff working in your area of research and make contact with them.

Complete a Visiting Scholars Expression of Interest Form

If you are a student currently registered and following a programme of study at an institution elsewhere, you will need to apply as a Visiting PhD Student. This application process is handled by the LLC Postgraduate Research Office, and guidance on how to apply can be found on their website, linked below:

Information for Visiting Students