Visiting Scholars Program, Center for Studies in Higher Education (CSHE) – UC Berkeley

The Center for Studies in Higher Education (CSHE) invites applications from scholars and researchers worldwide to join our Visiting Scholars Program. This program provides a unique opportunity to conduct research related to higher education alongside leading experts at UC Berkeley.

We host Visiting Scholars for periods ranging from one to twelve months, offering a collaborative and intellectually rich environment. Our aim is to foster a diverse community of scholars who contribute global perspectives to higher education research, policy, and practice.

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Who Can Apply

We welcome applicants from around the world whose work aligns with the areas of expertise of CSHE faculty affiliates, and who demonstrate a clear need to be based at CSHE and UC Berkeley. There are three categories of scholars:

• Senior Visiting Scholars – Hold a Ph.D. earned more than five years ago

• Visiting Doctoral Researchers – Ph.D. candidates who have advanced to candidacy

• Postdoctoral Scholar Employees – Ph.D. completed within the last five years (2-year minimum appointment and external salary funding required)

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Selection Criteria

Applicants must:

• Focus on research related to higher education

• Clearly articulate why UC Berkeley/CSHE is integral to their project

• Align their research with one of CSHE’s faculty affiliates

• Demonstrate advanced English proficiency (for J-1 visa eligibility)

• Commit to a minimum one-month residence at UC Berkeley

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Program Privileges & Expectations

• Work with a CSHE-affiliated researcher as your sponsor and mentor

• Participate in seminars, lectures, and the Center’s scholarly community

• Access to UC Berkeley’s libraries, digital resources, and shared office space (for stays over one month)

• Deliver a final research presentation and submit a paper to CSHE’s Research and Occasional Papers Series (ROPS)

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Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester (Aug 15 – Dec 20): Apply by February 15

• Spring Semester (Jan 5 – May 15): Apply by September 15

Early applications are strongly encouraged, especially for longer visits.

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How to Apply

A complete application includes:

• Cover Letter

  • Proposed visit dates and length of stay

  • Potential CSHE sponsor(s)

  • How you learned about CSHE

  • How affiliation supports your research and professional growth

  • Funding sources

• Curriculum Vitae (with publication list)

• 3–5 Page Research Proposal

  • Project title, goals, timeline, and relevance to CSHE and UC Berkeley resources

  • Suggested proposal outline

Submit your application via email to:
📧 Anne MacLachlan & cshe@berkeley.edu
Or mail to:
Anne MacLachlan, Ph.D.
Visiting Scholars Coordinator
Center for Studies in Higher Education
771 Evans Hall, University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-2310

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After Acceptance

Selected scholars must:

• Submit required university forms

• Pay non-refundable affiliation and visa fees

• Provide proof of funding and health insurance

• Undergo English proficiency verification (Zoom interview + documentation)

See full fee schedule and funding requirements.

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Contact & Resources

🌐 VSPA Office: vspa.berkeley.edu
🌐 Berkeley International Office: internationaloffice.berkeley.edu
🏠 Temporary Housing Options

for more such opportunities stay connected with:

www.opportunitiesforyouth.org