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.
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:
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Senior Visiting Scholars – Hold a Ph.D. earned more than five years ago
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Visiting Doctoral Researchers – Ph.D. candidates who have advanced to candidacy
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Postdoctoral Scholar Employees – Ph.D. completed within the last five years (2-year minimum appointment and external salary funding required)
Selection Criteria
Applicants must:
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Focus on research related to higher education
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Clearly articulate why UC Berkeley/CSHE is integral to their project
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Align their research with one of CSHE’s faculty affiliates
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Demonstrate advanced English proficiency (for J-1 visa eligibility)
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Commit to a minimum one-month residence at UC Berkeley
Program Privileges & Expectations
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Work with a CSHE-affiliated researcher as your sponsor and mentor
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Participate in seminars, lectures, and the Center’s scholarly community
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Access to UC Berkeley’s libraries, digital resources, and shared office space (for stays over one month)
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Deliver a final research presentation and submit a paper to CSHE’s Research and Occasional Papers Series (ROPS)
Application Deadlines
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Fall Semester (Aug 15 – Dec 20): Apply by February 15
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Spring Semester (Jan 5 – May 15): Apply by September 15
Early applications are strongly encouraged, especially for longer visits.
How to Apply
A complete application includes:
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Cover Letter
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Proposed visit dates and length of stay
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Potential CSHE sponsor(s)
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How you learned about CSHE
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How affiliation supports your research and professional growth
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Funding sources
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Curriculum Vitae (with publication list)
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3–5 Page Research Proposal
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Project title, goals, timeline, and relevance to CSHE and UC Berkeley resources
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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
After Acceptance
Selected scholars must:
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Submit required university forms
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Pay non-refundable affiliation and visa fees
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Provide proof of funding and health insurance
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Undergo English proficiency verification (Zoom interview + documentation)
See full fee schedule and funding requirements.
Contact & Resources
🌐 VSPA Office: vspa.berkeley.edu
🌐 Berkeley International Office: internationaloffice.berkeley.edu
🏠 Temporary Housing Options
