Visiting Scholars

The Faculty welcomes applications from senior scholars overseas wishing to carry out research concerning English literature in Cambridge. The Visiting Scholar scheme offers Faculty affiliation for a short period of research leave while in Cambridge. In recent years, we have had visiting scholars from Australia, China, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, and Switzerland.

What you need to know

1
How to apply
2
Eligibility
3
Facilities provided
4
Fees per term
5
Contact us
close up of glass entryway to the Faculty

To apply, you must send us:

Applications will be considered twice a term. This form must be returned not less than three months and not more than 18 months before the date of intended arrival to: visitors@english.cam.ac.uk or Lisa Gold, Faculty of English, 9 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DP.
Hands removing book from shelf

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • intend to focus on research in the field of English Literature 
  • hold a senior position in their University
  • normally have a Ph.D

Should you wish to improve your English rather than do research in English literature, please visit this website: http://www.langcen.cam.ac.uk/
students at a lecture

What we provide official Visiting Scholars

  1. Cambridge University email address and limited use of University and Faculty computing facilities;
  2. Use of the English Faculty Library and introduction to the University Library to secure borrowing rights;
  3. Admission to most undergraduate lectures and workshops;
  4. Invitations to Faculty special events and receptions.

If you are affiliated with a college rather than the Faculty of English, your college will partly arrange these privileges.

The Faculty assumes that visitors will be in Cambridge to pursue their independent research and does not provide or arrange academic supervision. 
a calculator with coins and notes beside it

Fees

Visiting Scholars spend between 3 and 12 months. The fee is currently £1,000 sterling per term/3 months. The balance can be paid online at your arrival in Cambridge.

If you wish to change the dates that you plan to be an Visiting Scholar at the Faculty of English, you will be charged an additional administrative fee of £25.00, which you will be asked to pay at your induction.
A University staff member working and writing on a paper form at the Old Cavendish Copyright: University of Cambridge (November 2024)

Further queries?

Contact us on visitors@english.cam.ac.uk if you have any general enquiries about becoming a visiting scholar.

Further Advice

Before applying, please ensure that you are aware of the facilities that are offered when securing visiting scholar status. You will also need to check visa requirements and organise your accommodation if you are granted visiting scholar status.

It is essential that you provide a CV and two letters of recommendation these can be from your supervisor or Head of Department on your University's headed paper, stating the reasons why it would be helpful for you to spend time in Cambridge.

Visa Length

The government usually only grants visitor status for six months, but visitors qualifying for the visiting scholar concession (and therefore do not need a work permit) remain entitled to visitor status for up to 12 months.
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Visa Procedure

On 1 February 1988, Her Majesty's Government introduced a standard period of six months for which visitor status is granted on arrival in the United Kingdom. Visitors qualifying for the visiting scholar concession (for whom work permits are accordingly not required) remain entitled to visitor status for up to 12 months. The Home Office will issue guidance to immigration officers to this effect. Such visitors should continue to claim the 12 months' concession on arrival, on the basis of written confirmation from their host institutions of the nature, duration and funding of their appointments. Visitors who receive only the six months concession on arrival may subsequently apply for its extension to 12 months.

For more information see the University's guidance on visas for visitors.

When to visit

The best time to visit is between October and March, when the majority of teaching happens. We do not advise a visit to Cambridge in the spring or summer unless you are intending to stay a full year.
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The best time to visit

The academic year at Cambridge is divided into three terms.  

  • Michaelmas term runs from October to early December. 
  • Lent term runs from January to March
  • Easter term runs from April to early June

In the Michaelmas and Lent terms there are eight weeks of lectures, classes and seminars. In Easter term there are only four weeks with fewer lectures and classes. This is because examinations are held at the end of May and in early June. The exact dates of each term can be found on the University's website.

The University long vacation begins in mid-June and lasts until the beginning of October. Many people are away at this time and the Faculty provides no teaching or events. The libraries may also open for shorter hours and may close completely for short periods. We do not advise a visit to Cambridge in the spring or summer unless you are intending to stay a full year.

Accommodation

The Faculty is unable to help with accommodation so Visitors may find it helpful to contact the University of Cambridge Accommodation Service.
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University Accommodation Service

Kellet Lodge
Tennis Court Road
Cambridge CB2 1QJ

www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk

Tel. 01223 338099
email: accommodation.service@admin.cam.ac.uk

Please bear in mind that the cost of living and accommodation costs in Cambridge are expensive.