A guide for academics who intend to apply to become an Visiting Scholar at the Faculty to conduct research.
Facilities
As an Academic Visitor*, you will be entitled to:
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a Cambridge University email address for the duration of your visit
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limited access to certain University computing facilities
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use of the Faculty Library
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an introduction to the University Library to secure borrowing rights
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attend most lectures and workshops/seminars
* For a period of 6 months or more.
The Faculty assumes that visitors come to Cambridge to pursue their independent research and therefore does not provide or arrange academic supervision.
We regret to advise that the Faculty is unable to assist with accommodation. For this and other help in settling into life at Cambridge, we recommend that you contact the Newcomers and Visiting Scholars Office.
An invitation to become an Academic Visitor does not bring any financial remuneration from the University and is given on the understanding that the Visitor will be entirely self-funded (in accordance with UK Immigration policy). An invitation to become an Academic Visitor also does not confer membership of any College.
Applications
Completed application forms must be accompanied by the following in support of your application:
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2 references (briefly recommending your application and confirming your status at your home University)
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a copy of your full C.V.
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a letter of support from your Academic Sponsor (who must be an academic at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies)
Incomplete applications and applications sent without two attached references or a CV will not be processed. Please note that you must ask your referees to provide written references and attach these to your application. You must secure an Academic sponsor within the department you are applying to BEFORE you submit your application.
Please send all documentation to The Faculty Administration at reception@ames.cam.ac.uk.
Timescale
Applications must be sent at least SIX months before the start of the proposed visit.
Your application will be considered by the relevant Department and will then be approved by the Faculty Board. Meetings take place once per term. Please see the following deadlines for applications to be approved:
Applications received by 9 January 2024 - will be considered at the Department meeting on 16 January and the Faculty Board meeting on 30 January.
Applications received by 16 April 2024 - will be considered at the Department meeting on 23 April and the Faculty Board meeting on 30 April.
You will be notified in writing as soon as possible thereafter as to whether your application has been successful.
Fees
Fees for 2022-2023: The fee for Academic Visitors is £1,000 plus VAT (total £1,200) for a period of up to six months, and £2,000 plus VAT (total £2,400) for six - twelve months.
Visitors wishing to come to the Faculty for a period of one month or less will be charged at a rate of £75.00 per week up to a period of 4 weeks.
Please note that there is a £25.00 administration fee for any changes to your plan after the approval date (the date you receive notification that your application has been successful).
If approved you must pay your fee in advance of arriving.
Fees must be paid through our online system.
It is possible, in special circumstances, to apply for a reduction of this fee and any prospective visitor who wishes to plead special hardship may make such an application.
If there is a sponsoring body paying your fee, please ensure they either pay online or provide details of who to invoice if your application is approved. A schedule for payment will be included in your letter.
Immigration and visa requirements
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure full compliance at all times with the UK government's immigration and visa requirements.
Please ensure that you have checked your status with the guidelines on the UK Home Office website.
