Visiting Fellows may conduct independent research, audit courses, and are welcome to attend departmental seminars, conferences and workshops. Visiting Fellows are registered as full-time research students in the GSAS and must pay tuition (offered at a reduced rate) and fees. Unfortunately, financial aid is not available to Visiting Fellows. 

The most important factor for approval by our faculty is whether your field of research closely aligns with that of a faculty member of the department. The application process is highly competitive.


The GSAS Special Students and Visiting Fellows Office handles the application process and all other administrative matters pertaining to Visiting Fellows. Once your application is received, it is processed and forwarded to the department for faculty approval.

Application deadline:         March 1 – 11:59 p.m. ET
Full Academic Year (September to May) or Fall Term only (September to December)
Notification of admission decision:     June 1

Application deadline:         October 1 – 11:59 p.m. ET
Spring Term only (January to May)
Notification of admission decision:     November

For more information on the application process and other general issues regarding Visiting Fellows, please visit GSAS Special Students and Visiting Fellows Office.