Visiting Fellows & Scholars
Post-doctoral researchers whose work brings them temporarily to Cambridge, or who feel that their research would benefit from spending time visiting the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies are welcome to apply for the non-stipendiary status of Visiting Scholar. Most scholars are academics but journalists, writers and diplomats have also become CIS Visiting Scholars at various times.
Visiting scholars are appointed for up to twelve months and are granted access to the University's library facilities. In return they usually give a presentation as part of the CIS Lecture Series. There is an administrative charge for visiting scholars of £500 + VAT for a stay of up to six months and £1,000 + VAT for up to twelve months. VAT is currently charged at a rate of 20%. Please note that the U.K. immigration authorities will not allow academic visitors from non-EEA countries to remain in the U.K. for longer than one year.
As a University-wide institution the Centre works across the humanities and social sciences at Cambridge. Please note that the Centre is not a teaching Institution and does not offer undergraduate or postgraduate courses. (Further information about the University courses can be found here: undergraduate courses and graduate courses).
Facilities
As a Visiting Scholar, you will be able to attend any public lectures and seminars in the University, use the facilities in the libraries and the University Centre, and join in the life of the Centre. You will also receive Cambridge University email account.
Applying
To apply to the Centre for visiting scholar status you must supply us with the following documents:
- A covering letter addressed to the Director outlining why you wish to carry out your research in Cambridge. The dates of your proposed stay in Cambridge must be specified in this letter.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Your research proposal. This should be a short outline of the proposed research you wish to carry out in Cambridge.
- Two academic references.
- Signed application form.
How to get your references
Download the application guidelines and reference forms here: PDF Document
Please notify your referees once you have decided to apply for visiting scholar status at CIS. There are two copies of the Supporting Reference Form attached here. Please fill in Part I of each form and give them to your respective referees. Tell them that they must give the references back to you in a sealed envelope, and that they should have signed their name across the seal. One of your references should come from a scholar working at your university.
Application Deadlines
There are three deadlines each year: September 1st, January 1st and April 1st. Applications must be sent at least two months before the start of the proposed visit.
Once your full application has been received, it will be considered at the next meeting of the CIS Committee of Management. These are held once a term. You will then be informed as to whether the Centre is able to offer you Visiting Scholar status. If you are invited to become a Visiting Scholar at the Centre, the administrative fee will be due on arrival.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that compliance with UK immigration/visa requirements are met. Please ensure that you have checked your status with the guidelines on the Home Office's website.
If you are a student and non-EEA national, please also refer to this page.
Accommodation
We regret to say that the Centre is unable to help with accommodation but there is a Cambridge Society for Visiting scholars, which can provide assistance.