Visiting Fellowships at the RSC are open to PhD (DPhil) students, post-doctoral scholars and professional academics researching aspects of forced migration. The main purpose of the Visiting Fellowships programme is to enhance the academic work (research and teaching) of the RSC by mutual exchange and learning.

An RSC Visiting Fellow has no official affiliation to the University of Oxford and the association is designed for a period of independent, self-directed research work. It is not a training course, nor is it applicable for people wishing to apply for a student visa to study on a course.

Admission to the Visiting Fellowships programme is competitive and places available each term are limited. Each Fellow is assigned an academic contact and is expected to undertake a specific programme of self-directed study or research. Fellows are able to attend the RSC’s weekly public seminar series in forced migration and the core seminar series of the MSc in Forced Migration. The opportunity is provided for Fellows to present their work, if they so wish, in the RSC Work in Progress Seminar Series.

Visiting Fellows have access to the University’s academic facilities, including libraries, seminars, language laboratories and computer training courses. The RSC’s Library holds the world’s largest collection of unpublished literature in refugee and forced migration studies. Separate rooms are not usually available but there is dedicated space with computers for Visiting Fellows. Fellows may also enjoy the Departmental social facilities at Mansfield Road.

There are two categories of Visiting Fellow:

RESEARCH FELLOWS

Research Fellows include all applicants apart from PhD students, who fall under the category of Study Fellows (see below). Research fellowships are normally held for one term of the Oxford academic year, with the possibility of extension for up to two more terms.

STUDY FELLOWS (PHD/DPHIL STUDENTS)

For doctoral students, the maximum period of affiliation is usually one term.

FEES

For Visiting Fellows who are self-funded the fee is £1,200 per term; for those funded by foundations, trusts, non-governmental organisations, government or inter-governmental organisations, the fee is £1,500 per term. 

BURSARIES

The RSC does not have a bursary scheme for scholarships or grants but, once an application has been approved for affiliation, it can provide information and advice about potential sources of funding and write letters in support of funding applications. In the past, Fellows have received financial help from the British Council, the Commonwealth Foundation, the European Commission, the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Fulbright Commission, the United Nations University and many non-governmental organisations.

ACCOMMODATION AND EXPENSES

It is recommended that Fellows have at least £900 per month in addition to cover food, accommodation and other incidental living expenses. 

Fellows are expected to find their own accommodation. Rooms in shared houses in Oxford cost about £400 per month, plus lighting and heating. Rental accommodation in Oxford is in very high demand and Fellows are strongly advised to make the necessary arrangements as early as possible. Although the RSC cannot provide or arrange accommodation, it is happy to offer information and advice.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Because English is the working language of the Department for both academic and practical purposes, applicants are normally expected to have fluency in English of at least the standard required by Oxford for foreign graduate students. 

Please see the University’s webpages for further details.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Visiting Research / Study Fellowships are subject to UK Border Agency regulations. Visitors from outside the EEA must ensure that they hold an appropriate visa to carry out research in the University prior to arrival in the UK.

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