The University of Wisconsin Law School welcomes the opportunity to host visiting scholars from the U.S. and from other countries. Each year we are able to host a limited number of self-funded scholars whose work is of interest to our faculty. While we do not offer scholarships or other funding support, if you are accepted as a visiting scholar, we can offer an honorary appointment that will provide visiting scholars with the opportunity to conduct research with access to extensive library resources and legal databases. Visiting scholars also have the opportunity to participate in academic events at the Law School and University.
Visiting Scholar Fees
| Scholar Category | Up to 3 months | 4-6 months | 7-12 months |
| Visiting Scholars (general) | $500 | $1500 | $3000 |
| Scholars from partner institutions* | $250 | $750 | $1500 |
| UW Law alumni | waived | waived | waived |
| Scholars sponsored by UW Law faculty |
waived | waived | waived |
| Scholars from LDCs** | waived | waived | waived |
*To learn more about partner institutions, visit the official website by clicking "Further Official Information".
**To learn more about LDCs, view the List of Least Developed Countries on the official website.
Application
If you would like to apply to our visiting scholars program, please send the Visiting Scholars application form(PDF), together with your updated CV and one-page statement describing your proposed research electronically (preferably as one pdf document) to visitingscholars@law.wisc.edu. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing your application.
International visitors
There are US Federal regulations applicable to international visitors with regard to their visa as well as English language proficiency. International visitors typically require a J1 visa (unless they can benefit from the visa waiver program) and are required to show proof of English language proficiency. The International Faculty and Staff Services of the university overseas the J1 visa requirements and is authorized by the US Department of Homeland Security to issue the DS 2019 document that is required to obtain the J1 visa.
Language proficiency
The host department is required to verify the visitor's English language proficiency typically through a recognized English language test. The minimum requirements are as follows:
TOEFL
iBT - 65 total (with the speaking portion scoring no less than 17)
paper - 525 total
IELTS
6 total with no portion scored less than 5
J1 visa and mandatory health insurance
J1 visa requires the visitor to show expenses for the visitor and any accompanying dependents for the entire duration of the program. Obtaining health insurance is mandatory. Details of the J1 scholar program are available on the official website.