The University of Wisconsin Law School welcomes the opportunity to host visiting scholars from around the world. We accept a limited number of scholars whose work is of interest to our faculty. Accepted visiting scholars receive an honorary appointment, which provides access to extensive library resources and legal databases at UW. Visiting scholars also have many opportunities to participate in academic events at the Law School and elsewhere on campus.

Visiting Scholars Program Session Start Dates

Spring 2025: January 15, 2025

Summer 2025: June 1, 2025

Fall 2025: September 1, 2025

Application Materials

Application materials to be submitted online:

• Application form (links below)
• CV
• Research proposal
• Additionally, if you are a current Master's degree or PhD student, your home faculty advisor should email a letter of recommendation as a PDF attachment to visitingscholars@law.wisc.edu

Application 

View more information about each research center at UW Law School before applying.

Complete and submit the application at the link below, for the session you are interested in starting the program:

• Spring 2025 - application deadline October 1, 2024 [CLOSED]
• Summer 2025 - application deadline February 1, 2025
• Fall 2025 - application deadline May 1, 2025

Fees

$2,500 per semester ($1,500 per semester for those currently enrolled in a degree program at another higher education institution)

In a case of extreme hardship, reduction or waiver of this fee may be possible.

J-1 Visa Information for International Visitors

U.S. federal regulations apply to international visitors at UW-Madison, with regard to their visa and English language proficiency. International visitors typically require a J-1 visa, proof of English language proficiency, and documentation of funding during entire length of stay. UW-Madison's International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) office oversees the J-1 visa requirements and is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue the DS-2019 document required to obtain the J-1 visa. Please note that federal regulations may change suddenly and/or frequently. Additionally, it is the visitor's responsibility to provide all necessary documentation in a timely manner. 

DS-2019 english Proficiency Requirement

The UW Law School is required to verify the English language proficiency of visiting scholars in at least one of the following ways:

• Copy of diploma/degree from a U.S. or foreign institution where the instruction occurred in English.
• A signed letter from an internationally recognized academic institution or English curriculum school that states the prospective visitor’s level of English proficiency. This letter cannot be from the UW-Madison hosting department. The letter must be dated within the last two years, state the visitor’s affiliation with the school, and affirm the visitor achieved at least intermediate skills.
• Copy of official scores or transcript containing a photo and birthdate from one of the following English language tests taken within the last year and meeting the stated minimum scores below. No other testing scores or certificates from other centers or English language schools will be accepted. If the TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or Duolingo score does not meet IFSS standards, the scholar must retake one of these tests and receive a passing score before their application will be considered. An interview will not be accepted in lieu of TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or Duolingo.
  • TOEFL (iBT): 65 total, with the speaking portion scoring no less than 17
  • IELTS: 6 total, with no portion scored less than 5
  • Cambridge Assessment: 169 total (either on the B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency tests only)
  • Duolingo English Test: 95 total

documentation of Funding and Mandatory Health Insurance

The U.S. Department of State requires J-1 scholar visitors and any accompanying dependents have adequate financial support for the duration of their J-1 program. 

Visitors on a J-1 visa and any dependents on a J-2 visa are required to obtain health insurance while in the United States. Enrollment into the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for International Scholars is required.

Information about Dependents and J-2 Visa

Dependents who may qualify for a J-2 visa are the spouse of the J-1 primary and any unmarried children, under the age of 21.

Contact Us

Email: visitingscholars@law.wisc.edu