Visiting Scholars Program

The Visiting Scholars Program at Illinois provides an opportunity for qualified individuals to conduct independent research in a law school setting. Visits can be for any duration, although a minimum of four months is recommended. Ideal candidates are judges, faculty, advanced students, and practitioners. The College of Law’s areas of strength include commercial law, constitutional law, corporate law, courts and government processes, criminal law, family law, intellectual property, international law, labor law, and tax law.

Benefits

  • Each scholar is provided a faculty host, and an opportunity to audit law courses.
  • Access to library and research tools (including unlimited LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg databases).
  • Access to the College of Law’s facilities, and a semi-private work space with a desk and access to printer capabilities within the building.
  • English language classes are available on campus. 

Costs

Scholars must be self-funded to support their cost of living and the program fee. The fee is approximately $5,000 per semester or $10,000 per calendar year. Applications are accepted year-round. 

Application Requirements 

  • Description of research 
  • Curriculum vitae 
  • Meet minimum English proficiency IELTS (minimum 6.5), TOEFL (minimum 79), or Duolingo (minimum 115)
    • Test must be taken within the last 2 years
  • Proposed dates of visit 
  • Copy of passport

Contact

For questions about the Visiting Scholars Program and/or to apply, please contact:

Athena M. Newcomb
Office of Graduate and International Legal Programs
University of Illinois College of Law
244 Law Building
504 East Pennsylvania Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820