Non-Degree Visiting Students

Non-Degree Visiting Students

This protocol expands on the University’s regulations for non-degree visiting students found here.  The protocol for the Division of the Humanities is as follows: 

  • Only students at the dissertation stage or, in other terms, admitted to candidacy (or its equivalent) at their home university are eligible for non-degree visiting student status.
  • Applications should be submitted no less than 3 months prior to the start of the first quarter of attendance. Applications submitted within 3 months of a visit can be accepted, but international applicants should be aware that receiving a student visa in less than three months is difficult.
  • The following application materials should be submitted via the Division of the Humanities Online Application:
  • a 1-2 page statement of intent, describing the research project;
  • a letter of recommendation from the dissertation supervisor at student's home institution which discusses the project in detail; and
  • a CV.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, are required to demonstrate English proficiency unless they meet the criteria for a waiver as outlined at this website. Applicants who do not qualify for a waiver may demonstrate English proficiency by one of the following means:

  • A TOEFL speaking section score of 18 or better, an IELTS speaking section score of 6 or better, or a PTE speaking score of 50; or
  • obtaining a result of "Basic" or better on the Academic English Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) conducted by the Office of Language Assessment. In cases where it is required the AEPA will be arranged once an application has been submitted. For more details, please visit the AEPA website.
  • Acceptance in writing must be provided by a faculty member who will take responsibility for the non-degree visiting student during the student’s tenure at the university.
  • ​Applications must also be approved by the academic department of the supervising faculty member. Departments may request materials from the student in addition to those listed above.

Students in non-degree visiting student status are not allowed to register for courses. The status is available for up to four quarters (one year) maximum. 

Non-degree visiting students are charged tuition, a student services fee, and are either required to enroll in the University Student Health Insurance Plan or demonstrate they have comparable coverage to waive U-SHIP. Tuition and fees rates are found at the Office of the Bursar website. In order to qualify for a student visa, international visiting students need to show they have these resources as well as access to sufficient funds to cover living expenses. You will find more information at the Cost of Attendance website. Once admitted, the full amount required will be confirmed at the beginning of the visa process.

Visits should correspond to an academic quarter or quarters insofar as possible, and tuition and fees cannot be prorated for shorter visits. International visiting students should be aware that student visa authorization must correspond to the start and end dates of academic quarters. Dates of upcoming academic quarters may be found at the Academic Calendar website.

 

Contact Us

Office of the Dean of Students
humdos@uchicago.edu
773.702.1552