Externally Funded Academic Visitors

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The Oxford School of Global Area Studies (OSGA) welcomes visitors primarily to conduct research activity that is aligned with the research agenda of the School and its academic research programmes.

The visitor programme exists to facilitate links and collaboration with other universities, governments and organisations, both in the UK and overseas, and to allow academics and practitioners the opportunity to collaborate in research with our School’s academics.  

Additionally, the School welcomes academic visitors undertaking postdoctoral research programmes funded by external sources. The financial arrangements for these fellowships are not managed by the School; instead, funds are either transferred directly to the individual fellow or administered by an external organisation, particularly when the visit forms part of a secondment.

Postdoctoral fellows applying for externally funded visiting positions must seek institutional support from the School prior to submitting their application to the external funder. All fellows must be nominated, supported, and hosted by a permanent academic member of staff at the School, who will act as their mentor throughout the visit. The nature and duration of the association with the School may vary depending on the funder's guidelines, but it must not exceed 12 months. Academic hosts should carefully consider space availability and resource implications before agreeing to host a fellow visitor, as they are responsible for the visitor for the entire duration of their stay. 

Due to the nature of externally funded schemes, applications for externally funded academic visitors (Type D) are accepted by the OSGA Research Committee on a rolling basis throughout the year. Requests will be processed within 30 days during term time; however, processing may take longer outside of term time. All visitor applications must be reviewed and approved in principle by the OSGA Research Committee before the external funding application is submitted, and be reviewed and approved by the relevant Programme Management Committee. 

Before completing an application form to become a visitor, please read the OSGA Visitors policy and procedure, and familiarise yourself with the Visitor application process document.  

Visitor fee

Standard OSGA fees: visitors will be charged £250 per month or £600 per term.  

Programmes may use their discretion in setting fees relating to Academic Visitors engaged in collaboration (Type D). Programmes may set discretionary fees if providing visitors with desk space agreed by prior arrangement.  

The School does not provide salary or other financial payments to visitors. Visitors should apply for research funding schemes through their own institutions. The visitor will also be responsible for their travel, accommodation, visa fees and all maintenance costs. 

Find out more about programme-specific Visitor information and fees.

Role of Academic Host

Each visitor must have an Academic Host, a permanent member of academic staff at the School.  The Academic Host will: 

Provide a letter or statement of support as part of the visitor’s application that will be shared with the OSGA Research Committee and Programme Committee in charge. 
Act as a mentor, offering guidance on research collaborations, events, and other academic activities. 
Facilitate introductions to relevant colleagues within OSGA and across the wider University of Oxford. 
While visitors are expected to manage their own research agendas and work independently, the Academic Host will offer advice and support where possible. However, this support may be limited during term time or due to other academic commitments.