Academic Visitors - Global and Area Studies

Three students standing outside under a large tree. They are wearing light winter coats and carrying backpacks.

This is a guide for academics who are thinking of applying to become an Academic Visitor at GAS (Global and Area Studies). 

As an Academic Visitor of GAS, you will be entitled to: 

  • an Oxford University email address for the visiting period 
  • limited access to the University computing facilities 
  • use of the Bodleian Libraries
  • attend OSGA seminars and workshops 

You can view our current Academic Visitors' profiles. 

Visa

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that compliance with UK immigration and visa requirements are met.  Please ensure that you have checked your status with the guidelines on the Home Office UK Border Agency’s website.

Oxford University's Newcomers' Club

The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation, run by volunteers, whose aim is to help the newly arrived wives, husbands or partners of visiting scholars, of graduate students and of newly appointed academic and administrative members of the University to settle in and to give them the opportunity to meet people in Oxford.

How to apply to become an Academic Visitor of the GAS

Before completing an application form to become a visitor, please read the OSGA Visitors policy & procedure and familiarise yourself with the Visitor application process document. In particular, it is recommended that prospective applicants consider who at OSGA might be able to offer appropriate support as an Academic Host and contact them for advice before applying to the Academic Visitor Programme. 

Please ensure that you submit a complete application with all the required information. 

Once you have submitted your application, your identified Academic Host and the OSGA Administrator will be asked to review before it is submitted to the OSGA Management Committee for approval. 

Visitors should note that applications will need to be submitted by the following deadlines for the academic year 2024-25 to enable all Programme Management Committees to approve applications: 

  • Monday 14 April 2025 (Trinity Term Programme Management Committees) 

However, visitors requiring a visa and/or ATAS clearance should note that their visit start date may be impacted and/or delayed by the visa/ATAS process.

Please send: 

  • a letter of application giving the dates you wish to come of Oxford 
  • a detailed curriculum vitae 
  • a research proposal  

The above information should be addressed to the Director of the Programme, Dr Chigusa Yamaura, c/o gas@area.ox.ac.uk 

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 A). 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.

 The University has three terms, called Michaelmas (October-December), Hilary (January-March) and Trinity (April-June).  Each term lasts eight weeks.