Visiting Asian Scholars Program

The Visiting Asian Scholars Program (VASP) provides scholars from academic institutions throughout the Asia-Pacific region:

  • Opportunity to conduct research at the world-class University of Illinois
  • Flexibility for half-year or full-year residency
  • Full access to university facilities
  • Chance to participate in scholarly events and to audit courses
  • Support for DS-2019 processing and arrival
  • Orientation and year-long programming
  • On-site coordinator to assist with academic and daily needs
Library Resources
UIUC is the 2nd largest academic library; A database that include Chinese, Japanese, & Korean; Librarian specialists trained in Asian resources
Faculty Partnerships
Opportunities to work with world class faculty in all disciplines
Present
Opportunities to present research to campus, the local community, and at national conferences
Eligibility

The Visiting Asian Scholars Program is open to any self-funded scholar from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. We welcome scholars from the Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the Fine Arts and Professions with disciplinary interests corresponding to faculty members from the following colleges and departments:

Check our course explorer for more information about each academic department.

At this time, VASP applicants must be faculty at an institution of higher education and hold a terminal degree in their field. PhD candidates may be considered with strong recommendation from UIUC faculty.

All visiting scholars must work with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign faculty members with similar research interests. Faculty partners must be confirmed before applications will be reviewed. All scholars must maintain Illinois residency during their stay.

Program Costs

1. Program Fee: 
The program fee covers University academic, office, and personnel resources needed to operate the program.

  • Half-Year stay (up to 6 months): $3,000
  • Full-Year stay (up to 12 months): $3,500

2. Administrative Fee: 
The $500 administrative fee covers DS-2019 processing, international mailing, and other general administrative costs.

Total Program & Administrative fees:

  • Half-Year stay: $3,500
  • Full-Year stay: $4,000

Both program and administrative fee are non-refundable and must be paid in full through the application website upon official invitation and prior to DS-2019 processing.

3. Housing and living expenses: 
All living expenses incurred are the responsibility of the Visiting Scholar. However, the program coordinator will be available to provide assistance.

Program Dates & Deadlines

Spring semester: Applications must be submitted online by July 1st of the previous calendar year; applicants will be notified by early August.

Fall semester: Applications must be submitted online by February 1st of the same calendar year; applicants will be notified by early March.

The VASP Coordinator will contact you shortly after you submit your application to discuss the next steps.

Apply Now

You will be prompted to upload information about your proposed research plan and your CV. There is a program fee.  The application will ask for payment — you do not need to pay right away. 

Email ceaps@illinois.edu with any questions.