International Services for Students > Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholars

With respect to visiting scholars/scientists/professors, please note faculties are expected to follow Policy A12.04 (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/academic/a12-04.html).

SFU makes available a limited number of spaces for innovative scholars to spend time with Faculty as visiting scholars, in order to collaborate in educational and scholarly work and provide opportunities for local Faculty to learn more about education activities in other countries.

Visiting scholars are entitled to library and Internet privileges but are not normally eligible for financial support or use of departmental resources (office space, computer, photocopier, etc.). Academic courses can only be audited and prior approval of the course instructor is required.

Prospective visiting scholars must first secure the consent of an SFU faculty member who is willing to collaborate with them during their stay at SFU.

Visiting scholars can apply directly to a specific SFU Department or Faculty, or to the International Services for Students office. To apply to be a visiting scholar the following documentation is normally required:

  • A letter explaining why you would like to become a visiting scholar at SFU, including the dates and duration of your intended stay;
  • curriculum vitae;
  • a summary of research interests;
  • the name of one or two faculty members you wish to collaborate with during your stay at SFU.

Once your application has been approved and a faculty member has agreed to be your academic mentor, a formal letter of invitation will be issued, (which may be required in order to obtain a visa).

International Visiting Scholars (and any accompanying family members) must have adequate medical insurance to cover the entire duration of their stay in Canada. Visiting Scholars in BC for less than six months are not eligible for the basic Medical Services Plan (MSP) and may apply for short-term private coverage for the duration of their stay through guard.me@SFU. Visiting Scholars staying in BC for longer than six months are eligible to apply for MSP upon arrival in Canada. Please be aware that there is a 3 month waiting period before coverage will begin (2 full months, plus the remainder of the month of arrival). During the waiting period for MSP, Visiting Scholars are required to carry their own medical insurance or purchase private coverage through guard.me@SFU.

More information can be found on SFU's Medical Insurance website and in the Health and Wellness Section of the International Student Handbook.

International Services for Students is not able to provide housing assistance for visiting scholars. For on-campus housing options visit Housing and Residence. Information on off-Campus accommodation can be found at SFU off campus housing.

Visiting Scholars from SFU

International Professor Exchange (IPE) is a unique and simple Web-based program. This is a service of the Office of International Programs and the Information Technology Systems Division of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

IPE offers an easy way for college and university faculty and academic staff to make known their interest in an international exchange. IPE provides a Web site www.uncw.edu/ipe where individuals can list their professional areas of competence and indicate the kind of international exchange they desire: teaching and/or research, for example, short or long duration from, say, ten days to a year, preferred dates, location etc. These listings, coming from around the world, allow academic professionals to find interested counterparts in other countries, and to initiate an exchange.

International Services for Students also provides support for SFU faculty members who are interested in becoming an international visiting scholar at one our partner institutions. Contact our office for more information.