Visiting Scholars are established in their field and possess a Ph.D. or its equivalent. Visiting Scholars are expected to provide their own funding to support their stay. They are not enrolled in a degree program elsewhere. Generally, visitors stay for a maximum of one year.
International Visitors
MIT requires J-1 program start dates to be standardized across the institute. Your start date must be either the 1st or 16th day of the month and your end date either the 15th or 30th/31st of the month.
International visitors must meet current funding levels to demonstrate their ability to cover their personal living expenses including insurance. These are subject to change at any time.
- Single: $35,000
- Plus one dependent: $40,000
- Plus two dependents: $45,000
- Plus three dependents: $50,000
No more than 10% of the total funding can be from personal savings for the primary visitor (i.e. $3500 towards the $35,000 minimum). Additional personal savings may be used to support family members.
Health Insurance
MIT has health insurance requirements for visitors and affiliates and the U.S. Department of State also has requirements for J-1 exchange visitors. Please visit the International Scholars Office for current health insurance requirements for J1 scholars.
Application
A formal application should only be sent after the prospective visitor has made contact with (and been encouraged by) a specific member of our faculty who is interested in their research.
Applications include the following:
- Statement of Purpose indicating the research goals of your stay, the beginning and ending dates of your visit, and the faculty member you would like to consult with during your stay
- CV
- Writing sample (one or two recent papers)
- Two letters of recommendation
Submit your application electronically or in hard copy to:
Michael Kenstowicz
MIT Linguistics and Philosophy
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Bldg. 32-D808
Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
kenstow@mit.edu
Applicants will be informed of their status shortly after the application deadlines.
Deadlines
Generally, visitors stay for a maximum of one year.
Visitor applications are due on March 15 for the following Fall semester and September 1 for the following Spring semester.