Visiting Research Fellows

The Hebrew University’s cutting-edge research environment, extensive network of libraries and online databases, and accomplished faculty from around the world make it an ideal place to conduct research in a range of scholarly disciplines. The Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) program is designed to provide a framework for advanced graduate and doctoral students to collaborate on research with Hebrew University faculty members. Visiting Research Fellows are entitled to a student status at the Hebrew University and a host of student discounts and privileges throughout Israel. These include the use of Hebrew University libraries, archives, and online databases; participation in research projects at HebrewU labs; on-campus housing and health insurance coverage; visa assistance; student rates on public transportation; and the opportunity to build an international network of peers and mentors. Visiting Research Fellows may not enroll in courses at the Hebrew University with the exception of Modern Hebrew or Modern Standard Arabic courses, which require an additional fee.

Students are invited by faculty members from a wide range of academic fields, including the humanities, social sciences, business, law, medicine, agriculture, mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences. All Visiting Research Fellows must be supervised by a Hebrew University faculty member.

HebrewU’s RIS offers a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, cultural and social events, lectures, and more. We support you throughout your stay with us so that Jerusalem becomes your home away from home.

Program length:

Between three months and one academic year (within the Israeli academic year which runs from October to September). Students who wish to stay beyond an academic year must receive a letter of support from their HebrewU faculty supervisor and contact the Division of Graduate Studies about extending their enrollment in the program.

Apply by:

At least three months before students’ intended date of arrival. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students who submit their application forms and all of the supplementary application documents (see Eligibility, below) can expect to receive an admission decision within about two weeks.

Arrive by:

Accepted students will receive information about pre-arrival procedures and arrival dates via email. Students should arrive to the Hebrew University several days before they plan to begin their research.

Upon arrival, students should first go to the RIS Finance Office to check into the program and receive their student cards. Students who reserved university housing will receive their dormitory referrals at this time. Students should then proceed to the RIS Graduate Office to finalize their enrollment in the program.

Students may not begin their research at the Hebrew University until they are covered by accident insurance. The insurance coverage begins 2-3 days after students have completed the check-in procedures at both the Finance and Graduate offices.

Visiting Research Fellows do not pay tuition, but they do pay for on-campus housing (optional) and health insurance (mandatory).

VRFs may not take courses, with the exception of Modern Hebrew and Modern Standard Arabic. Modern Hebrew and Modern Standard Arabic courses require payment of an extra fee. Students who wish to enroll in other courses should register as Visiting Research Students.

For more financial information, please see our Tuition & Fees page.

To be eligible for the Visiting Research Fellow program, you must meet both of the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a university degree program
• Be invited by a Hebrew University faculty member.
  
  

Applicants to the Visiting Research Fellow Program must submit the following documents:

• Application form (click on Apply Now, below, to access the form)
• Invitation letter from the dean of the Hebrew University faculty of which your research supervisor is a part
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Transcript and diploma from your most recently completed academic degree
• Photocopy of passport ID page
• Medical form (may be downloaded from the application webpage)
• Disclaimer form (for US citizens; may be downloaded from the application webpage)