Visiting Scholars

Visiting Scholar Program Purpose

The Melbourne Law School Visiting Scholar Program hosts academics from around Australia and overseas to undertake research and to participate in and enrich the research intensive and vibrant communal life of the Law School.

Wherever possible, visiting scholars are provided with a workspace, computer and library access. They are encouraged to participate in the academic life of the Law School including seminars, public lectures and the MLS Collegial Conversation series. Visiting scholars are not able to attend Law School classes unless they are formally enrolled.

Melbourne Law School is generally unable to facilitate visits by PhD students from other institutions. However, some places may be available for students studying at our ATLAS partner universities and other universities with which Melbourne has a formal PhD candidate exchange arrangement.

Visa information

International visitors will require a visa. It is the visiting scholar's responsibility to obtain an appropriate visa that allows them to undertake all the activities they plan to do while in Australia. Depending on the type of visa, processing times can take up to several months so it is important to lodge your Visiting Scholar Program application early.

For information about which visa you should apply for please refer to the Australian Government's Department of Immigration and Citizenship website or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission office for advice.

The University of Melbourne is an approved sponsor for the research stream of the Training and Research Visa (subclass 402). This visa is only suitable for visiting scholars who:

  • are employed or previously have been employed as an academic staff member at a tertiary or research institution outside of Australia and currently hold or have held a senior academic title; and
  • have a significant record of achievement in their field; and
  • have been invited to participate in or observe an Australian research project in collaboration with other academic staff at the Law School; and
  • are not undertaking any paid work during their stay

Application process

To apply for the Visiting Scholar Program, the following four documents need to be emailed to law-visitorsprogram@unimelb.edu.au at least three months prior to your intended visit. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. A completed Visiting Scholar Application Form.

2. A brief curriculum vitae that includes details of your academic employment, qualifications and publications.

3. A one or two page proposal that outlines the research project, planned collaboration with Melbourne Law School staff and any other activities you intend to complete during the visit.

4. A letter or email from a Melbourne Law School Academic staff member or Research Centre indicating agreement to host your visit.

Applications are considered in advance of the proposed visit and all applicants will be notified as soon as possible after a decision is reached. Any further information that is required to implement the decision will be sought at this point.

The Visiting Scholar Program receives many applications from prospective visitors and unfortunately not all can be supported. Generally visits of up to three months are more likely to be accommodated, although in exceptional cases longer visits may be approved, particularly for visitors who will be working on joint projects with Melbourne Law School staff.

Further information

For further information about the Visiting Scholar Program, please email law-visitorsprogram@unimelb.edu.au