Visiting Research Scholar Program

Welcome to Temple Law’s Visiting Research Scholar Program

Temple Law invites international legal scholars conducting research projects to join our academic community. Scholars are paired with faculty mentors sharing similar interests, audit law courses, enjoy full library access, and participate in workshops, lecture series, and colloquia. Beyond the law school, scholars can engage with Temple University’s diverse intellectual and cultural activities in Philadelphia.

Program Overview

Temple Law selects visiting research scholars from around the world based on the significance and timeliness of their research.

• The program is open to full-time law school faculty and Doctor of Laws students currently enrolled in a postsecondary academic institution.
• Priority is given to applicants who are faculty members or doctoral candidates at Temple Law’s global partners.
• Per U.S. Department of State regulations, appointments must conclude before the scholar graduates from their Ph.D. program.
• The program is full-time, with appointments ranging from 4 to 12 months.
• Scholars pay no tuition, are unpaid, and must arrange their own travel and housing.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be full-time law faculty or Doctor of Laws students currently enrolled in a degree program at a postsecondary academic institution.
• Practicing attorneys, government officials, and individuals who are not affiliated with an academic institution are not eligible.
• Applicants who have already completed their doctoral degree are also ineligible.
• Applicants must demonstrate significant and timely research interests aligned with Temple Law faculty expertise.

Program Expectations

• Scholars are expected to spend 40 hours per week conducting research on campus (required for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa compliance).
• Scholars audit at least one law school class related to their research area.
• A mid-term research progress presentation is required, typically to the International Law Society, law faculty, or another designated audience.
• A final presentation of research findings is mandatory at the end of the appointment; this presentation also may count toward continuing legal education credits for lawyers.

Library Privileges

Temple Law provides a carrel for scholars in the law library. Researchers are given full access to library resources, including research databases such as Westlaw and Lexis, and the librarians are always willing to assist with your research agenda. A Temple ID is issued during the time in residence, which allows access to the law buildings and law library.

Learn More

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide the following:

• All law school transcripts and diplomas.
• All non-law university-level transcripts and diplomas.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume including publication record and any significant awards.
• A research proposal outline (no more than 1,000 words) clearly describing the project’s objectives, methodology, and relevance to your field.
• Evidence of English language proficiency (see below).
• Proof of sufficient funding (see Financial Requirements section).

English Language Proficiency

To comply with U.S. Department of State requirements [22 CFR 62.11(a)(2)], applicants must show:

• A minimum TOEFL score of 88, or
• A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no section below 6.0, or
• Transcript confirming a degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction. (Certification may be required if not explicitly stated.)

Note: Test scores or degrees must be completed within the last two years. Official score reports must be sent directly to Temple Law.

J-1 Process

For detailed and up-to-date information on the J-1 visa process, please visit Temple University’s International Student and Scholar Services website.

Financial Requirements

To receive a J-1 visa, applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the program period:

• Minimum of US$24,000 per year (liquid assets only).
• Additional funds required for dependents: US$4,000 per spouse per year and US$2,500 per child per year.
• All financial documents must be translated into English if originally in another language.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester Admission: March 15
Spring Semester Admission: September 1
(Extensions may be available upon request.)

Publication Opportunity

Visiting Scholars are encouraged to submit their final research outputs for publication on TUScholarShare, Temple University’s open-access institutional repository. This platform provides global visibility and promotes academic dissemination of your work.

The LL.M. Program for Foreign-Trained Lawyers

As an alternative to the Visiting Research Scholar Program, some applicants may wish to consider our Master of Laws (LL.M.) program for Foreign-Trained Lawyers. This degree offers a rigorous, flexible curriculum designed to support a wide range of research and professional goals. Many students complete the LL.M. in one academic year. The LL.M. is often regarded as a more structured and prestigious academic credential.

Learn More

Contact & Additional Information

For questions, please email the Office of Graduate and International Programs at intllaw@temple.edu.

For more information on paid research fellowships and other opportunities, visit the Temple University Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Open Positions website.