CSS is proud to host graduate students and university faculty who are engaged with the unique research environment of Hawaiʻi. Applicants should be researching topics or using materials with a strong connection to Hawaiʻi or in areas of expertise at the University. This connection should be highlighted in the program application/research proposal.
CSS Visiting Scholars are invited to participate in the activities of their host departments, as well as college-wide events. They receive relevant privileges, such as internet and library access. The College does not provide compensation, and office space is not generally available. View a listing of CSS Visiting Scholars.
The Fulbright Canada Visiting Research Chair is also part of the CSS Visiting Scholars Program. Established by UH Mānoa in partnership with Fulbright Canada, the program is housed in CSS under a five-year arrangement that began in 2017. It supports regional cooperation on issues including energy and the environment, Asia-Pacific engagement, indigenous issues, information communications technology, health disparities, policy and migration. The Fulbright Canada Visiting Research Chair has a separate application process from the CSS Visiting Scholars Program. Learn more about the program and its application process.
The decision to host a Visiting Scholar is made jointly by the CSS academic department and dean. Applications are evaluated to consider the demands upon the time of the potential host faculty member and department, as well as the availability of CSS resources. Successful applications must include a description of research that is enhanced by presence in Hawai‘i.
The application must be approved by your potential faculty host, their department chair and the CSS dean. It will also be reviewed by the UH Office of Export Controls. This process usually can be completed in 45 business days. If approved, you will be notified to complete a training module that acquaints you with UHM policies and procedures that impact your stay. This module must be satisfactorily completed before the letter of invitation is issued.
If you need a J-1 visa, additional processing time is required. You will be contacted by CSS staff to provide the additional information needed. They will work in cooperation with Faculty Scholar Immigration Services (FSIS) to obtain necessary approvals, which may take an additional 60 business days. If you have not allowed sufficient time to process the visa before your start date, it may be necessary to adjust your visit schedule.
To be considered, complete a Visiting Scholars Program application.