Invitation Process
Faculty inviting a Non-Degree Visiting Student (NDVS) should notify the PSD Dean of Students Office who will follow up with the faculty member to gather information required to initiate the application process with the student.
Faculty are encouraged to discuss arrival and departure dates with the invited student in advance of contacting the Dean of Students Office. Recommended start and end dates to minimize costs and align with the University’s academic calendar are available online.
Slate Application Process
Once the faculty member has notified the Dean of Students Office, the invited student will receive an email with instructions on completing the brief online application for NDVS and a link to the application.
Invited students, particularly international students coming from outside the US, should complete the application as soon as possible. Required application materials (in addition to filling out the application form) are below:
Graduate Non-Degree Visiting Student Application Requirements
- Proof of enrollment in your graduate program at your home institution.* This document needs to be in English or be accompanied by an English translation. This document should show that you are a current student at your home institution (e.g. unofficial transcript, enrollment verification certificate). You only need to provide proof of enrollment at your current institution.
- Satisfaction of the English language requirement. This page outlines the ways NDVS can satisfy the University’s English language requirement for all students.
Undergraduate Non-Degree Visiting Student Application Requirements
- Proof of enrollment in your undergraduate program at your home institution.* This document needs to be in English or be accompanied by an English translation. This document should show that you are a current student at your home institution (e.g. unofficial transcript, enrollment verification certificate). You only need to provide proof of enrollment at your current institution.
- Satisfaction of the English language requirement. This page outlines the ways NDVS can satisfy the University’s English language requirement for all students.
- Brief statement of research goals. This should be 1-2 paragraphs and provide a brief explanation of the research areas you’ll explore while in NDVS status at UChicago. You can upload a PDF copy of this statement.
- Letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your home institution. This letter should indicate that they recommend this opportunity for you. The application provides a prompt for requesting a letter of recommendation. Alternatively, your recommender can email it directly to the Dean of Students Office (aninovaparris@uchicago.edu).
* Your graduation date from your home institution should be later than the end of your NDVS visit since this status requires that you are a student at another institution.
Visa Application Process (International Students Only)
International NDVS who are coming to UChicago from outside the US will request a DS-2019 document from the Office of International Affairs. This document is required to request a J-1 visa.
You must have a UChicago ID number and claim your CNET ID to proceed with this step. Your UChicago ID number will be sent to you after you complete the application process.
International NDVS should carefully review this page in its entirety, as it contains important information about the J-1 student visa status.
You will receive instructions to complete the DS-2019 request.
As part of this process, an applicant must provide financial documentation that shows sufficient funds to meet the costs associated with the NDVS status. If your faculty host is covering any of the costs, you will only need to show financial documentation for costs that they are not covering.
Arriving in Chicago
Important note: international NDVS with a J-1 visa sponsored by UChicago must complete the international student online check-in within 5 days of landing in the US.
Prior to your start date at UChicago:
- Familiarize yourself with your UChicago email account and regularly check this email account, as all official correspondence will be sent there.
- Research housing options in Chicago. NDVS are responsible for finding their own housing in Chicago.
- Reviewing bill due dates and options for submitting payment.
- When the insurance portal opens, make your selection to either enroll in the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP) or waive with proof of comparable coverage by the deadline on the insurance website.
- Discuss your arrival with the faculty member who invited you to ensure you know where to go on campus when you arrive.