The VSRC program is for an advanced degree candidate enrolled in a graduate program at another institution who comes to work with a specific faculty member on a collaboration or mutual research project on a short-term, nondegree basis. If a Princeton faculty sponsor has not been arranged, prospective applicants should first reach out to the Graduate Program Administrator of the department or program to which they intend to apply for assistance. Contacts can be found on our Fields of Study pages. Details Application Submission Dates As early as six months, but no later than three months prior to your intended start date (See chart.) Program Dates Must begin on first day of the start month, end on the last day of the end month Program Length One to twelve months (Cumulative) Application Fee None Application Requirements Statement of academic research - brief statement describing your research projectResume or curriculum vitae Home Institution Adviser Statement – confirmation of your enrolled graduate student status, nature of collaborative work and its relevance to your academic and scholarly progressRegister a sponsoring Princeton faculty memberCopy of your current passport (name page only) - international applicants onlyEvidence of sufficient financial resources to cover the monthly financial requirementsInclude a translation to English Language and U.S. currency if applicableBank statements and scholarship letters must include full nameComplete the Family Member or Relative Sponsor form if applicableVSRCs receiving funding from the China Scholarship Council will need to provide additional funding along with scholarship letter Visa Information (International applicants only) All international nondegree students must arrive in the U.S. with a valid F-1 or J-1 student visa. The Davis International Center will assist with the visa eligibility documents (I-20 for F-1 students or DS-2019 for J-1 students) after admission is offered. Applicants who require additional accessibility assistance may contact [email protected].BEgin YOUR Spring VSRC ApplIcationBEgin YOUR Summer VSRC ApplIcationThe application for Fall 2025 nondegree programs will open in February 2025. Courses, Teaching & Research A VSRC may not enroll in courses for credit while at Princeton and will not receive an official transcript. A VSRC is understood by the nature of the appointment to be working full time on research here at Princeton. A VSRC is not eligible to work remotely. A VSRC may not be appointed as an Assistant in Instruction (AI) nor be approved by the University to hold any other kind of paid employment on or off campus. Financial Support VSRC Rates & Cost of Living 2024-25 University Rates: Academic Year 2024-25 Visiting Student Research Collaborators (VSRCs) Fees University Rate Enrollment and SHP Fees (charged and paid in each month of enrollment) 805 Cost of Living: Academic Year 2024-25 Monthly Living Expenses 2024-25 Living Expenses (student alone per month) 3,113 Living Expenses (spouse per month, if applicable) 1.301 Living Expenses (first child per month, if applicable) 1,211 Living Expenses (each additional child per month, if applicable) 541 For additional information on VSRC enrollment fees and funding eligibility, we encourage you to visit the Nondegree Financial Support section to learn about VSRC fees and student benefits.
