Academic Visitors to the University of Toronto Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law welcomes Visiting Scholars, Researchers and Students (primarily Doctoral) who are interested in conducting research and working with members of the faculty for a limited period of time.  Each year, the number of visitors and inquiries from prospective visitors has grown.  Office space is very limited and while the Faculty of Law is generally not in a position to provide office space or other benefits, we make every effort to provide on-line and library access and opportunities for collaboration with faculty.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may submit their application to visit the Faculty if the following criteria are met:

• The visit is temporary and for periods ranging from one week to twelve months.
• The applicant is not paid by funds administered by the University of Toronto but has obtained his or her own funding for all travel and accommodation expenses.
• The visit does not involve auditing courses, unless an agreement exists between the University of Toronto and the visitor's home institution.
• The applicant will be engaged in full-time research.
• The applicant should demonstrate oral and written English proficiency or will be supervised by a faculty member who is proficient in the candidate's primary language. 
• The applicant is encouraged to contact faculty who might be interested in the visitor's project and ask whether they would serve as their contact person.
• The applicant is recommended by a faculty member.

Application Process

Applications can be submitted any time but will be considered four times a year:  March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1.  Under extenuating circumstances, an applicant may submit a request to have an application evaluated outside of these time frames, especially if the applicant hoped to arrive soon and planned a brief (under two months) visit.

Applications should be e-mailed to associatedean.law@utoronto.ca.  All candidates will be notified after the evaluation process.  Successful applicants will receive an official letter of invitation from the Associate Dean. 

An application consists of:

• a current curriculum vitae;
• 250 - 500 words describing the research the student proposes to do during his or her visit;
• a letter of reference from supervisor (students only);
• a covering letter, specifying:
  1. the visitor's institutional affiliation and status;
  2. the beginning and ending dates of the planned visit; 
  3. what level and kind of funding the applicant has to support the visit; and
  4. at least one University of Toronto faculty member who has been contacted or who works most closely in the same research area as the applicant.

The Letter of Invitation

The invitation letter can be used as necessary at the visitor's home institution or for any visa requirements.  The Associate Dean's Office will provide the visitor with:

• Information on how to obtain a temporary library card (T-Card) for the duration of the visit, providing full library privileges.Wireless access at the Bora Laskin Law Library or through Eduroam Wireless Services.
• An invitation to attend special lectures and workshop series that are listed on our website. 

FAQs