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Visiting Scholar Program
St. Mary’s School of Law welcomes foreign and domestic visitors to conduct independent research at our campus in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. We invite qualified candidates to apply to this program to conduct legal research in a friendly and vibrant academic environment. Our program is open to judges, lawyers, professors, and Ph.D. students (Visiting Scholars).
Why Become a Visiting Scholar?
The benefits of the Scholar-in-Residence Program include:
- The St. Mary’s ID card that will grant access to St. Mary’s facilities, the Law Library, and the Blume Library.
- Library privileges at both the School of Law and the University, with access to the collections, public computers, wireless internet, LexisNexis and Westlaw databases, among others.
- A carrel in the Law Library for research and storage of personal items.
- Free admission to lectures that are open to the public and other School of Law events.
- Opportunity to visit law school courses, upon availability and approval.
- Renewal for an additional term, subject to approval.
How to Apply
Key dates and deadlines
| Program starts | Application opens | Application closes |
| January 15 | September 1 | November 1 |
| August 15 | January 1 | April 1 |
There are a limited number of opportunities available each semester for Visiting Scholars. Applicants should apply as early as possible.
Length of the program and fees
| Length of the program | Fees* |
| 6 months | $2,000 |
| 12 months | $4,000 |
*Fees are due prior to or upon arrival. Fees are payable in U.S. dollars only.
Application
Please download the application below.
Upload the following using the link below:
- Completed application
- Resume
- Research proposal (1-2 pages)
- TOEFL, IELTS, or DUOLINGO score, if available. A remote interview may be conducted if a score is not submitted.
- Photo for identification purposes
- Two letters of recommendation from professional references
Program Details
If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an admission letter with instructions. If you are an international scholar, you will receive additional information for the U.S. visa process. International visiting scholars come to St. Mary’s on a J-1 visa, which requires applicants to provide proof of health insurance for themselves and any accompanying family members, in addition to proof of sufficient funds for travel and living expenses. For more information, please visit the website of the Office of International Students and Scholar Services. Prior to your arrival in San Antonio, you will be contacted regarding a required orientation at the School of Law.
The orientation will consist of a campus tour, a brief meeting with one of the law librarians and a meeting with Jennifer Stevenson, Assistant Dean of International Programs and Service Professor of Law. She will be your faculty mentor.
If necessary, you will also visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
Important requirements
The date stated in your admission letter is your official start. It is not possible to extend either the start or the end date to accommodate any personal or other requirements. Please plan your arrival to coincide with your official start date.
A requirement of admission is that the Visiting Scholar reside in the San Antonio or the immediate area. During your stay, you must live within a 25-mile radius of St. Mary’s University. Exceptions are not permitted.