Non-Degree Visiting Student FAQs
Thank you for your interest in applying as a graduate non-degree visiting student at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program in religion or a related field, and they work temporarily on their research project with a member of the Divinity School faculty. The School invites only advanced doctoral students, those already conducting research and writing dissertations, to participate as graduate non-degree visiting students.
Student status
Graduate non-degree visiting students:
- Hold full-time student status
- Receive student access to libraries, athletic facilities, and electronic networks
- Are charged the non-degree visitor fee each quarter, along with other mandatory fees
- May not enroll in courses at the University, though they may audit
- May not hold teaching appointments at the University, though they may hold other on-campus employment
This status is available for no more than four consecutive quarters, including Summer Quarter. Non-degree visiting student status must correspond to one or more academic quarters at the University of Chicago.
Application deadlines and enrollment dates
The application deadline depends on the start term of your planned visit. Enrollment dates and deadlines through Spring Quarter 2028 appear below. For later years, consult the University academic calendar.
| Quarter | Enrollment dates | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 | September 28, 2026–December 12, 2026 | Domestic students: July 15, 2026 International students: May 18, 2026 |
| Winter 2027 | January 4, 2027–March 13, 2027 | Domestic students: November 3, 2026 International students: September 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | March 22, 2027–June 5, 2027 | Domestic students: January 5, 2027 International students: November 3, 2026 |
| Summer 2027 | June 14, 2027–September 10, 2027 | Domestic students: May 4, 2027 International students: March 2, 2027 |
| Autumn 2027 | September 27, 2027–December 11, 2027 | Domestic students: July 15, 2027 International students: May 18, 2027 |
| Winter 2028 | January 3, 2028–March 11, 2028 | Domestic students: November 3, 2027 International students: September 1, 2027 |
| Spring 2028 | March 20, 2028–June 3, 2028 | Domestic students: January 5, 2028 International students: November 3, 2027 |
Application requirements
Faculty sponsor
Graduate non-degree visiting students must have a faculty sponsor who is a member of the Divinity School faculty. Your sponsor supervises your research at the University of Chicago. If you have not done so already, review the faculty directory and contact a faculty member in your area of study to request research sponsorship. Attach the sponsorship letter to your application.
Please note
Faculty may help sponsor students financially from their own research accounts. Statements that a student will owe no tuition or fees do not supersede the figures and statements in the official admission letter.
Transcripts and academic records
Applicants must submit a transcript from their current doctoral program. Official transcripts are not required. Upload unofficial records or scanned copies of official transcripts with your application.
Research proposal
All applicants must submit a research proposal. This statement introduces you, gives your reasons for applying to the Divinity School as a graduate non-degree visiting student, and outlines the scholarly research agenda you hope to pursue during your visit. The statement should run about 1,000 words and address the following:
- Tell us about your intellectual project. What questions are you interested in pursuing in depth? How do you presently articulate your research agenda in terms of breadth and depth? What skills have you developed so far toward that agenda, and what skills and knowledge do you especially seek to develop? What sources are essential to your research?
- What do you hope to gain at the University of Chicago? Who do you imagine your intellectual interlocutors to be, both at the University and in the field at large, and why? What resources, including faculty, programs, library holdings, and research centers, do you anticipate being most valuable to your academic and professional development?
Letter of recommendation
We require a letter of recommendation from your dissertation advisor or reader that describes the trajectory of your current project and your capacity to conduct independent research at the Divinity School. Attach the recommendation letter to your application.
English language requirement
Per University policy, all applicants, regardless of citizenship, must show proof of English language proficiency. Applicants who do not meet the waiver criteria must meet a basic standard for spoken English. You can meet that standard by sending a valid, official score report for the TOEFL (internet-based test) or the IELTS (Academic Reading and Writing test) as part of your application.
To submit TOEFL scores, send your official scores to institution code 1832 through your ETS account. No department code is necessary. To submit IELTS scores, have your scores sent to the University of Chicago, Graduate Enrollment, and specify electronic submission. Applicants taking the IELTS must take the Academic Reading and Writing test, not the General Training Reading and Writing test.
Graduate non-degree visiting students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- TOEFL: 18 or better on the Speaking score, or 3.5 on the new score band
- IELTS: 6.0 or better on the Speaking score
Another way to meet this requirement
Applicants may also satisfy the English language requirement through the University of Chicago Academic English Proficiency Assessment. Applicants cover the cost of the assessment themselves. To request the test, contact divinityadmissions@uchicago.edu.
Funding and expenses
The Divinity School does not typically offer funding to graduate non-degree visiting students. Students are responsible for the expenses associated with the visit:
- Tuition, currently $1,530 per quarter, and fees, currently $503 per quarter. See the Divinity School fee schedule.
- The student premium of the University Student Health Insurance Program, or comparable coverage as detailed at that link
- Estimated cost of living, currently $7,250 per quarter
Quarterly expenses cannot be prorated, even if you are here for only part of a quarter. International students must show proof of funds for the visa process, and additional funds are required for dependents such as spouses and children.
Questions about the graduate non-degree visiting student program? Contact divinityadmissions@uchicago.edu.