The programme offers the opportunity to connect their research projects with UNESCO priorities in higher education.
The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) is pleased to announce its Call for Visiting Scholars for 2025. The Visiting Scholar Programme offers researchers and graduate students from around the world the opportunity to enhance their professional skills and develop their careers by learning more about various theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects of higher education, while contributing to the Institute’s research, training activities, and technical assistance from the UNESCO Office in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Nature of the program
This intensive programme involves in-depth work on a specific theme related to higher education in cooperation with one or more IESALC specialists and team leaders. The theme of research must align with the Institute’s key priorities for the current biennium. All or part of the research carried out by the visiting scholar may be published by IESALC under certain conditions.
Participant profile
The programme is open to two categories of visiting scholars:
- Researchers: Qualified individuals who hold a PhD and are conducting independent research. This may include internationally renowned professors on sabbatical, researchers from universities, international agencies or specialized institutions.
- Doctoral and Master’s Students: Graduate students currently enrolled in a doctoral or master’s programme related to higher education. Students should have a strong research focus and demonstrate how the visitorship will advance their thesis or capstone project.
All applicants should have research interests and experience aligned with higher education and the ability to contribute to IESALC’s research activities. Fluency in English, French or Spanish is required.
Programme duration and location
Visiting scholars may spend 3 to 6 months at IESALC’s premises in Montevideo, Uruguay, with flexible start dates in 2025. In exceptional cases, the stay may be extended.
Application process
Application for admission must be made via the online form available on the IESALC website by February 28, 2025. Applicants must specify their objectives, demonstrate how the stay will benefit them at this particular stage of their career, and provide information on their studies, professional background, and current employment. They should also specify the proposed duration and preferred dates of their stay.
Applicants must attach a sample of prior work and a 1-2 page summary of their proposed research project, outlining what they intend to investigate at IESALC and how it aligns with the Institute’s thematic priorities. All projects must adhere to high ethical standards.
Applications will be reviewed by the IESALC Selection Committee in the first week of March. An online interview with short-listed candidates may be required. Successful applicants will be notified by March 31.
Working conditions
Visiting scholars are expected to devote their time fully to the approved research project. They will have access to IESALC’s knowledge base, documents and datasets related to higher education. Scholars are encouraged to bring their own laptop.
The applicant or their sponsoring institution is responsible for covering travel, accommodation, insurance, and living expenses. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from their home institutions or outside sources.
The application must specify the applicant’s insurance coverage (health, risk, etc.). In case of admission, the applicant will need to provide a copy of the first page of his/her passport and a copy of his/her insurance coverage.
For any inquiries, please contact: director.iesalc@unesco.org
Source: UNESCO
