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Division of Special Registration
Visiting Assistant in Research

Students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at another university and who wish to pursue full time dissertation-level research may be admitted to the Division of Special Registration as a "Visiting Assistant in Research" (VAR).

Requirements/General info:

  • You must be currently enrolled in a graduate program (Masters or Ph.D.) at another institution and have already completed a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
  • You may not enroll in coursework while at Yale.
  • The VAR program is a full-time program.
  • The cost for 2007-08 is estimated at $1,912 a term (prorated for partial terms) and $956 for the summer.
  • The date for the beginning and ending of your study at Yale is flexible and should be discussed with your Yale advisor prior to submitting your application. You may apply to enroll for up to one year. You may petition to extend your initial enrollment for up to one additional year after first year is complete. VAR appointments have a maximum cumulative time limit of 2 years.
  • VARs are not eligible for financial aid from the Yale Graduate School and must demonstrate sufficient financial support at the time of application.
  • International applicants are encouraged to submit their application at least 2-3 months prior to their anticipated start date.

A complete application contains the following::

  • The Division of Special Registration Visiting Assistants in Research (VAR) application.
  • A personal statement of 500 – 1000 words describing your past work, your preparation for the proposed research, and your proposal research at Yale. The personal statement must also include the length of your study at Yale (start and end dates) and information on how you will be supported financially (tuition, cost of living, and health insurance) while at Yale. This may be from personal sources, family, external grants, a Yale faculty member, etc.
  • Proof of sufficient funding to cover your expenses while at Yale.
  • Proof of health insurance. Health insurance can be purchased through Yale University Health Services. http://www.yale.edu/uhs
  • The Graduate School application fee of US$85.00 (Check or Money Order only).
  • A letter of support from the faculty member/advisor at Yale with whom you will be working. This letter should contain the start and end dates of your research. If the faculty advisor will provide financial assistance (for stipend, tuition, health coverage,etc.), this assistance should be described in detail.
  • One letter of recommendation from your home institution indicating that you are in good academic standing.
  • Proof that you will be enrolled as a full-time, degree seeking, student at your home institution during your time at Yale.
  • Official transcripts from each college or university you have attended.
  • GRE scores are NOT required

Additional information for international applicants and non-U.S. citizens:

  • TOEFL scores may be required by some departments/programs. Check directly with the department/program to which you are applying.
  • OISS will issue a visa to non-U.S. citizens who are accepted and can demonstrate sources of funding of an estimated $1,960/month for cost of living expenses and who demonstrate sufficient insurance coverage. See http://www.oiss.yale.edu/visa/insurance.htm for more information.

Please submit your complete application, including all supplemental materials and the application fee directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at the address listed on the application. All admission decisions are communicated in written form by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, not by individual departments or programs. Only letters sent directly from the Graduate School may be considered official notifications of admission.

Download the Visiting Assistant in Research Application for Admission