Traveling Scholars

Traveling Scholars are active students in absentia whose research requires them to be away from Brown pursuing their studies full time. Full-time research is not compatible with full-time employment, but just as Teaching Assistants are full-time students, so some remunerative work is permitted. Traveling Scholar status is normally for one year but may be extended in certain circumstances for a second year by the Graduate School.

Full-time active status as a traveling scholar entitles the student to take out student loans and continue existing loan deferrals. There is a charge of 6.25% of half the annual tuition per semester. Traveling scholars will be covered by student health insurance, like other active students receiving aid. If your application for Traveling Scholar status is approved, you are eligible for a Health Insurance subsidy (available here). Students with alternate insurance must file a waiver card with the Office of Insurance and Risk.

After traveling scholar status has expired, the student remains an active student and will be billed for tuition or the enrollment fee unless he or she completes the degree or withdraws.

The student may use the standard form or write a letter, which the director of graduate study endorses and sends to the Graduate School for approval.

International students are advised to discuss their plans with an international student advisor at the Office of International Student & Scholar Services prior to the submission of the traveling scholar application.