Scholars
Travel to WSU as a visiting scholar
International faculty, researchers, staff, and visitors are a vital part of our university community. In fact, we're so well-known for our diverse perspectives and cultural insights advancing academic scholarship and research that we've been selected by the Institute of International Education to host the Fulbright Gateway Orientation for the past three years! During this program, we host international scholars who are coming to the U.S. for placements around the country and prepare them for academic, professional, and personal success during their Fulbright experience. For 2020, WSU was chosen as the sole provider of Gateway Orientation, and we virtually hosted over 1,000 incoming Fulbrighters from all over the world throughout the year! These are just some examples of the quality environment we offer our international scholars.
Our scholars come from nearly 40 countries, with the largest number hailing from Canada, China and India. We also have scholars from a variety of other countries, including Togo, Nepal, Ethiopia and Albania, so chances are if you are studying at Wayne State, someone else from your home country is, too! The largest number of scholars are studying in health-related disciplines, followed by engineering, physical sciences, biological/biomedical sciences and computer/information sciences.
Become a scholar
As a visiting scholar or temporary foreign worker, you (and your dependants) can come to OISS for support. Our office works with academic departments and other units on campus who wish to host scholars for collaboration, employment or professional development.
Once you have identified WSU as an institution where you would like to study or conduct research, please:
- Contact the dean/department chair that will host you to ensure they are aware of your request.
- Confirm the details of your visit including dates, funding and activities during your initial communications with your host department.
- Obtain written approval of your plan from the hosting department.
If a department agrees to invite or hire you as an international scholar, they will work directly with OISS to determine the logistics of your visit and the best process to bring you to campus.
Why WSU?
Wayne State University is ranked 69th in the nation among public research institutions for research expenditures totaling more than $227 million. We are only one of two universities in the country to hold the National Institutes of Health's highly competitive BEST (Broadening Experience in Scientific Training) and BUILD (Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity) grants, both of which help develop programs geared toward preparing students for their future careers.
WSU is home to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute one of 41 nationwide NCI-designated comprehensive cancer institutes, and has core research facilities available to our scientists in analytical chemistry, biocomputing, biostatistics, cell culture, clinical genetics, engineering technology, flow cytometry, genomics, imaging, metabolomics, proteomics, toxicology and more.
Contact Us
Our Office of International Students and Scholars is here to help you. We can offer assistance with your sponsorship as well as programs and activities to help you adjust to life in Detroit. You can contact us at oissscholars@wayne.edu with your questions, and our experienced staff will get you the answers you need or make an appointment to advise you.