As per the U.S. State Department, the minimum amount of money each VIS has to show us in their bank accounts or other funding sources is $2000.00 per month for living expenses plus the $1000.00 per month for the program fee. Scholars whose spouses or children accompany them need to show an additional $800.00 per month for their spouse and $400.00 per child per month. Additionally, the VIS needs to obtain health insurance that meets the U.S. State Department’s requirement for the VIS and family members.
Usually, we can accept a potential VIS into the program within several weeks of receiving their application. We recommend that potential scholars start the process at least four to six months before they would like to arrive on campus.
No, you don’t have to be a nurse or nursing student. However, you need to have a minimum of a master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in a field related to your desired area of study. Scholars with a bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in their field are also given consideration and eligible to apply.
Each VIS works with their mentor to develop an overall study plan and focus research area for their visit. They should have formulated these ideas before arriving to UNC. Once here, scholars participate in relevant research, seminars, and other research activities. Scholars are not allowed to engage in clinical practice or treatment of patients.
Any of the faculty members at UNC School of Nursing can potentially be your mentor. Determinations are made based on the desire of the scholar, area of study, and the faculty availability. Please suggest more than one mentor when you contact us.