Visiting Students and Researchers
About Visiting Academic Appointments at Tel Aviv University
AT A GLANCE
Visiting academic appointments at Tel Aviv University (TAU) are formal, time-limited positions for invited scholars, researchers, and distinguished professionals who take part in academic activities at the University.
Duration: Up to 12 months (exceptionally up to 24 months; total continuous service capped at 3 years).
Activities: Research, collaboration, lectures, and broader academic engagement within the host unit.
Travel: Not included as a standard entitlement (may vary by funding source).
Accommodation: Not specified in standard terms (arranged individually or via host/funding).
Per Diem: Not included as a standard entitlement.
Host / Coordination: Initiated and coordinated by Rector, Deans, or academic units.
Procedure: A faculty member who wishes to appoint a guest professor without pay is to contact the Dean of his/her faculty to initiate the process and submit the documents specified in the directive below. After approving the nomination, the Dean will send a request to the Rector. After the Rector's approval, an appointment letter will be issued.
The full text of the TAU directive on academic appointments.
IN MORE DETAIL
Eligible Candidates
A candidate may be appointed as a visiting academic if they:
- Hold an academic appointment at another Israeli or foreign higher‑education or research institution; or
- Lack a formal academic title but have equivalent academic qualifications or professional reputation.
Appointments of high‑ranking professionals (such as leaders in business, architecture, the arts, law, engineering, or medicine) are allowed even without an academic degree.
How Appointments Are Initiated
Appointments may be initiated by:
- The Rector
- The Deans
- Heads of units (faculty/department/school) or faculty members, through the Dean
Appointment Procedure
A written proposal must include:
- Funding source (if relevant)
- Candidate’s academic rank and status elsewhere
- Biography and publications list
Duration and Renewal
- Standard appointment: Up to 12 months.
In special cases, the Rector may approve an an appointment for up to 24 months. - Total continuous service cannot exceed three years.
- Reappointment is only possible after a two‑year break, with some exceptions.
Renewal requires recommendation by the Unit Appointment Committee and Rector approval.
Employment Terms
Visiting academics are entitled to the same employment conditions as regular TAU staff of the equivalent rank, except:
- Sabbatical rights
- Flight tickets
- Science relations fund
- Pension accumulation
Some exceptions allow accrual of rights for:
- Full‑time appointees after the first year
- Appointees ≥50% time with a sabbatical‑eligible rank
- Appointees paid initially by the Ministry of Absorption
Appointment without wages is allowed if the visitor agrees. Such positions carry no benefits but may be held indefinitely without the three‑year limit.
Termination and Tenure
- Appointment ends automatically on the date stated in the appointment letter.
- No visiting appointment includes tenure, regardless of rank.
Short-Term Visitors
Guests from other institutions staying less than two months may be appointed directly by the Dean with simplified procedures. Benefits such as sabbatical or pension rights do not apply.
