Information for Resident Scholars

OMSC feeds mind and spirit—Christian fellowship and worship combined with serious exploration of essential mission issues.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

OMSC@PTS welcomes applications from Resident Scholars (local and cross-cultural church workers, scholars, administrators, and PhD candidates in the dissertation phase) from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Oceania and from every Christian tradition for a season of sustained intellectual and spiritual renewal. All Resident Scholars should have a minimum of ten years work experience before submitting an application. Resident Scholars are expected to spend their time at OMSC working on a research project utilizing the resources of the Seminary, Princeton University, and surrounding community.  Assignments are for a nine-month academic year (September – May). 

Note: Since the artist in residence is recruited by the Director, we do not consider unsolicited applications from artists.

How and When Do I Appy?

Each academic year, OMSC@PTS accepts a limited number of Resident Scholars to participate in our Residential Study Program.

Applications for the 2024-2025 Academic Year Are now Closed

Applications for the 2025-26 Academic Year will open in Fall 2025

The English Language Requirement for the J-1 Visa:

A high intermediate level of English must be confirmed in one of the following three ways:

• Submission of a TOEFL or Duolingo English Test score.
• Submission of signed documentation from an academic institution or certified English language school.
• A successful interview with the OMSC Director and Associate Director conducted in person or by video conference.

What We Offer OMSC@PTSEM Resident Scholars:

• Full Academic Year 
  Our Residential Study Program is designed for Resident Scholars who can commit to a full academic year in residency (September – May). All applicants must complete an online application (see link above). Note: Currently, we do not offer programs for short-term residents.
• Study Program Seminars,* Lectures, and Conferences
  Our seminars, lectures, and conferences are free of charge to Resident Scholarsand all current students, faculty, and staff of Princeton Theological Seminary. We welcome a limited number of external auditors to participate in our seminars.   
• Fully Furnished Apartments
  Resident Scholars will find everything provided when they arrive — furnishings, linens, cooking utilities, other household supplies, and free internet access. Apartments vary in size from one to three bedrooms. Telephone and television service is available at your own expense. Pets are not permitted.
• Community Life
  We are an ecumenical community offering a unique experience in international living that is intellectually, spiritually, and vocationally enriching. Our common life is guided by our unity in Jesus Christ and partnership in the work of God’s mission. As members of the Princeton Theological Seminary community, OMSC staff, Resident Scholars, and guests agree to abide by the policies as set forth in the Seminary Handbook.
• Scholarships for Resident Scholars 
  To help offset some of the housing and living costs for a year of residency, we offer modest financial aid to applicants with demonstrated financial need. We do not offer any full scholarships.

Important Information:

Visas

Those coming from outside the United States will need to obtain a visa. The seminary assists us in obtaining visas for our Resident Scholars. For further information, see: Visa Requirements for Residency.

Expenses

Resident Scholars accepted into our Residential Study Program should budget for the following expenses:

Travel & Living Expenses

• All fees associated with obtaining your passport and visa
• Round-trip transportation to Princeton and home
• Required medical insurance (see Medical Insurance page)
• Emergency expenses (i.e., items not covered by Medical Insurance)
• Food, clothing, and other necessities while in Princeton
• Rent for fully-furnished apartment

Current Monthly Rent* (September–May or June for those with school-aged children). 

• 1 Bedroom: $1,075 per month
• 2 Bedroom: $1,283-$1,375 per month
• 3 Bedroom: $1,491-$1,595 per month

*Housing costs are subject to change.

Public Schooling for Dependent Children

Children attend local public schools at no cost. However, parents should budget for some of the following expenses:

• Backpack and school supplies, school field trips, music, dance, or athletic lessons not within the school curriculum

Automobile

Some Resident Scholars may choose to purchase or rent a vehicle. Those who do so should keep the following fees in mind when preparing a budget:

• Purchase price of car, insurance and registration, cost to obtain a driver’s license, fuel, repairs, etc