Appointment Policy

Free research associates and (unsalaried) visiting research associates are registered by the HR Department.

Researchers registered either as free research associates or (unsalaried) visiting research associates do not receive a grant or salary via K.U.Leuven. They are either self-supporting or paid by their home university/company.

The deadline for the official request to arrive at the HR Department (with all the signatures and all the necessary attachments) is:
  • for free research associates: at the latest one month before the starting date
  • for (unsalaried) visiting research associates: as a visa and work permit application is involved, we advise the Faculty/Department to submit the official request for the appointment, fully approved and with the necessary attachments, ideally 3 months in advance.
For the visa application at the embassy/consulate in the country of residence and registration at the city hall of the place of residence in Belgium, the HR Department will:
  • issue a confirmation letter of registration for free research associates
  • apply for a work permit for (unsalaried) visiting research associates