University Services Fee

University Services Fee

Visiting Scholar (VS) and Visiting Student Researcher (VSR) resources and services are supported by the University Services Fee (USF). This fee enables access to UC Berkeley’s world-class facilities and comprehensive campus resources. These include a Berkeley email account and calendar, library privileges, building and facility access, campus shuttles, and participation in various programs offered by the Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA) office, such as career and professional development, social and academic events, and recreational opportunities.

Please note that the USF is separate from any fees charged by the host department or the Berkeley International Office (BIO).

The USF may be paid by either the sponsoring UC Berkeley unit or the scholar. The fee covers the duration of the appointment, up to one year, and is not prorated. If a scholar is reappointed beyond the first year, the USF must be renewed for continued access to university services.

Visiting Scholars

The fee for the initial first year for visiting scholars is $750. For a consecutive 2nd year, the fee is $1500. A 12-month break in between appointments reverts the reappointment fee to the 1st-year fee of $750.

Visiting Student Researchers

The fee for the initial first year for visiting student researchers is $1000. For a consecutive 2nd year, the fee is $2500. A 12-month break in between appointments reverts the reappointment fee to the 1st-year rate of $1000.

How to Pay the USF

There are only two available payment methods. If the scholar is covering the fee, they must pay online by credit card. If the faculty sponsor is covering the fee, they must use an internal payment form. If the scholar is unable to pay the fee, the faculty sponsor must cover it on their behalf. Any reimbursement arrangements between the scholar and their sponsor can be made upon the scholar’s arrival on campus.

Scholar Pays the Fee: Credit Card Payment:
Scholars (VS or VSR) can pay the University Services Fee (USF) by credit card through the VSPA online payment system, STOVA, which accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For successful payment, please ensure the billing address entered matches the one associated with the credit card.

Faculty Sponsor Pays the Fee: UC Berkeley Internal Departmental Form:
Sponsoring units can pay the USF through the VSPA Interdepartmental Order Form (IOF). Note: Departments may not use a Blucard; payment must be made using an IOF.

Refund of the USF

There may be a need to request a refund of the USF if an appointment is canceled before the VS or VSR arrives on campus. To request a refund of the USF, send an email to vspa@berkeley.edu, with the VS or VSR's full name, the name of the host unit, and the reason for the cancellation.

VSPA Summer Research Internship Fee

To support faculty with sponsored projects involving summer research internships, the VSPA offers a reduced University Services Fee (USF) of $500 per intern for qualifying programs. This reduced fee is intended for:

  • High school student interns

  • Undergraduate student interns

  • K–12 teacher interns

Interns must be participating in on-campus research activities for three months or less during the summer.

Important Notes:

  • Advance approval from the VSPA is required to receive the reduced fee.

  • This program is not intended to reduce the USF for standard Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) visiting during the summer.

  • To be eligible for the reduced fee program, the faculty sponsor must be applying for a sponsored grant through the Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) that will cover the USF.

For more information on how to apply and obtain approval, visit the Summer Research Internship Fee page on the SPO website. Be sure to review the program criteria and scholar eligibility requirements for full details.