Visiting Scholar Application

The application for the 2026 Visiting Scholarship Program is now open. Applications are due March 31, 2025. Apply now.

For tips on applying, view the Visiting Scholar Information Session.

Applicant Eligibility:

Applicants must:

Have at least 3 years of working experience in area of specialty (post-training)
Have at least 3 years experience caring for patients with cleft and/or craniofacial conditions
Have the capacity to implement change in their home institution.
Reside in a country that is included on the World Bank’s list of low and middle-income countries. Click here to view the list.
Be able to meet any vaccination requirements of the host sites.
Special consideration will be given candidate from countries and/or disciplines that have not recently participated in the Visiting Scholar Program.
Only Smile Train partners will be considered for the ACPA-Smile Train Visiting Scholarship.

Application Process:

Before beginning the application, please read the below information:

Applicants must have three references, including a letter from their current medical/professional director.
Applicants may choose their top three host sites from the list of ACPA Approved Team Host Sites. Applicants should select sites that match their specialty and program goals. There is no guarantee that the selected visiting scholar will visit any/all host sites of their choice – final decisions will be made at the discretion of the Visiting Scholar Selection Panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the Visiting Scholar complete their visit?

A: The Visiting Scholar will complete their visit in the spring the year following their application submission. Visits will typically take place in the weeks leading up to ACPA’s Annual Meeting and conclude with the meeting.

Q: I am currently a fellow. Can I apply?

A: No. Candidates must have at minimum three years of working experience in their area of specialty (post-training) AND three years of experience caring for patients with cleft and/or craniofacial conditions.

Q: What if I am interested in visiting an institution not on the Host Site list?

A: In order to ensure that our visiting scholars can have a successful visit that will lead to positive outcomes within their home country, ACPA will only permit scholars to visit institutions from the Host Site list. These teams have already indicated that they are willing and able to host a scholar for a period of two weeks, and have committed to working with ACPA during the planning process. The Host Site list is subject to change each year, so if a preferred institution is not listed this year, it’s possible it could be added to the list next year.

Visiting Scholar Applications

Applicant Eligibility:

Applicants must:

Application Process:

Frequently Asked Questions

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