visiting phd student visa

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Visas and immigration
• Visit the UK

Visit the UK to do research

Find out what to do if you’re visiting the UK to do research. This could be academic research or research that’s relevant to a course you’re studying overseas.

Step 1 : Check if you’re eligible

Find out what activities you can do and how to prove your eligibility if you’re:

• an academic visiting to do research
• a student visiting to do research that’s relevant to your course overseas

You must meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements even if you do not need a visa.

Step 2 : Check if you need a visa

Depending on the country you're from, you might be able to visit the UK without a visa or by applying for an electronic travel authorisation.

• Check if you need a visa

Step 3 : Apply for a visa

• Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to do research

A Standard Visitor visa costs £95 for up to 6 months.

If you’re an academic you can apply to stay for up to 12 months. This costs £190.

or Apply for a family permit

You may be able to visit on a family permit if you have a family member who is:

• a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
• a Person of Northern Ireland
• a British citizen
• Check if you can apply for a family permit

or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) if you're a national of:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Apply for an ETA £10

Step 4 : Check what you can bring with you

• Check what you can bring with you
• Check what food, animals or plants you can bring into the UK

Step 5 : Check what you need to show at the UK border

• Check what you need to show at the UK border

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

• University home
• For business
• Alumni and supporters
• Our departments
• Visiting us
• Student visas
• Visitor visas
• Tourist visas
• Working visas

Visiting postgraduate research students

• Visa application service
• Terms of advice service

Click  here  to read the terms of our advice service.

Visiting Postgraduate Research Students

Applying to the University

Even if you already have an informal agreement with a member of academic staff at Exeter, you will need to submit an application for OAS (Other Advanced Studies) to our Postgraduate Research Admissions team. You should do this as early as possible. Contact the team at [email protected] and you will be sent the application form and further information about the application process.

You will need to provide evidence of your academic qualifications and your English language ability. Visiting postgraduate research students whose first language is not English, are expected to have a sufficient level of English language skills (see English language requirements 2022 ) to conduct research at the University and to participate in College life. In most cases, you will need to provide evidence that your English ability is at a minimum of B2 level (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in all components of language learning).

As part of your application, you also need to identify which visa you plan to apply for. This is important as there are different requirements for the different visa options. The three different visa types are outlined in detail below.

Once your application has been considered, you will be issued an offer email. If this is unconditional you will be able to start the visa application process. If the offer is conditional, you will need to meet your conditions before the visa process can begin.

ATAS Clearance

ATAS Once you have your offer, you can apply for ATAS clearance if required. This will be made clear on your offer letter. If you are not required to apply for ATAS clearance, you can skip straight to applying for your visa. 

People who want to study at advanced levels within certain subject areas must obtain clearance certificates under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) before they make any immigration application to study in the UK. Further information about the scheme is available on the  Foreign and Commonwealth Office  website. 

ATAS is only required for certain subject areas, including Computer Science, Physics, Medicine, Biosciences and Engineering, but you should check your offer letter to be sure. Students from certain countries are exempt from the requirement entirely and do not require an ATAS certificate even if they are studying an ATAS programme:  ATAS exemption list

There are two different types of ATAS certificate: Student and Researcher. All Visiting Postgraduate Research Students will need Student ATAS clearance, regardless of the type of visa you are applying for. If you apply for Researcher clearance, you will need to re-apply for Student clearance.

You must apply for ATAS clearance ( Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) ) at least 4-6 weeks before you plan to apply for your visa. If it is granted, your ATAS certificate will be emailed to you as a PDF document which you should provide to the University. You can then be issued with the visa documentation you need to apply for your visa. You will also need to include your ATAS certificate with your visa application.

If you are refused ATAS clearance, you will not be able to apply for a visa and will not be able to come to the UK for your research trip.

You should familiarise yourself with our in-depth ATAS information before applying.

Visa options

 Once you have decided which visa you are going to apply for, you will want to follow the Further Details links above for detailed information about the documents you will need to prepare for your particular visa type. 

If you have any questions about applying to the University for your research visit, please contact Postgraduate Research Admissions at [email protected] .

If you are applying for a Visitor or Student visa, our Visitor and Student visa guides include in-depth advice on preparing and submitting your visa application, including document lists and application form guides. You should  contact International Student Support if you need more personalised advice. You can also contact International Student Support if you have questions about ATAS clearance for either of these visa types.

If you are applying for a Tier 5 visa, please liaise with the HR Immigration Team [email protected] who will advise you on the process to obtain the visa.

• International Visiting Students

Non-US citizens who are accepted to the Visiting Students Program must make arrangements for a visa to study at Harvard.

• Dissertation
• Fellowships
• Maximizing Your Degree
• Before You Arrive
• First Weeks at Harvard
• Harvard Speak
• Pre-Arrival Resources for New International Students
• Alumni Council
• Student Engagement
• Applying to Degree Programs
• Completing Your Application
• Visiting Students Course Selection
• Visiting Students Program Selection
• Admissions Policies
• Cost of Attendance
• Express Interest
• Commencement
• Diversity & Inclusion Fellows
• Student Affinity Groups
• Recruitment and Outreach
• Find Your Financial Aid Officer
• Funding and Aid
• Financial Wellness
• Consumer Information
• Life Sciences
• Policies (Student Handbook)
• Student Center
• Title IX and Gender Equity

Harvard Griffin GSAS welcomes international special students and visiting fellows, and Harvard sponsors visas for admitted students. Individuals who are not US citizens ordinarily conduct their studies on a Harvard-sponsored student (F-1) visa. A Harvard-sponsored Exchange Scholar (J-1) visa will be issued upon request based on formal exchange agreement requirements. 

Visa arrangements cannot be made until the applicant has been admitted and the necessary financial certification has been provided to the Visiting Students Program Office by the student. To satisfy US Immigration requirements, international students must demonstrate that they can afford all expenses, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. For additional information about visa regulations please contact the Harvard International Office.

Visa requirements specify that international special students must be enrolled full-time while registered at Harvard Griffin GSAS, which equates to 16 credits or four term-long courses. Officially audited classes are counted toward the four-course requirement; you may audit no more than half of the courses you are enrolled in.

Non-native English speakers will need to demonstrate English proficiency .

All international students (including special students and visiting fellows) are invited to attend International Student Orientation during August, where they learn about life at Harvard Griffin GSAS and in the United States.

Visiting Students Program Office

Share this page, explore events.

Visiting research and visiting research experience students

Eligibility.

Visiting Research Students should be current postgraduate research (PGR) students at another Higher Education institution either in the UK or internationally, who have a viable programme of research, for which study in London is necessary and relevant.

Visiting Research Experience Students should be current postgraduate taught (PGT) or undergraduate (UG) students at another Higher Education institution either in the UK or internationally, who wish to undertake their research experience at King’s. The policy for Visiting Research Experience Students can be found in our pdf , which details further eligibility criteria on the arrangements.

Both Visiting Research and Visiting Research Experience Students should identify a supervisor who is an academic member of staff at King’s and will personally support their application.

Please note that applications will only be accepted from students who have arranged with a potential supervisor that they can visit King's.

How to apply

Students should apply using King's Apply at least 8 weeks before their proposed start date.

• If you are a Visiting Research student (PGR student), please search for the “Research Non-Award” programme in your subject area and select the month of entry. Example programme title: "Chemistry Research Non-Award".
• If you are a Visiting Research Experience Student (PGT or UG student), please search for the “PGT Research Experience Non-Award” or “UG Research Experience Non-Award” programme in your subject area and select the month of entry. Example programme titles: "Mathematics Chemistry PGT Research Experience Non-Award" or "Physics UG Research Experience Non-Award".

Following this, please complete the following sections of the application form:

• Personal information.
• Education: Detail any previously completed qualifications and provide scans of official transcript and certificates at degree level and above. For UG visiting research experience students, please also include high school documents. If the original documents are not in English, we will also need to see official translations. Please also provide details of your current study.
• Supporting statement: You will be required to upload an official letter confirming you are currently studying in this section. This needs to be on official headed paper and signed or stamped by your university. If the original letter is not in English, we will also need to see an official translation.

The letter should confirm:

• The title of your current study
• The date you enrolled
• Your expected completion date (this date must be after your visit to King’s has ended)
• Your fee status (if your current study is in the UK)
• That your study at King's will contribute and relevant to your current research/programme
• English language: You should provide any certification of your proficiency in English as part of your application e.g. previous tests, previous study. Please read the guidance below on English language requirements for further information.
• References: Provide the details of your supervisor at King's as your referee. If you are asked for a second reference, this should be from your current study.
• Details of any funding

Any speculative applications where a supervisor at King’s not been identified will be withdrawn.

Students should allow 6 weeks for applications to be processed.

Fee structure

Current postgraduate taught (PGT) or undergraduate (UG) students visiting as Visiting Research Experience Students

• For visits between 3 months and up to 6 months, a fee of £500 would be charged;
• For visits between 6 months and up to 9 months, a fee of £2,000 would be charged;
• For visits between 9 months and up to 12 months, a fee of £4,500 would be charged.
• For visits of more than 12 months, normal tuition fees for your fee status will apply.

Current postgraduate research (PGR) students visiting as Visiting Research Students

• For visits lasting up to 6 months, there is no fee.

Applicable to all students:

• Please note: extending the length of your visit will incur the fee applicable for the combined duration. This will also apply if you are extending the length during your initial visit or if you are returning to King’s to continue the same research.
• It should be noted that the fee structure proposed will not apply to those who enter King's through a formal exchange agreement (e.g. study exchange agreement). Applicants under these partnership routes must apply via study abroad.

English language requirements

All Visiting Research and Visiting Research Experience Students should be able to communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, speaking and listening) and be able to do so in an academic environment. You should provide any certification of your competence in English as part of your application e.g. previous English Language tests, previous study.

The level of English language you are required to demonstrate for a visiting research or research experience programme is dependent on your length of stay and visa requirements:

• If you are visiting for up to 6 months and wish to apply for a Student Visa OR you are visiting for over 6 months up to 12 months and will require a Student Visa, you must meet the minimum English Language requirement below prior to your visit. This is equivalent to the CEFR level B2.
• If you do not require a visa to study in the UK OR you are visiting for up to 6 months and will require a standard Visitor Visa, competency is assessed on a case-by-case basis based on the information that you supply in your application. If it is determined that you are required to demonstrate your level of English proficiency, you must meet the minimum English Language requirement below prior to your visit. This is equivalent to the CEFR level B2.

Accepted tests:

Please read all of the below information carefully as there are a number of English language tests we can accept to meet our English language requirements.

If a test you have completed is not listed below, unfortunately we are unable to accept it as meeting our English language requirements.

The tests below must have been taken two years of your visit start date in order to be valid. 

All elements of the test results must be demonstrated in one test to be valid (i.e. we cannot take a combination of your scores across two tests).

IELTS (Academic) OR IELTS (Online): 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill

TOEFL iBT ( Institution code: 0394) OR OR TOEFL iBT Home Edition OR TOEFL iBT Paper Edition. Please note that we do not accept the TOEFL Paper-delivered Test: 72 overall with a minimum of 17 in writing and listening, 18 in reading and 20 in speaking

Pearson Test of English (Academic): We also accept Pearson Test of English (Academic) for UKVI. We do not accept Pearson Test of English (Academic) Online 59 overall, with a minimum of 54 in each communicative skill

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) / Cambridge C2 Proficiency: 169 overall with a minimum of 160 in each skill

Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE) / Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169 overall with a minimum of 160 in each skill

Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): Level III (ISEIII) with pass in each skill

Visa requirements

If you require a visa to enter and study in the UK for your visit, please see below:

• Visits up to six months: You should expect to receive a letter of support to obtain a standard Visitor Visa for the duration of your visit.

For students who require a visa to enter and study in the UK but are not required to apply under the Student Visa route (i.e. your visit is up to six months in length) and you are made an offer without an English language condition, your offer will have to be updated to include an English language condition if you wish to apply for a Student Visa. As a result, it is advisable that you send a King’s Apply message immediately after you submit your application if you wish to apply for a Student Visa rather than a standard Visitor visa.

• Visits over six months: You will not be able to enter the UK as a standard visitor. You will need a CAS number from King’s College London to apply for a Student Visa for the duration of your visit.

We are required to monitor the continuing engagement of all students on a Student Visa; given the short nature of the visit, options for this monitoring are being considered. For further information about applying for a Student Visa, please go to our Visa & International Student Advice team's webpage.

Visiting Research Students and Visiting Research Experience Students must not enter the UK on an Academic Visitor visa or a Business Visitor visa. Guidance will be provided to make clear that the Academic Visitor visa is not appropriate because, to qualify for this visa, a visitor must have obtained their doctorate.

ATAS requirements

Some of the research and research experience non-award programmes will require students to obtain ATAS clearance before they can enrol on their visit. Further information can be found on our ATAS webpage . If your visit will require you to obtain ATAS clearance, the Admissions Office will inform you in your offer letter.

You will not be able to enrol before you have obtained the necessary ATAS clearance, where this is applicable to your research or research experience.

As a visiting research or visiting research experience student at King’s, you will need to enrol with King’s so that you can be provided with an email address, access to all appropriate facilities and support services including the Centre for Doctoral Studies and KCLSU .

We will only be able to enrol students who have been made an unconditional offer and this offer has been accepted via King’s Apply .

Further information for staff

Programme Availability

• “Research Non-Award” programmes for Visiting Research Students (PGR) for departments are readily available on King’s Apply.
• “PGT Research Experience Non-Award” or “UG Research Experience Non-Award” programmes for Visiting Research Experience Students will require the programme to be set up and opened on King’s Apply. Please contact the relevant Senior Admissions Officer who is responsible for your department for further guidance.

DBS or Occupational Health Clearance

If your student requires DBS or Occupational Health clearance for their visit, please contact the relevant faculty professional services team.

Please contact the relevant Senior Admissions Officer for your department if you have any questions regarding Visiting Research or Visiting Research Experience Students.

Discover more at King's

Undergraduate

Discover our undergraduate courses and more about life at King's.

Postgraduate taught

Discover our range of postgraduate taught courses and more about applying.

Postgraduate research

Discover our postgraduate research courses and research expertise.

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Immigration
• International Students
• Applying overview
• Types of study
• Defining Cambridge
• A global community overview
• International student data
• Fees and financial support
• Accommodation and residence
• Bringing your family
• Living in Cambridge
• Immigration overview
• Student visa overview
• Student visa - entry clearance overview
• Delays with visa application decision
• Student visa - entry clearance (EEA and Swiss nationals)
• Student visa - permission to stay
• Costs associated with applying for a student visa
• Student visa responsibilities overview
• Prior to and on arrival
• Collecting your BRP overview
• BRP validity until 31 December 2024
• Police Registration
• Changes in circumstances overview
• Changing your research degree
• Working on a student visa overview
• PhD - Internships and visa considerations
• Finishing your studies
• Time limit on study and academic progression
• Dependant visas
• Lost documents
• Name and nationality changes
• Visas for pre-sessional courses
• Extending your visa as a current PhD student
• Visa Advice overview
• Conditions of Service
• Studying on other visas
• Studying part-time overview
• Short period of study
• Visiting students
• Undergraduate admissions interviews
• Graduate visa (post-study) overview
• Arriving overview
• Pre-arrival information
• Healthcare in the UK
• Costs associated with arrival
• Opening a bank account
• Prepare to study
• Support on arrival
• Studying overview
• Your student record
• Working and studying
• Other study opportunities
• More than just study
• Course completion
• Student visa
• Visa Advice
• Studying part-time
• Graduate visa (post-study)

Find information on how to apply to be a visiting student at Cambridge at Types of Study .

The information below is relevant to visiting students who are registered for a degree at another institution and attending Cambridge for a period of study or supervised research as part of their overseas degree. 

Visiting for more than 6 months

If you intend to visit the University of Cambridge for a study period of greater than six months and have been accepted by a Faculty or Department, the appropriate visa is under the student route. The University holds a student sponsor licence which allows it to sponsor eligible students for a student visa. For visa sponsorship, the visit to Cambridge must be for the purpose of study or research that is part of your overseas qualification. This qualification must be at the same level as, or above, a UK degree. If you are not a registered student at another institution, visa sponsorship cannot be provided.

Certain courses will require you to obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before a CAS can be issued for your student visa application . The requirement for ATAS clearance is determined by the CAH3 code of the course. Students who hold an EEA nationality or one of the following nationalities are exempt from this requirement: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland. An ATAS application has a processing time of 20 working days and a CAS cannot be issued until the FCDO have issued your certificate. Departmental staff intending to host visiting students can find further guidance on the International Student Office's ATAS process web pages.

Visiting for six months or less

If you are coming to Cambridge for less than six months, you will be able to do this as a visitor to the UK. Further information on coming to the UK as a visitor is outlined on our short period of study page . This includes information on the requirements and restrictions of coming to the UK as a visitor, and whether you need to apply for a visa in advance. Where the period as a visiting student is to undertake a short period of research at Cambridge, this must be as part of your degree course at your home institution to meet the immigration requirements. A letter from the home institution confirming that the study at Cambridge is part of, or relevant to, your course overseas is required.

Once accepted as a visiting student for a period under six months, your host Faculty or Department will provide a visa letter. Please note this is different to the acceptance letter you may receive from your supervisor or Department at Cambridge.

Visiting students undertaking postgraduate-level research in certain science and technology subjects will require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate to support either their visa application, if you are required to apply for a visitor visa in advance of arriving in the UK, or entry to the UK at immigration control. You will be informed as part of your acceptance as a visiting student if this applies to you. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) manages ATAS. You must apply online to the FCDO and applications are normally decided within 20 working days. You will be sent the ATAS certificate via email and will need to print it out to support your visa application, or carry in your hand-luggage in case it is requested on entry to the UK at immigration control. Students who hold an EEA nationality or one of the following nationalities are exempt from this requirement: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland.

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Visas for research and study visits

Whether you are looking to visit the University of Leeds as a student or to do research, you will need to know who to contact and which visa to apply for.

Before making an immigration application, you should confirm details of your visit with the relevant academic department. They will usually need to provide you with a document for immigration purposes. 

When applying for a visa, you should choose the immigration category that best describes the purpose of your visit, taking care to ensure that you meet all of the requirements.

Visits from short-term students who want to undertake taught studies

If you want to visit Leeds for a taught course, you must contact the appropriate office before you make a visa application:

• Email the undergraduate admissions office via [email protected]
• Email the taught postgraduate admissions office via [email protected]
• Email the Language Centre via [email protected]
• Email the Study abroad/exchange office via [email protected]

Visiting postgraduate researchers

To be eligible to visit us as a postgraduate researcher, you must be studying a research degree elsewhere and will be visiting the University of Leeds to undertake research toward this degree.

Before you apply for a visa, you will need to contact the school you wish to study in to see if this is possible. You will then need to apply to study at the University and, if accepted, your school will then provide you with an offer letter that you can use for your visa application.

There is a visiting postgraduate researcher fee , if your visit is for less than 12 months this will be charged pro rata as indicated in the rate table.

Visits to Leeds for periods of research up to six months

You will need a Standard Visit Visa .

Find out more information about this visa on our Which visa should I apply for? page .

Visits to Leeds for periods of research of more than six months

You will need a Student visa if your visit will last for more than six months. Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Student visa .

Please note: the Home Office requires the University to monitor the attendance of all Student visa holders. We must report all extended, unauthorised absence to UK Visas and Immigration.

Once your visa has been granted, you can then register online as a miscellaneous research non-degree (non-award bearing) student via the normal online registration route and obtain a student ID card.

International Students

Visiting research students

You can apply to spend a period of 3 to 12 months at UCL undertaking research which is complementary to the Doctorate/PhD project at your home university.

How to apply

If you wish to apply independently as a visiting research student, you must check that your chosen department at UCL has a member of staff in the relevant academic field, who is both able and willing to supervise your research.

To apply as an independent visiting research student please apply online and select Visiting Research in the Programme Type drop down menu. Applications must be supported by the following documentation, which you will have the opportunity to upload: 

• Valid email address for two academic referees at your home institution who are familiar with your work
• Academic transcripts for all higher education provided in English and in electronic format
• Personal statement
• Research proposal
• Confirmation from your home institution that your request to study abroad is supported
• Confirmation from your home institution that you are a registered research degree student.

Transcripts and Diploma supplements

Please include digital or scanned copies of official transcripts/diploma supplements in English, containing details of all the subjects or courses studied, the marks that you obtained, and the qualifications awarded for any Undergraduate or Postgraduate study. 

If you hold a General Medical Council/General Dental Council registration, you are not required to send official transcripts. Please provide your registration number instead.

We also require evidence of your PhD registration, so please include a scanned copy of such proof from your current institution.

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, you must provide recent evidence that your spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the programme you have applied for. See link below for further details of UCL’s English language requirement.

Applications must usually be submitted at least two months prior to your proposed start date.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are calculated on a pro-rata basis and will vary by department and length of your stay at UCL. For a precise tuition fee quote you should contact the fees office directly once an offer has been made quoting your student number. 

After you apply

Applicants will receive an email once the application has been submitted (or if it is saved half way through). Once submitted you should also receive an invitation to access the Applicant Portal where you can track the status and progress of your application. UCL Admissions will get in touch as soon as possible with a decision about acceptance. If we have any queries regarding your application – for example about grades or prerequisites – we will contact you. 

If you are accepted you will be sent an offer letter and invited to reply to your offer via the UCL Applicant Portal. Once you’ve accepted your offer and confirmed that you will be attending UCL, more information will be sent about how to apply for student accommodation, and about visas if this is applicable.

From July UCL publishes pre-arrival information on the website.

• UCL’s English language requirements
• How to apply through Erasmus+ or Exchange Programme
• Fee Schedules Visiting Research
• Apply online: Visiting Research

University of Bristol Business School

Visiting postgraduate research (phd) students.

Please note:  You would be required to comply with any UK Government rules on travelling to the UK and the rules of your country of origin. University guidelines may also be subject to change, any visit is dependent on availability of desk space within the school. You should also be aware that opportunities to meet academic staff and other PhD students face to face may be limited and research events continue to be online.

The School's  Visiting Postgraduate Research (PhD) Students Scheme  enables national and international PhD students to come to Bristol and spend a period of time conducting research and participating in the school’s collegiate and diverse research community. 

Eligibility

Visiting postgraduate research students should be currently registered as postgraduate research students at another institution either in the UK or internationally. Applicants will need to demonstrate a strong academic record and a viable programme of research to be followed during their visit.

Applicants should identify a sponsor who is an academic member of staff within the School and will personally support their application and agree their proposed set programme of work.

Applications will only be accepted from students who have the support of their prospective visit with the identified sponsor.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet profile level 'B'. Further information about  English language requirements and profile levels .

Fee structure

Please note we do not offer funding. The affiliation fee (‘bench fee’) is free up to a 3-month (or 92 days) period. For longer periods, the monthly fee is £250 per month during the entire visit period (pro rata fees apply for any period less than one month).

A waiver of the fees may be considered, and a case should be made in this respect alongside the application form. The waiver will be assessed on grounds of academic merit of the applicant and/or the applicant’s personal circumstances or if the applicant is from a low income country (as defined by the  ODA ).

Students may normally apply for visiting periods of between 4 weeks to 6 months.

Scheme objectives

The visiting postgraduate research students scheme seeks to enhance the already vibrant research culture and learning environment of the school.  With this in mind, the aims of the scheme are to:

• offer external to the University postgraduate research students the opportunity to carry out research with a view to presenting or publishing their work.
• enhance the research community within the School of Economics, Finance and Management through their active participation in the academic life at Bristol.
• further develop and promote external research links with other universities, institutions and practitioners in the United Kingdom and overseas;
• provide staff and research students within EFM with the opportunity to work with and learn from other research students from outside Bristol.

Relationship with the School

Depending on the length of their visit and the nature of their research, visitors are welcomed to contribute actively to academic life in the School. Depending on the applicant’s qualifications, the school may provide you with the opportunity to:

• deliver a guest seminar to academic staff
• deliver a guest lecture to undergraduates/postgraduates in relevant module(s)
• commit to reasonable attendance at the seminar series and Primary Units

Provision of resources

Visiting Postgraduate Research Students will receive/be provided with:

• a University Card
• hot-desk space
• the sponsorship of a School of Management staff mentor, who will meet with the student and provide guidance and general academic support, but they are not able to advise on other issues eg legal or visa queries. It should be noted that it is up to the individual visitor to arrange this initial meeting with their mentor
• access to the Bristol University Library
• the visitor's email address will be added to the student mailing list, so that they are notified of any department/School events that may be of interest or relevance
• access to all School events, workshops and research seminars.

Please note:

• Visitors are encouraged to bring laptop computers which can be used at wireless areas around the University.
• We cannot provide assistance with living accommodation, although the  University Accommodation  office may be able to help.

End of visit report

At the end of the visiting term, students are asked to submit to the school research committee, a brief written report summarising their contribution.  This report may be excerpted and published by the school.

How to apply

Once you have secured the agreement of a potential supervisor, and have agreed dates for your visit with them, you should apply online via the  online application portal . New applicants will need to create a new account and should refer to guidance at  How to apply . Currently, there may only be one start date option for you to select (e.g. September 2024). Please ensure you indicate your proposed visit start date and the visit end date in your application.

You will also be required to submit the following documents with your application form:

• A letter confirming that you are currently studying for a PhD. This will need to be on official headed paper and signed or stamped by your university. If the original letter is not in English we will also need to see an official translation.
• Complete the Visiting PhD Students Application Form.
• Reference from your primary or secondary PhD supervisor at your home institution. It is your responsibility to ensure that the reference letter from your supervisor is sent in before the designated deadline.
• Statement of support from the academic member of staff at University of Bristol who will sponsor your visit.
• CV (2 x A4 pages maximum length).
• Outline of clear research objectives and programme of work to be pursued. Applicants should provide a clear explanation for the proposed duration and timing of their visit and have clear and realistic research objectives and programme of work to be pursued during that time.

Contact: Student Administrators (PGR) (Business School PGR Team Mailbox  [email protected] ). 

Visa requirements

All visiting students from outside the UK require a visa, regardless of length of study. Some students will need to apply for this visa in advance, some can travel through eGates on arrival. For visits six months of less, please read the  short-term visa guidance . For longer visits, a  Student visa  is likely to be needed, and you must meet the eligibility requirements for this.

If you are already in the UK on a Student visa (and you are visiting from another UK institution) you need to be studying at a partner institution or agree to the visit as an agreed temporary location. You should contact  Student Visa Services  for advice. Please also note that most visa types will require  ATAS , if the course needs ATAS. Some nationalities are exempt from the ATAS requirement.

Visiting scholars

If you are an  academic, researcher or practitioner, find out more about the University of Bristol Business School's visiting scholars scheme.

School of Graduate Studies

International visiting graduate students.

“ It is a great privilege to be challenged to travel beyond comfort zones.

Overview: international visiting graduate student (ivgs) program.

The International Visiting Graduate Student program (IVGS), established in 2008 allows graduate students enrolled in research-based programs at international universities to undertake some of their research under the supervision of a University of Toronto faculty member. The IVGS Study Abroad Agreement is intended to allow students from any recognized university to come to U of T, even in the absence of a formal exchange agreement. International students benefit from the expertise, resources, and facilities of a world-class institution, while enriching the intellectual community of the host department. IVGS students are not able to enrol in courses for credit but, with permission from their graduate unit and instructor, they may be allowed to audit classes. 

This program is only open to students who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program; students are required to maintain registration at their home university for the duration of their study period at the University of Toronto. Students do not pay tuition, but are required to pay the incidental fees required of all graduate students, as well as insurance premiums in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) . 

The IVGS program is also an important tool for the University to develop mutually beneficial reciprocal relations with researchers and institutions around the world: in welcoming students from around the world we foster opportunities for our students to visit other institutions, with or without a formal exchange agreement in place. The program ensures that visiting students have a defined legal relationship with the University, and secures them access to Student Life programs and services, University resources (libraries and information technology) and health coverage under both the  University Health Insurance Plan  for international students and the University of Toronto Graduate Student Union’s supplementary health and dental plans.

Section 1: Information for Faculty & Staff

Admissions procedures & timelines.

A visit under the IVGS program can be initiated by a faculty member or a student. Any U of T faculty member with a graduate faculty appointment (or associate graduate faculty appointment) at the School of Graduate Studies can invite an IVGS student. Faculty members who do not hold a graduate appointment can co-supervise a visiting student, but not act as primary supervisor.

The only formal requirement for admission is that visiting students must be registered in a research-based graduate degree program at their home institution. Students in diploma or certificate programs are not eligible, nor are recent graduates, or students on leave from their current degree program. While there are no formal requirements for documents in support of an application, it is the supervisor’s responsibility to assess the student’s suitability for the proposed research project. You should feel free to request a curriculum vitae, research proposal, and/or recommendation from a prospective student’s supervisor.

While there is no requirement for IVGS students to submit English language proficiency scores, you should assure yourself that the student’s level of English is sufficient both for the proposed research, and to navigate day-to-day life on campus in Toronto. When planning a visit, you and your student should be mindful of the time required to apply, the time required to secure travel documents. Overall, the process can take up to four months. For example, a student planning on arriving in September should begin planning for the visit in May. A visit that begins at the start of an academic term (January 1, May 1, or September 1) is most straightforward from a fees perspective. The School of Graduate Studies needs time to review completed applications and process offers of admission. Successful applicants will need enough time between receiving an offer and their planned start date to apply for the requisite travel documents. Please review Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s processing times to gauge whether you and your student are allowing enough time.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisors of visiting students should be aware of the responsibilities inherent in the relationship. While visiting students have the support and guidance of their home supervisor, the U of T faculty member hosting a visitor is an important local support for the student. The study period encapsulates in a short time some of the most intense supervisory commitments: a project proposal, admission, and completion of a specified research goal.

• Help the student outline a realistic project for the time and resources available.
• Plan the visit with a clear understanding of the timelines required for institutional approval and immigration issues.
• Consult with the School of Graduate Studies beforehand if you are planning to offer financial support to the student.
• Guide the student through institutional policies on research ethics and intellectual property.
• Encourage the student to visit the website of the Centre for International Experience .
• Recognize that, unlike students admitted to a degree program, you student will have less connection to — and even awareness of — the supports put in place by your department, SGS, and University-wide services.
• Help the student integrate into your unit’s academic and social life.
• Help connect your student to relevant resources, whether on-campus or off.
• Do not try to offer immigration advice. Only registered immigration advisors are legally able to provide such advice. Rather, feel free to refer students to the School of Graduate Studies. In doing so, it’s important to manage student expectations, as difficulties with immigration have in rare instances led to the cancellation of a planned visit.
• Be sure to offer information on fees and finances related to the IVGS program.

Section 2: Information for Prospective Visiting Students

All IVGS placements begin with a key relationship: students need to find a qualified supervisor willing to oversee their research. It’s up to you, as a prospective student, to identify a supervisor working in a research area that is closely related to your work, who holds a graduate faculty appointment, and who is willing to commit the time and energy required to supervise you. For help in finding a supervisor, please feel free to review our list of degree programs ; each fact sheet on our listing links back to the website of the graduate unit (department, faculty, or institute) offering that program, where you can review a list of faculty members. Before contacting a prospective supervisor, please check the School of Graduate Studies’ listing to ensure that they do, in fact, hold a graduate appointment.

When planning a visit, you should be mindful of the time required to apply and the time required to secure travel documents. The School of Graduate Studies needs time to review completed applications and process offers of admission. Successful applicants will need enough time between receiving an offer and their planned start date to apply for the requisite travel documents. Please review Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s processing times to gauge whether you are planning far enough in advance.

Admission requirements are simple: you need to be registered in a research-based graduate degree program at your home institution. Students in diploma or certificate programs are not eligible, nor are recent graduates. IVGS applicants do not need to submit transcripts or English-language proficiency scores. Your supervisor may wish to review a curriculum vitae or proposed research plan.

When approaching a prospective supervisor, it’s important to ensure that you outline your plans for the visit clearly. What is the scope of the project you are working on, and how much of it do you plan to accomplish while at the University of Toronto? What support are you hoping for from your supervisor? What University resources will you need?

For a research visit to take place, you will need approval not only of your U of T supervisor, but also of the chair of his or her graduate unit. You will also need approval from your home university supervisor, and from the chair or head of your department. Your supervisor will need to draft a letter of invitation that clearly lays out the agreed terms of the visit, and both the letter and the IVGS Study Abroad Agreement need to be signed by the appropriate parties. Please note that it can take some time to secure the required approvals and signatures on the form and letter. The final signature to approve the visit is that of the Director of Student Academic Services, School of Graduate Studies. Once all other signatures have been secured, please send the completed form and letter to [email protected] for final approval. If the School of Graduate Studies approves the visit, you will be issued an official offer of admission to the School of Graduate Studies as a full-time visiting graduate student.

Fees & Other Costs

IVGS students are not charged tuition, but they are responsible for paying the mandatory incidental fees paid by all students. Please note that these fees do not include accommodation costs. Fees at the University are assessed based on the number of academic sessions during which the student is on campus; the Fall session runs from September to December, the Winter session runs from January to April, and the Summer session runs from May to August. If a student is on campus for only part of a session, he or she is still liable for the full session’s fees.

IVGS students are also required to purchase health coverage through the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). UHIP premiums can be pro-rated on a monthly basis. For the academic year 2022-23, premiums are set at $63 per month, or $756 for the year.

For example, the fees for the Fall session in 2022 or the Winter session in 2023 for a student on the St. George campus break down as follows:

Campus fees at the St. George and Scarborough campuses are roughly comparable. UTM student fees are higher, as UTM students have access to the free shuttle bus that runs between the St. George and UTM campuses. The difference in student fees for UTM students is significantly lower than the transit costs involved in travelling between the campuses.

Fees for the coming academic year normally are confirmed in mid-July. Incidental fees can be found on the Student Accounts and Vice-Provost, Students websites. Summer fees are lower than Fall or Winter fees, as students are not enrolled in the GSU supplementary health plans.

We encourage you to begin your visit at the start of an academic session if possible. Beginning at other times will have fee implications.

Example 1: September 1 to December 31 This student would pay the Fall session fees, the student system access fee, and four months of UHIP premiums. Total: $1,283.

Example 2: November 1 to February 28 This student would pay both the Fall and Winter session fees, the system access fee, and four months of UHIP coverage. Total: $2,256.

Example 3: September 1 to April 30 This student would pay both the Fall and Winter session fees, the system access fee, and eight months of UHIP coverage. Total: $2,508.

Example 4: July 1 to December 31 This student would pay both the Summer and Fall session fees, two system access fees, and six months of UHIP coverage. The student would not have coverage for prescription drugs, vision care, or dental care until September 1. Total: $1,999.74

Please see the section “Accommodations” and the frequently asked questions for information on accommodation and living expenses.

Immigration

Securing appropriate travel documents (permits and/or visas) for a research visit to Canada can be confusing, as the status of visiting research students is not clearly laid out in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) policies. Although IVGS program participants are visiting as part of an academic program, they may be deemed workers, rather than students. Many of our IVGS students successfully apply for study permits with support from the SGS Admissions and International Student Advisors, as well as the International Student Immigration Advisors at the University’s Centre for International Experience (CIE), but some have been required by IRCC to apply for work permits. The School of Graduate Studies can assist students in applying for work permits in some cases.

In some cases, it has been necessary to cancel visits when students were not able to secure appropriate travel documents, so please take the time to review this section carefully and plan well in advance.

Before you apply to the IVGS program, review  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) processing times  to ensure that you are applying far enough in advance to secure travel documents before your visit.

Unless you are a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States you will need a  Temporary Residency Visa (TRV) or an  Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , depending on your country of citizenship , to enter Canada.

Students requiring a study or work permit to participate in the IVGS program do not need to make a separate application for an eTA or TRV, as it is issued as part of a successful study or work permit application.

Usually, there is no financial support available to visiting graduate students. In a small number of cases, an individual supervisor may have discretionary research funding that will allow him or her to provide some support for a visiting student. Please note that any student receiving a study stipend from a Canadian source will need a social insurance number (SIN). If a SIN is required, you will need a study permit or work permit for visits of any length from one month or longer. Please note the processing times to obtain a study permit.

IVGS candidates who will be receiving funds from a Canadian source will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To apply for a SIN, study permit holders must have a permit that includes a comment indicating that they are allowed to accept employment. If you will be receiving Canadian funds, make sure that the border services agent interviewing you is aware of this. Please ensure that you have documentation of the funding on hand when you cross the border or land in Canada

IVGS Candidates less than six months requiring a study permit

If you require a study permit for a SIN, and if your expected time in Canada is less than six months, please note that applying online via the IRCC website for a study permit is a two-step process:

• Questionnaire: Initially, a questionnaire reviews the traveler’s intentions to determine what application and supporting documents will be required. It asks the expected duration of stay: “Temporarily – less than six months”, “Temporarily – more than six months”, or “Permanently”. It is necessary to choose “Temporarily – more than six months” to get access to the Study Permit application (even if the planned period in Canada is less than 6 months). Please note that this questionnaire is not part of the application. Entering this information does not constitute misrepresentation.
• Application for the Study Permit.

All IVGS candidates requiring a study permit

To assist you in your study permit application , it is important to note the following:

The personal checklist created after completing the eligibility questionnaire includes required documents as well as an optional documents section. The “Client Information” field allows the traveler to give a fuller explanation of their intentions. A letter of explanation can be uploaded here to allow you to explain:

Purpose of visit: 

• Letter of explanation describing the value of a period of study at U of T to your current degree as well as your medium to long term plans. 

Ties to your country of citizenship/current country of residence: 

• Documentation from home institution confirming enrolment and expected return (and possibly supporting the benefit of studying at U of T for a limited period). 
• Property ownership (if applicable). 
• Proof of employment and expected return (if applicable). 
• Professional association/community organization memberships (if applicable). 

If you encounter difficulties in applying for your travel documents, please contact the  Admissions and International Student Advisors  at the School of Graduate Studies. SGS will then work with the University’s immigration advisors to provide advice and support. Our regular hours are between 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Please note that SGS staff cannot offer case-specific immigration advice.

Arrival, Registration, and Fee Payment

You have two options for paying fees. One is to open a Canadian bank account once in Canada, and pay on arrival. If you request a JOINid from [email protected] , you will be able to use the ID check your financial account on ACORN , the student account portal; using the information from your fee invoice, you can then pay your fees as a bill through online banking. The second option is to pay by credit card, which you can do on ACORN.

Please note that the credit card payment option entails a 2.5% convenience fee. Please note that students are usually charged a full year’s UHIP premiums, even if they are visiting for a shorter period. The amount billed to your account for UHIP premiums can be adjusted on arrival.

For each of the three steps listed below, you will need to have your offer of admission and your travel documents (passport, plus visa/permit if applicable). If your arrival and departure dates have changed since your initial offer, you will need to request an updated letter from [email protected] . Upon arrival:

• Email [email protected] or stop by the front reception desk at the School of Graduate Studies (63 St. George Street) to confirm your registration.
• Set up your TCard online , and make an appointment to collect your physical card from the TCard office . During the course of this process, you will be prompted to set up a University of Toronto e-mail address.
• Using our University of Toronto e-mail address, submit documentation to the UHIP database . The UHIP office can adjust your premiums if necessary, and activate your coverage.

Accommodations

It is important to start searching for accommodations in advance of your visit. For tips and advice on securing accommodations in Toronto, visit Housing Services .

The University’s housing office can provide you with guest access to search a database of off-campus housing . You should also look into housing rental sites to become familiar with the market and develop a sense of rental prices. Since most leases begin on the first day of the month, the first few days of every month are the best time to contact landlords and property managers.

On-campus options are limited for visiting students. Graduate House will not accept visiting students as part of its main September intake. Undergraduate colleges only accept graduate students in the summer months (May through August); the theological colleges on campus may have vacancies that coincide with your visit. Other private student residences near campus include Tartu College .

Services for Students

Many resources are available to you as a U of T student. The Centre for International Experience offers resources and workshops for students who are new to Canada. The Academic Success Centre offers a range of resources to help students improve their research and writing skills.

All students and faculty are members of Hart House , the centre of non-academic student life on campus. Hart House houses a fitness centre, is home dozens of student clubs, and a wide range of events. Take a drop-in fitness class, listen to a Sunday concert, watch a student debate, or just relax in the gothic revival library.

Your student fees also cover your membership athletic facilities. St. George student enjoy access to the downtown Athletic Centre , while UTM students and UTSC students have their own facilities. Whether you want to swim in the Olympic-sized pool, take a class, or just work out at the gym, make the most of your time at the University of Toronto by making sure you take care of your body as well as your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the admission requirements.

The IVGS program is open to students who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program; students are required to maintain registration at their home university for the duration of their study period at the University of Toronto. The program is not open to undergraduate students, students on leave from their degree program, or anyone not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program.

What is the application process?

The application process is simple, but can take time. The U of T faculty member who has agreed to act as a supervisor should send a letter of invitation (as described in the IVGS agreement) to the visiting student’s home supervisor. The letter and the application form need to be signed by:

• The U of T supervisor
• The chair of the U of T graduate unit
• The visiting student’s home supervisor
• The chair or head of the student’s home department

The signed letter and form are then sent to the School of Graduate Studies for final approval. If the visit is approved, SGS will issue a formal offer of admission.

How do I find a supervisor?

It is the visiting student’s responsibility to find a willing and qualified supervisor. Please review the faculty listings in the U of T graduate unit or units most closely related to your research interests. Some students find it helpful to review our list of programs to help them find a suitable graduate unit.

How do I pay fees?

Most students visiting for more than a couple of months choose to open a Canadian bank account. If you do so, you can register the University of Toronto as a bill to be paid, much as you would your telephone bill. Students who do not wish to open a Canadian bank account have the option of paying their fees by credit card, on arrival. Please note that this option entails a 2.5% service charge.

Is there financial support?

Usually, there is no financial support available to visiting graduate students. In a small number of cases, an individual supervisor may have discretionary research funding that will allow him or her to provide some support for a visiting student. If a prospective supervisor wishes to offer a stipend or cover some of the costs of a visit, he or she should contact one of the Admissions and International Student Advisors at the School of Graduate Studies for information before issuing the letter of invitation.

What kind of visa or permit do I need?

A visa is a document allowing a person to enter the country. Citizens of many countries need to apply for a visa before travelling. Students from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). A permit is a document authorizing certain restricted activities, such as study or work, during a visit to Canada. Students visiting Canada for the purpose of conducting research are not well defined under current regulations. We encourage visiting students who have received their formal offers of admission to seek advice from the nearest Canadian consulate, embassy, or High Commission on what travel documents they may need to secure. Please note that any student receiving a study stipend from a Canadian source will need a social insurance number (SIN). If a SIN is required, you will need a study permit or work permit.

I’ve been told to apply for a work permit. What’s next?

If advised that you need to apply for a work permit, contact the Admissions and International Student Advisors at the School of Graduate Studies. If possible, SGS will issue the required supporting documentation.

Can I work while visiting?

If a work opportunity arises in the graduate unit you are visiting, you will only be able to accept that opportunity if you have the correct permit. Many study permits will specifically authorize work, under certain restrictions. If you hold a study permit, check the restrictions to confirm that you qualify. If you have entered the country with a work permit, you will not be able to undertake any work other than the research described in your letter of invitation. The work permit will have been issued on the basis of that very specific description of duties; to take on extra work would violate the terms of the permit.

You will only be allowed to accept employment if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, if you hold a study permit with the appropriate restrictions, or if you have a work permit appropriate to the employment offered.

Can I take courses?

IVGS students are not allowed to register in formal graduate courses. Depending on the permission of your graduate unit and of the individual instructor, you may be allowed to audit courses.

Do I have to pay UHIP fees?

You will need to purchase coverage under UHIP unless you hold existing coverage under the health plans of a Canadian province. This is true even of students whose health insurance from home extends to provide coverage in Canada.

I have travel health insurance. Do I need to buy into the UTGSU supplementary health and dental plans?

Students who can demonstrate that they hold coverage comparable to — or greater than — the UTGSU supplementary health and dental plans have a narrow window in which they can apply to opt out. To determine whether you are eligible to opt out, compare your existing coverage as it applies in Canada with the benefits outlined in the UTGSU health benefits booklet . If your existing coverage has significant gaps when compared to the UTGSU plan, then your request to opt out will not be approved. If your benefit coverage is comparable, get instructions for how to opt out online . The deadline to opt out of Fall session coverage is usually the end of September. The deadline to opt out of Winter session coverage is usually the end of January. These deadlines are strictly enforced.

What will my campus be?

Students visiting a specific laboratory will usually base themselves on the campus where the lab is located, but you should discuss this with your host supervisor. With a few exceptions, most graduate units teach their graduate courses at the downtown St. George campus, but faculty members in the sciences may have their labs at either U of T Scarborough (UTSC) or U of T Mississauga (UTM). Most students in the humanities and social sciences opt to stay at or near the St. George campus, where the main library resources are housed, regardless of where their supervisor holds their undergraduate teaching appointment. Campus fees at the St. George and Scarborough campuses are roughly comparable. UTM student fees are higher, as UTM students have access to the free shuttle bus that runs between the St. George and UTM campuses. The difference in student fees for UTM students is significantly lower than the transit costs involved in travelling between the campuses.

Can my family come with me?

Visiting students are sometimes accompanied by family members. While the University can assist you in securing health insurance for your family members, we cannot provide significant support on immigration issues. Services covered by incidental fees are for the student only. Some services, such as athletic facilities, may have community membership options. If you are considering bringing family members, please allow more time to plan your visit, and inform the Admissions and International Student Advisors at the School of Graduate Studies as early as possible.

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you.

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings.

This site may not work correctly on Internet Explorer. We recommend switching to a different browser for a better experience.

Guidance for admission of a visiting research student

Please note that this guidance refers to the approved route for visiting research students only (i.e. students registered on a PhD overseas or in the UK who wish to come to the university for part of their PhD research for a period of no more than 12 months). 

Please contact the HR Department for advice on inviting other academic visitors. 

How does the candidate apply?

The candidate will need to submit an application for visiting research through our online application service .  Applicants will need to select “Visiting Research Study in (the relevant department)” from the list of programme choices. 

How do I make an offer and what details are needed for the offer?

Shortly after the candidate has submitted the on-line application it will be visible to the School and an offer can be made in the same way as for a standard PhD applicant. 

The following information is required in order for an offer to be made:

• Please enter the 'from' and 'to' dates of the proposed visit in the 'Recommendation Notes' box when making the offer.  (Please note that visits cannot exceed 12 months);
• Please enter the name of the supervisor(s) in the 'Research Details' field;
• If relevant, please enter details of any research expenses (bench fees) that you wish the candidate to pay in the 'Research Details' field;
• For courses requiring ATAS clearance, an ATAS statement should also be provided.

What are the tuition fees?

The tuition fees payable by visiting research students is 50% of the standard PhD fee, calculated on a pro-rata monthly basis.  Details of the current fees for visiting students are available on the Graduate School website.

Is it possible to waive the tuition fees?

All students who enrol on RISIS and are here on campus are eligible to receive support from the academic school and all the central services (including the admissions team, the Graduate School, the international advisory team, DTS and the Library).  There is no central fund or route for granting fee waivers for individual students so if funding or sponsorship is not available to cover the tuition fees it won't be possible for the applicant to enrol as a visiting research student.

What type of visa is required?

If the visit is for more than 6 months and the visitor requires a visa to enter the UK, they will need to apply for a student route visa to cover the period of stay in the UK. This means that they will also need to have achieved the required minimum scores in a recognised English Language test  (for example IELTS with an overall score of 5.5 and no less than 5.5 in listening, speaking, writing and reading). 

If the visit is for less than 6 months the visitor can apply for a standard visitor visa to cover the duration of their stay and a formal English Language qualification is not required for this visa. 

Is an English Language qualification required?

PhD visitors coming to the University for 6 months or more who require a student route visa will need to provide evidence of achievement of Level B2 in a recognised English Language qualification  (e.g. IELTS 5.5 overall and 5.5 in each subsection).  

PhD visitors coming to the University for less than 6 months do not need to provide any evidence of English Language proficiency.

Is it possible to waive the English Language requirement?

No - in order to issue the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) that a PhD visitor coming for more than 6 months will need for their student route visa application, the university is required to state that they have assessed English Language proficiency and confirm that it is at B2 Level.  This is a UKVI compllicance requirement and it is not possible to waive the condition for a student requiring a student route visa to enter the UK.

What happens next?

The Admissions Team will issue a formal offer to the student which will include information on supervision arrangements, any conditions attached to the offer, the fees payable for the visit, guidance on the type of visa required for the visit and instructions for accepting the offer.

When any conditions have been met and the offer has been accepted the admissions team will issue the CAS, if the student require a student route visa, or the confirmation letter required for a standard visitor visa. 

Online enrolment instructions will also be sent to the applicant (usually about 4 weeks before arrival).  Applicants will need to pay their tuition fees at enrolment stage (or provide evidence of sponsorship).  They are guided through the fee payment process as part of the enrolment process

We hope you find this information useful but please contact the admissions team if you need any further information.

• Schools & departments

Visiting research students

How to apply to the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences (PPLS) as a visiting student

We welcome visiting research students in PPLS.

A visiting research student is someone who is currently enrolled in a programme at another institution and wishes to conduct research in PPLS at the University of Edinburgh for a period of time (up to a maximum of 12 months).

If you are a visiting research student, you will not graduate from the University of Edinburgh, and will return to your home institution following the defined period of research.

Please be aware that PPLS does not provide funding for visiting students.

During your visit, we will provide:

• Visitor access to IT accounts, on-campus WIFI access, and library access
• Access to relevant events across the University
• Access to the designated PGR study spaces in our buildings
• Monthly printing budget uploaded to your student card

How to apply to be a visiting research student in PPLS

Identify an academic member of staff within PPLS whose research interests relate to your own and can supervise you during your visit.

You can contact this member of staff directly or you can forward your CV/academic transcript and research proposal to the PPLS PG office and we will look for a suitable supervisor.

Links to research interests:

• Browse research interests in Philosophy
• Browse research interests in Psychology
• Browse research interests in Language Sciences

Once supervision is guaranteed, send the following documents to the School’s Postgraduate Office at least 6 weeks before your planned start date:

• An official transcript of a first degree in an appropriate subject or relevant qualifications/experience
• Academic reference from your supervisor in your home institution
• Personal statement
• Current research proposal
• English Language Test Score if you are coming for more than 3 months

The School Postgraduate Office will forward the documentation to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ (CAHSS) Visiting Student Office and they will issue the formal invitation.

Visits of up to 3 months are free of charge.  Visits of three to twelve months incur a fee.

• Visiting student fees 2023-2024

International visiting students

Information for international students on what you need do to enter the UK as a student.

• Visa & immigration requirements

Get in touch with the Postgraduate Office with any enquiries:

Postgraduate Teaching Organisation enquiries

• School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences

Contact details

• Work: +44 (0)131 651 5002
• Email: [email protected]

Room 1.06, Dugald Stewart Building

Availability

Monday to Friday: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm

International visiting researchers

The University welcomes research visits from international academics.

The University welcomes applications from academics who are employed at a university overseas for visits of between one month and one year. If you would like to visit Oxford for less than a month, you also have the option of visiting Oxford’s libraries and attending research seminars as an independent researcher.

We accept two types of visiting researchers:

• Visiting scholars (those who are research-active academic staff at other institutions)
• Doctoral researchers visiting Oxford (who are registered as doctoral students at another institution)

Graduate students who are interested in spending time studying under the supervision of an Oxford academic can apply for  Recognised Student status .

The Oxford University Welcome Service  provides practical information on coming to Oxford from abroad.

Arranging a visit

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Tourism & Visit

Study & Exchange

Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Share this page:

Student Visa

Exchange Visitor Visa

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.

Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas A student visa (F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational study (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit. For more information on the VWP, see  Visa Waiver Program .

For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate A visitor (B) visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. Learn more about  Visitor Visas .

Study leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is never permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration. For example, a student in a distance learning program that  requires a period of time on the institution’s U.S. campus must obtain a student (F or M) visa prior to entering the United States.

Student Acceptance at a SEVP Approved School The first step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States.  After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.  The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20.  After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa.  You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVIS fee).

Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)  website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee.

Visit the Department of State  EducationUSA  website to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, and an overview of the application process.  You can also visit the DHS  Study in the States  school search page to search for SEVP-certified schools.

How To Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  embassy or consulate website . 

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application,  Form DS-160  –  Learn more  about completing the  DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application, and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo  –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the  Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

New Students  – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study.  However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

Continuing Students  - Student (F and M) visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS.  Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.

Prepare for Your Interview

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below: 

Application Fee

Select your nationality to see issurance fee.

• Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements . 
• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20  – Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20.  All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Your spouse and/or minor children, if they intend live in the United States with you, will each receive an individual Form I-20.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and
• Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study; and
• How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs. 

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.  A visa only allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.  

After you present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 at the port-of-entry, a CBP official will make this decision.  Once you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.  

Learn about procedures for students (with F or M visas) entering the United States on the CBP website under  Arrival Procedures for Students or Exchange Visitors .  Learn about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the  CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

Foreign students in the United States with F visas must depart the United States within 60 days after the program end date listed on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training.

Foreign students may request an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website (see the USCIS Extend Your Stay page). Additional information to maintain student status is on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP website under  Maintaining Your Immigration Status While a Student or Exchange Visitor .

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• For information about working in the United States during your study, review Students and Employment and Form I-765 Work Authorization Instructions on the USCIS website.
• If you have a temporary break in your study, view the information on the SEVP website under  Do Students Returning from Temporary Absences Need New Visas?  If your student visa is still valid, but you are outside the United States, you should consult with your Designated School Officials. 
• Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. Although SEVIS fee payment is not required, your school must issue them an individual Form I-20, which is required to apply for their visas. You must provide a copy of your F-1 or M-1 visa and provide proof of relationship.
• Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Can I enter the United States more than 30 days in advance?

Students on F or M visas are not permitted to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the start date of their program.  If you wish to enter earlier than 30 days before your start date, you must separately apply and qualify for a visitor (B) visa.  

After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a  change of status  to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.  You may not begin your course of study until the change of status is approved, and you may encounter lengthy processing times.  You may also depart the United States and re-enter on your student (F or M) visa.

Optional Practical Training

Students who are authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study. To learn more about OPT, please visit the  USCIS Website  and the  ICE International Students  webpage.

Attending Public Secondary School

There are restrictions for student (F) visa holders to attend public school in the United States. See  Foreign Students in Public Schools to learn more.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above).

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials, and waivers.

I was refused a visa under section 214(b). May I reapply?

You may reapply if you believe you have additional evidence of your qualifications for a student (F or M) visa, or you believe your circumstances have changed. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more. 

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States as students, although they must present a valid Form I-20 at the time of admission. For more information see  information for Citizens of Canada and Bermuda .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the  U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada .

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions  - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions  - review  Contact Us .

More Information

A-Z Index Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials SEVIS-ICE DHS-Study in the States Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Student Advising Center Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Public Lectures
• Faculty & Staff Site >>

Visiting Graduate Students

Visiting graduate student status allows students who are actively pursuing a graduate degree (master’s, Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.) at another college or university to take graduate courses at the University of Washington (UW) and transfer a limited number of credits back to their home institution. (Acceptance as a visiting graduate student does not confer priority for later admission to a graduate program at the UW.) The length of enrollment is determined by the number of quarters approved by the home institution and the UW graduate program that admits the visiting graduate applicant. Students may hold visiting graduate status in only one graduate program at a time and may not hold any other student status while enrolled as a visiting graduate student.

Not all graduate programs accept visiting graduates, so please contact the program before you apply. You may find contact information in the graduate program listing .

If you are an international student who does not plan to enroll full-time at the University of Washington during your visit, but instead you plan “to participate in full-time supervised research and work-based learning experiences at the University of Washington,” then please refer to the Visiting International Student Internship & Training ( VISIT ) program.

Citizenship and Visa Status

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, immigrants, and international applicants are welcome to apply for visiting graduate status. (International applicants requesting an F-1 or J-1 visa must meet the UW’s financial ability requirement to show that they have adequate funding to cover living costs and tuition and campus fees.)

Information Specific to J-1 Visiting Graduates

The majority of Visiting Graduates at the UW attend in the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Category because they are receiving over 50% of their funding from their home country government, home institution, US government organization, international organization, UW Study Abroad and/or a UW department. If you are an international student who will receive this type of funding, please review this section carefully.

J-1 Visiting Graduates, read more:

Admission Requirements

Prospective visiting graduate students must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must have earned the equivalent of a Bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree before starting the Visiting Graduate exchange program.
• Be in good standing and actively pursuing a graduate degree at another regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution (your transcripts must include graduate coursework (Master’s, doctoral), or you may upload a letter confirming graduate enrollment into your UW application ).
• Students who are non-native English speakers must meet Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements .
• Graduate programs may have additional admission requirements.

Application Deadlines & Procedures

• Review graduate program admissions requirements & deadlines. A list of graduate programs can be found in the graduate program listing .

Registration Procedures

• Visiting graduate students register for classes in MyUW .
• Visiting graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment if they have been admitted for multiple quarters of study or lose their visiting graduate student status.
• Visiting graduate students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa must register for a minimum of 10 credits each quarter of attendance.

Additional Information

• Visiting graduate students can establish a UW NetID and a UW email account.
• Visiting graduate students have access to the UW Libraries .
• Visiting graduate students have access to the Intramural Activities (IMA) Building on the Seattle campus.
• Visiting F-1 & J-1 graduate students are required to maintain insurance and are eligible for International Student Health Insurance (iSHIP) .
• Visiting U.S. citizens or permanent residents should refer to the Student Affordable Care Act .

Please send questions to Graduate Enrollment Management Services at [email protected].

• Visiting Students

Non-degree students in the Division of Special Registration (DSR) engaged solely in coursework are identified as Visiting Students. Admission to the DSR as a Visiting Student is for one term or two terms and carries with it no commitment for further study.

• Non-Degree Application Process

Visiting Students are enrolled in the Graduate School and have student privileges, including receiving a Yale transcript with coursework and grades listed. Students enrolled as Visiting Students are not eligible for financial aid or student loans.

The first step to apply as a Visiting Student is to contact the department with which you wish to affiliate. 

• You must have permission from the department to apply before submitting your application.
• You may enroll in up to four courses per term, for a maximum of two terms (one year).
• International applicants may only be admitted as full-time Visiting Students (four courses per term) due to visa requirements.
• Visiting Students are not eligible for financial aid from the Graduate School and must demonstrate sufficient financial support at the time of application.
• Applications are accepted only for the fall and spring terms.

Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section for Non-Degree Visiting Students.

Prerequisite:

Prospective applicants to this program should first contact the department to which they wish to apply for more information and specific eligibility requirements. You must have permission from the department to apply before submitting your application.

Before starting your application, please note the following: 

• All documents must be in English.
• You must have permission of the program.
• You may apply to enroll for up to one year.
• All materials in support of your application must be uploaded to the application prior to submission.
• Fall Term enrollment application deadline: June 1
• Spring Term enrollment application deadline: October 1

Application Requirements:

To submit an application, you will be asked to provide the following:

• Proof of your bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
• A statement of purpose of 500-1000 words describing your past work and your preparation for your proposed study at Yale.
• A list of all prior institutions of study at the higher education level.
• Transcripts for each listed prior institution of study. (Applicants who have attended international institutions from which transcripts are in a language other than English must have those transcripts translated into English by a certified English translator.)
• TOEFL (or IELTS) scores if your native language is not English and the language of instruction of your bachelor's degree was not English.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your academic work, intellectual ability, and academic potential for graduate work. Both letters of recommendation must be received (by the application deadline) before you will be able to submit your application. 
• The name of the Yale faculty member who will act as your adviser.
• Proof of health insurance.
• An application fee of $105.00, plus a $25.00 document processing fee for international applicants.
• International applicants must also provide proof of sufficient funding to cover your living expenses and tuition costs while at Yale and proof of English Language proficiency. To be eligible for a J-1 student visa, at least 50% of your financial support toward tuition and living expenses must be from an external (non-personal, non-family) scholarship, fellowship, stipend, or assistantship.

Additional Information

• The application process is online only. There is no paper application.
• All materials in support of your application must be uploaded prior to submission.
• The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will issue documentation to assist with obtaining a visa to non-US citizens who are accepted and can demonstrate sources of funding to cover the estimated monthly cost of living expenses and tuition , as well as sufficient health insurance coverage. 

The application for Fall 2024/Spring 2025 entry is now available. 

• Search This Site All UCSD Sites Faculty/Staff Search Term
• Meet the Dean
• Meet the Team
• Professors of the Graduate Division
• Funding Opportunities
• Alumni & Friends
• Prospective Students
• Degree Programs
• Requirements
• Admitted Students
• Admission FAQ
• Compliance/Health and Safety Information
• Tuition & Fees
• Fellowships
• Third-Party Payments
• Non-UC Visiting Grads
• Financial Support FAQ
• News & Updates
• Progress to Degree
• Enrolling at UC San Diego
• Preparing to Graduate
• Policies & Procedures
• Student Academic FAQ
• Merkin Graduate Fellows Program
• Student Updates
• Health & Wellbeing
• Professional Development
• Student Spotlights
• Programs and Resources
• Postdoctoral Affairs

Financial Support

Non-uc visiting graduate students.

Participation of Visiting Graduate Students (VGS) in research activities at UC San Diego is inherently beneficial for the University, its current students and faculty, the VGS, and the home institution. Not only does such participation increase UC San Diego’s international profile, but the inclusion of diverse perspectives accelerates the progress of research and enriches the campus climate. In addition, VGS may bring specific expertise to a given research problem that is not available on campus, and their involvement can strengthen and cement collaborative interactions between UC San Diego faculty and international colleagues.

A Visiting Graduate Student is a pre‐doctoral graduate student (PhD, MA, MS, MBA, MD, or DO) pursuing research at UC San Diego related to their degree program at their home institution. If you are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at another University of California (UC) campus or at San Diego State University, visit this website for more information on exchange programs .

A Visiting Scholar is normally a scholar from another university, research institution, government agency or non-profit organization on leave from his/her home institution who visits the University for the purposes of participating in a University-sponsored educational program, cooperative agreement, or collaborative research project under the supervision of a UC San Diego faculty, for a short period of time. (see Visiting Scholars )

System Access

The appointment submission process for the VGS is through the Visiting Graduate Student Appointment System (VGSAS) .  VGSAS is an online administrative portal and database.

To request Department Administrator access to VGSAS, an authorized individual (MSO) must submit a ticket to Services & Support or send an e-mail to [email protected] .  Once authorized, the Department Administrator will have the authority to assign users and user roles for the Sponsoring Department.

A user’s manual can be found under the heading Documentation  upon logging into the system. In addition, staff who would like to be added to the Visiting Graduate Students staff mailing list can sign up here: Graduate Financial Support FAQs (see Graduate Student Financial Support Listservs) .

Submission Deadlines

Domestic visitors.

• Appointment material should be submitted and routed to the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs at least 1 month in advance of the start date.

International Visitors

• Appointment material should be submitted and routed to the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairsat least 3 months in advance of the start date, and earlier for international visitors who require a visa.
• Once the VGS Appointment Form has been approved, the sponsoring department or ORU will submit the appropriate visa paperwork to the International Faculty and Scholar Office (IFSO) at Global Initiatives . International students coming on F1-STEM should also note the new F-1 STEM OPT Extension Protocol below.
• Students applying for J‐1 visas should review potential visa term restrictions at: http://ifso.ucsd.edu/dept‐facilitators/j1/index.html#Minimum‐Financial‐Support  

Eligibility

A Visiting Graduate Student is a pre‐doctoral graduate student (PhD, MA, MS, MBA, MD, or DO) pursuing research at UC San Diego related to their degree program at their home institution. The VGS must be enrolled in a degree-granting program or equivalent at an institution of higher education other than the University of California, and be physically present at UC San Diego for the duration of the appointment. The UC appointment must serve an academic purpose for the unit in which they are visiting. 

A VGS should be sufficiently advanced in their course of study at their home institution to be able to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research at UC San Diego without significant additional training (typically, in or beyond the third year of study, depending on the discipline). They should also be able to demonstrate sufficient oral and written language proficiency to enable them to participate fully both in research activities and in the social and cultural life of the campus.

VGS will not be permitted to enroll in UC San Diego courses for credit unless they do so via Extension, with payment of appropriate fees by either the student or their home institution. VGS may be permitted to audit UC San Diego courses with permission of the instructor. A VGS may not be enrolled in any degree program at UC San Diego.

Appointment into this title is not for physicians with patient care or researchers with clinical activity. For an appropriate appointment, contact the School of Medicine’s Dean’s Office .

Department Responsibility

Prior to the visitor's arrival, the appointment must be approved, via the Visiting Graduate Student Appointment System (VGSAS), by a Faculty Sponsor, the department chair or organized research unit (ORU) director, and the Dean of the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.  

Acceptance of a VGS implies a commitment on the part of the host faculty member and/or department to provide, at a minimum, appropriate mentoring. Departments or programs with significant numbers of VGS should also consider arranging events to orient such students to practical and social aspects of campus life as well as US research culture, and to promote their continued engagement. In formal programs, it would be desirable to negotiate a contribution from the home institution to support such activities.

Titles and Appointment Criteria

Non-salaried visiting graduate student - visitor graduate (wos) job code 003730.

• A non-salaried VGS receives financial support for their visit from their home institution (grant, fellowship/scholarship) or personal funds.  See “Compensation” below for support level requirements.
• A non-salaried VGS does not receive financial support from their UC San Diego faculty sponsor. 
• Workers Compensation coverage is not provided to a Non‐salaried VGS.
• Effective August 2021:  Non-salaried Visiting Graduate Students must be entered into UCPath.

Salaried Visiting Graduate Student - Junior Specialist Job Codes 003329/003330

• A salaried VGS may receive partial or full support from their UC San Diego faculty sponsor via the Junior Specialist Title.  Approval for this title must be requested in advance by submitting an appointment to the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs. See “Compensation” below for support level requirements.
• All VGS are prohibited from being appointed as a Lecturer at UC San Diego or any title covered by the UAW/ASE contract with the UC system.
• For payroll entry guidelines, please see Chapter 10: Visiting Graduate Students in the Graduate Student Employment Policy & Procedures .
• Salaried VGS are eligible for Workers’ Compensation at UC San Diego if injured in the course and scope of their employment.

Terms of Service

• VGS may be appointed up to one year at a time. 
• Appointments may be extended up to an additional year without a break in service for a total of two years maximum with appropriate justification.  Departments requesting to extend a VGS appointment for longer than one year must attach a letter of exception to the amended application.  

Appointments Shorter Than 6 Months

• All VGS engaged in research activities at UC San Diego, and appointed for six months or less, must have financial support that meets the J-1 visa requirement of $2400 per month.

Appointments Longer Than 6 Months

• All VGS appointed for more than six months must have financial support comparable to that available to UC San Diego graduate students enrolled in similar disciplinary programs for the duration of their appointment. The source of support may come from their home institution (fellowship/scholarship or grant), personal funds, and/or salary from UC San Diego.
• Please see the following chart for a list of financial support levels by degree major: Visiting Graduate Student Compensation Levels .
• Regardless of the source of support, under no circumstances will the appointment of a VGS be approved if the visitor will receive support less than the minimum requirement for J1 visa holders. Under no circumstances should involvement of a VGS detract from financial support and/or resources that would be otherwise available to registered UC San Diego graduate students whether domestic or international.
• An exception approval is required when a department is requesting a salaried VGS appointment above the amount paid to a registered UC San Diego graduate student in a comparable department. 

  Junior Specialists

• I n all cases the maximum monthly dollar amount for the Junior Specialist title will be the Step 1 rate for Junior Specialists on the Represented Specialist Series, Table 24B .

Visiting Graduate Student Processing Fee

Each Visiting Graduate Student (VGS) is required to pay a $100 nonrefundable processing fee .  This is a one‐time fee that covers a period of stay up to 2 years. An additional $100 nonrefundable processing fee will be charged in the following instance: 

• there is a > 30‐day break in the appointment period and a new appointment packet is required

There are two options to pay the processing fee: 1) upon arrival at UC San Diego, the VGS may pay the fee directly at the UC San Diego Cashier's Office, or 2) the Sponsoring Department may pay the fee via UC San Diego recharge.  In all cases , the Sponsoring Department must supply an index number when submitting the original VGS appointment to the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA).

The processing fee is due on the 15th of the month following the appointment start date. For example, if the appointment begins October 1, the fee must be paid no later than November 15. If the VGS does not pay the fee by the deadline, the fee will be automatically recharged to the Sponsoring Department. For this reason, it is imperative that Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) is notified of any changes to the appointment period.

Application Procedure/Appointment Packet

All VGS must have a UC San Diego faculty sponsor who will host the visit. Prospective VGS should first contact the department chair or faculty with whom they would like to work and request an invitation. The host faculty and/or department are responsible for preparing and submitting the appointment packet three months prior to the visitor's arrival, in addition to preparing for the arrival (arranging for office space, if applicable). VGS may not enter the lab or university facility without an official approved appointment .

Dates of Visit

Start date of appointment should be a date in the future; GEPA will not accept retroactive appointment begin dates.

Summary of Research Project   

The proposed summary of research should include the specific activities and duties the applicant will perform during their visit

The following documents will be required to be uploaded in VGSAS as a condition of the VGS appointment approval process. All documents must be submitted in English.

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Current Proof of Registration (i.e. copy of current transcript or letter from home institution) as a graduate student (PhD, Masters, or MD)
• Proof of Health Insurance, submit a copy of the completed UC San Diego International Center "Form C: Health Insurance Memorandum of Understanding"
• Once the updated form is complete, it can be uploaded to the VGS application for the visitor and kept at the department level. Do not send the completed oath/patent form to GEPA.

Export Control

Before agreeing to host a VGS from a foreign country, please review the information from the UC San Diego Export Control Office. That office can provide further guidance if there is a specific concern. http://blink.ucsd.edu/sponsor/exportcontrol/

Appointment Extension

The appointment extension process for the VGS is through the Visiting Graduate Student Appointment System (VGSAS). 

The following document is required when the VGS/Sponsoring Department is requesting an appointment extension:

• Current proof of registration and/or transcript from the home institution
• Exception letter (if applicable)

NOTE: By UCOP policy, the maximum stay for VGS is a total of 2 years.  Extensions are only considered for VGS who have not met this maximum.  VGS exceeding the 2 year maximum may want to pursue admission to UC San Diego to complete their degree.

F-1 STEM OPT extension : New regulations governing the F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension are in effect as of May 10th, 2016 . In order for UC San Diego to either continue to employ or hire new F-1 students during their STEM OPT period, the institution must meet new requirements. Students will be responsible for alerting their departments to their need for STEM extension support, and departments will have to decide to either meet these new requirements or sponsor students in an alternative visa classification that provides work authorization. For more information, see:  http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/supervising/hiring/staff/f1-stem-opt.html

Health Insurance

It is required that all VGS have health insurance coverage 24 hours a day, including time spent at UC San Diego conducting research.

Effective September 1, 2014, this requirement must be met through:

• The UC San Diego Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan offered by Garnett-Powers
• Another insurer
• Be provided by the student’s home country

To enroll in the Plan offered by Garnett-Powers, visit http://clients.garnett-powers.com/vs/ucsd/ or call toll free 1-888-441-3719.  Note: The VGS appointment must be approved by the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) prior to enrollment in the Plan. 

If the VGS has other insurance, certain requirements must  be met to waive the UC San Diego Plan.  If the VGS is international with his/her own coverage, that coverage must also meet these standards that meet or exceed the J-1 Visa requirements, as well as provide this same coverage to the student’s eligible dependents.  The minimum levels of coverage that must be offered through the student’s own insurance can be found on Form C, here.

If the student’s insurance meets these requirements, he/she may request a waiver (to decline coverage) for the Plan.  Instructions on how to submit a waiver can be found here:  http://clients.garnett-powers.com/vs/ucsd/waiver/ .

Benefits and Services

VGS will be provided access to the following campus services regardless of their source of support:

• Campus ID card (see Affiliates categories, Visiting graduate)
• Library privileges
• Discount rates to special events
• Eligibility to enroll in Garnett‐Powers and Associates Visiting Academic Benefit Plan
• Eligibility to purchase RIMAC (recreational facility) card
• Visa sponsorship (F1 opt, J, or B)
• UC San Diego email account (policy varies by department)
• Individual recharge accounts (policy varies by department)

Other Resources

• Off Campus Housing: http://students.ucsd.edu/campus-services/housing/off campus/
• La Jolla Del Sol (UC San Diego Affiliated Housing): http://hdh.ucsd.edu/arch/ljds.asp
• Parking:  http://blink.ucsd.edu/facilities/transportation
• Questions regarding visas should be directed to International Center: http://icenter.ucsd.edu
• Other Visiting Scholars: http://blink.ucsd.edu/sponsor/ora/appoint-visiting.html

Becoming a Visiting Student Researcher

Faculty affiliated with CEAS are sometimes asked to supervise the research of visitors who may not be appointed as Visiting Scholars under current Stanford policy. The qualifications for appointment as a Visiting Scholar state that a person must hold a Ph.D. (or its equivalent from a country other than the United States) or be a recognized expert in the field. There are a limited number of instances, however, when it would be to the benefit of Stanford faculty to permit graduate students who have not yet attained the Ph.D. to engage in research on the Stanford campus using Stanford research facilities. Such instances might include students at other universities who are engaged in research at the doctoral level and who are doing research in a field of interest to a Stanford faculty member, or a student who is doing a laboratory rotation as part of a larger research study or grant. When agreeing to invite such graduate students to conduct research at Stanford, CEAS faculty is mindful of the need to place primary emphasis on providing research opportunities to regularly matriculated Stanford students. In general, faculty  should only sponsor Visiting Student Researchers when there is a clear and beneficial existing relationship.  In addition,  invited students must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of other Stanford graduate students, and the research must be of benefit to Stanford as well as the visitor. Visiting graduate students must work VERY INDEPENDENTLY at CEAS in order to be successful.

Enrollment Status

Any visiting graduate student who will be participating in research at Stanford for more than 30 days must be appointed into non-matriculated student status as a Visiting Student Researcher. Students may be classified as Visiting Student Researchers if they are here fewer than 30 days, at the discretion of CEAS. (No SUnet ID can be sponsored until the VSR appointment has been approved and processed by the Office of the University Registrar.)  

Visiting Student Researchers will be registered in the category: "Non-Matriculated Graduate Students - Visiting Student Researchers" (VSR).  Persons registered in the VSR category are not permitted to enroll in any classes. If Visiting Student Researchers wish to take classes at Stanford, they should contact the Graduate Admissions, Office of the University Registrar, and request an application for nonmatriculated graduate student enrollment status. A complete application, including letters of recommendation, official transcripts and applicable test scores, would be required by the nonmatriculated application deadline set by Graduate Admissions, Office of the Registrar. Nonmatriculated students must register for a minimum of eight units and are charged the regular tuition rate. Visiting Student Researchers from other U.S. universities who have educational loans cannot be certified by Stanford for loan deferments because they are neither matriculated at Stanford nor are they carrying a full-time course load. If the researcher is still matriculated at another university in the United States, s/he should contact their home institution regarding eligibility for loan deferments. VSR status is valid for up to one year. The status may be extended once for an additional year.

If duration of stay is greater than 90 days, Visiting Student Researchers will receive an ID card according them library privileges at the University libraries and sports privileges at the University's sports facilities, and may apply for a full-service University email account. Health benefits are not provided. Spouses do not have library or other privileges, though individual arrangements can on occasion be made for access to sports facilities. Limited shared office space is available on a first-come first-served basis. We cannot guarantee that scholars will have office space during their visit. CEAS is unable to provide computers for visitors. It is recommended that visitors who need regular access to a computer for writing or research bring one with them or buy one here.

Mandatory Fees

VSRs are subject to the following fees: 

• monthly VSR fee (see VSR Fees for current rates). Stanford does not waive or prorate the fee; the student is responsible for the full amount.
• quarterly Campus Health Services Fee  (see Campus Health Service Fee for current rates).
• quarterly departmental visiting student researcher fee of $500 per quarter.  This fee is assessed by CEAS regardless of how long in each quarter VSRs are in residence, and the fees for the entire intended duration of stay are due in full at the arrival orientation. 

In addition, Stanford university mandates a minimum level of funding necessary for living expenses, currently $2,500 per month for the scholar, plus $600 per month for a spouse, and $300 per month for each dependent child.  Information on all current fees anf funding requirements may be found at:  Funding Requirements for J-1 Scholars

Additional Possible Fees

All VSRs are required to maintain health insurance equivalent in coverage to the standard Cardinal Care offered by Vaden Health Services.  VSRs who do not have existing comparable health care will be required to purchase  Quarterly Health Insurance at the standard rate.  More information about standard coverage and waiving coverage through Stanford may be found at: Vaden Health Insurance

Foreign scholars not already affiliated with a U.S institution will need to apply for a J-1 visa to enter the U.S. as a Visiting Student Researcher. CEAS staff will help guide scholars through the application process. This process, from initial contact to receipt of the visa can take up to six months. Prospective visitors are encouraged to begin planning for their visit early. There are two types of J-1 visas:

•  Regular J-1
•  Short-term J-1

Foreign scholars who will be at Stanford for more than six months will apply for a regular J-1 visa. Scholars may be in the United States on a J-1 visa for a maximum of five years before the scholar is required to return to their home country. After completing their program, however, regardless of length of stay in the U.S., scholars will be barred from returning to the U.S. under a second J-1 visa for two years. The two-year bar does not apply to programs less than six months; thus a short-term J-1 visa is the best option for visitors who are only staying for less than half a year.

The Stanford fee for preparation of the initial and transfer DS-2019 documents for J-1 Visiting Student Researchers and family members, as well as costs for mailing of the documents via international courier, is included in the CEAS VSR fee (see above). All other J-1 application fees, including the SEVIS fee of $180 to the US Government which is paid online by the VSR before receiving the DS-2019, along with any local embassy/consulate appointment fees, are paid directly by the scholar.

CEAS does not provide funding for visiting scholars. All scholars who apply must show proof of financial support (through any combination of private funds, institutional support, or fellowship) equal to a minimum of $2,500 per month for the length of their entire visit. While this is the minimum required amount, due to the high cost of living around Stanford, CEAS recommends the following minimum funding amounts:

• $4,000/month Visiting Scholar
• $1,000/month Spouse
• $ 800/month each dependent child

Thus, we recommend a family of four have a minimum $6,600/month for the length of their stay.

CEAS staff are unable to assist visitors with finding housing. Visitors are able to view on-line listings and other resources at the  University Housing Office  once their names and e-mail addresses are forwarded during the application process. Visitors are also encouraged to utilize other resources such as  Craigslist , or other pay-for-service rental sites.

• Search Search Vai Close
• Directories Directories People Structures Vai Close
• AlmaRM - International mobility
• Certificates
• Document and library services
• EOL - Esami online
• Job vacancy
• Language courses
• Studenti Online - Manage your studies
• Tesi Online - Archive
• Tirocini Online - Internships offers
• UnibooK - Open knowledge
• Virtual Helpdesks - Online offices
• Virtuale - Teaching materials
• AlmaRegistri
• Cedolini web
• Incarichi extraistituzionali
• Internships
• IRIS - Institutional research archive
• Presenze web
• U-Web Reporting – Projects accounting
• University Intranet
• My e-mail for students
• My e-mail for staff

• Organisation and Campuses
• International outreach
• Contracting and sales
• Work with us
• Quality Assurance
• Guide to choosing your programme
• First and Single Cycle Degree
• Second Cycle Degree
• Course units, transferable skills, MOOCs
• PhDs and Professional Masters programmes, Specialisations and advanced training
• Study grants and subsidies
• Enrolment, fees and other procedures
• Incoming and outgoing international mobility
• Towards the job market
• Life at university and in the city
• The latest news from Alma Mater research
• Research in numbers
• Research areas and projects
• NRRP – Opportunities, expectations and results
• Research organisation and infrastructure
• Networking for research
• Open Science
• Research at Unibo
• Research for society and businesses
• People and the community
• Business and nonprofit
• Bodies and institutions
• Development cooperation
• Continuing education
• Sustainability
• Events and news
• Prospective bachelor's students
• Enrolled students
• Organizations and companies

Visiting PhD students from abroad

Visiting PhD students are foreign or Italian doctoral students enrolled at foreign universities invited to UniBo departments to carry out a mobility period, outside international cooperation agreements or projects the University of Bologna takes part in. The following information does not apply to PhD students enrolled at the University of Bologna or to mobility students under cotutelle agreements or within international agreements or projects (i.e. Erasmus+).

If your destination is Bologna, contact the International Desk for help with incoming procedures. For other destinations, contact the International Relations Office of the relative  campus :  Cesena ,  Forlì ,  Ravenna ,  Rimini .

Visa issuing procedures take a long time and you should start the procedure well in advance (at least 3 months).

Before arriving in Italy

Eu citizens.

If you are a citizen of one of the European Union countries or of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and San Marino, you must:

• check that your identity document is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Italy;
• have appropriate health care coverage valid in Italy ( EHIC  card and/or private insurance ).

Non-EU Citizens

You must check if you need a visa on the  Visa for Italy  website by selecting “Study – Exchange and mobility programme” as the reason for your stay.

If you need a visa, you have to:

• pre-enrol online via the  Universitaly portal   (step 6) . In the application you must indicate: - “Specify the reason for the visa application”: I want to spend a mobility period for study/traineeship (e.g. Erasmus); - “Course information”: Institution: Università degli Studi di Bologna, Course type: Corso/i singolo/i – Single course(s), Course name: in the text field you must describe your position at the University of Bologna, e.g.: Visiting PhD (and your contact professor at Unibo).
• apply for a visa . Contact the relevant Italian Embassy well in advance to check the specific documents required for a visa for study purposes. Usually you need to submit: - passport or valid travel document expiring at least three months following the requested visa; - a letter of invitation from the department at the University of Bologna hosting you; - the summary of your Universitaly pre-enrolment application validated by the University of Bologna; - a document demonstrating suitable means of financial support; - demonstration of accommodation (hotel booking, declaration of hosting signed by an EU citizen or non-EU citizen with an Italian residence permit); - if you are not entitled to health care in Italy by virtue of agreements in force with your home country, a health insurance policy for medical care and hospital treatment. Read more on  Medical Assistance for Foreign Students .

Visitors with a D-type study visa may apply for a residence permit. While your residence permit for study purposes is valid, you may work for up to 20 hours a week. These hours are cumulative over fifty-two weeks, with a maximum limit of 1,040 hours (for more information, see art 14 comma 4, DPR n. 394/1999).

After your arrival in Italy

Upon arrival, you will need to check-in at your hosting department. Bring an ID with you: your passport or, only if you are a EU citizen, your Identity Card. Check on the Department website or ask your contact professor for the contact of the competent administrative staff. Your registration will be done through a “Visiting” application.

In order to check-in, your mobility period must already be registered by your academic contact and approved by the Department Director.

At check-in you will get a username and a password to access the online services of the University of Bologna and your Arrival Statement, which you will then use to apply for your residence permit (see below).

If you need a badge, after check-in please inform the Department staff or your contact professor; they will request it following the procedure specified on the intranet.

You will need to provide them with a passport size photo, with a .jpg extension and max size of 300KB; the photo must comply with the same rules that apply to valid ID photos.

Once the request has been approved, you will receive an e-mail with a QR CODE and the instructions to follow to collect your  badge at one of the self-service machines .

Accident insurance

As an exchange student, after check-in, you are insured against accidents that may occur on the university premises or any other place in which studies and research activities authorized by the University are performed.

For more information read about the  insurance service  of the University of Bologna.

Residing in Italy: EU Citizens

You can register in the registry office of the Municipality where you live. Read the instructions on the website of the Municipality.

If you live in the Municipality of Bologna and your stay in Italy is temporary (you are resident abroad), check how to apply for temporary residence at the Municipality of Bologna . Alternatively, check how to apply for residency at the Municipality of Bologna.

Residing in Italy: non-EU Citizens

Declaration of presence

If you intend to stay in Italy for less than 90 days, you do not need to apply for a residence permit, but you must go to the Questura within 8 days for the Declaration of presence (if not exempted). Read the general information on how to make the Declaration of presence for exchange students. Attention: in contrast to what is stated, as a visiting PhD student you check-in at the hosting Department.

Residence permit

If you have a D-type visa for study purposes and intend to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit within 8 working days of your arrival in Italy. Read the information about how to apply for a  residence permit  for exchange students.

Attention: in contrast to what is stated, as a visiting PhD student you will check-in at your hosting department instead of at the International Relations Office.

For information and to book a free appointment with an immigration support service, you can write to [email protected]. The staff of the immigration support service will provide you with an application kit (including the envelope, required forms and payment slip), and will assist you free of charge in filling out the application for the issue or renewal of the residence permit.

At the end of the mobility period

Before leaving, don’t forget to check out at the same office where you checked in. You will get a Certificate of Departure, confirming the start and end dates of your mobility period at the University of Bologna. Detailed certifications for the activities carried out may be issued by your contact professor.

CONTACTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STAFF, PROFESSORS AND RESEARCHERS

Information for: PhD candidates (with visa or resident permit for research); visiting PhD students; visiting researchers, fellows; visiting professors; visiting scholars

Via Filippo Re 4 - 40126 Bologna (Italy)