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The University of Southampton
Doctoral College

Visiting Research Students

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Information on visiting the University as a research student, and a breakdown of the Visiting Student policy, can be found below.

 

 

What is a Visiting Research Student (VRS)?

A ‘Visiting Research Student’ is someone who is currently engaged with research at another University, either in the UK or abroad, where there is no formal exchange agreement in place, who wishes to undertake part of their research at the University of Southampton.

A VRS is most commonly a doctoral researcher, but can also be an MPhil researcher or a student studying at undergraduate or postgraduate taught level who is undertaking research as part of their degree.

The research you wish to complete here at the University of Southampton must contribute to or support your current research project(s) at your home university to qualify as a VRS.

What if my research at University of Southampton does not relate to my home degree or research project?

If the research you wish to undertake does not form part of your home degree qualification or research project, you would not be classified as a Visiting Research Student.

In this instance, you would be classified as a staff and academic Visitor and your application would be processed by our Human Resources team.

Find out more about visiting the University as a staff and academic Visitor.

How long am I allowed to visit the University for and are there any fees?

If there is no formal partnership agreement in place between your home institution and the University of Southampton, a VRS would generally be enrolled for a period of up to 12 continuous weeks. A VRS who is accepted to undertake research for up to 12 weeks will not be charged any academic fees.

If there is a formal partnership agreement in place between your home institution and the University of Southampton, please find out more here about our Exchange and Study Abroad policies.

What if I want to stay longer than 12 weeks and what are the fees?

If you are admitted to carry out research for more than a continuous 12 weeks and up to a 12 month period, you will be required to pay a pro-rata fee for each calendar month of study. Important information surrounding fees can be found in the Visiting Student Policy and Procedure, point 10.

If you wish to undertake research at University of Southampton for longer than 12 continuous weeks, and up to a period of 12 months, you must discuss and seek approval from both your home supervisor as well as your allocated supervisor at the University of Southampton.

Visiting Student Policy

What happens if I would like to stay for longer than 12 months?

Visiting Research Students are normally not allowed to stay longer than 12 months without registering for a University of Southampton qualification. The only exception to this would be if you needed to extend your visit to complete your research due to circumstances out of your control. In the first instance, you must discuss the issue with both your home supervisor as well as your allocated supervisor at the University of Southampton.

If I visit as a VRS, will I graduate from the University of Southampton?

No. If you attend as a Visiting Research Student, you will not graduate from the University of Southampton. Any research undertaken or credits gained may be transferred back to your home institution and count towards your final qualification.

This would only differ if you decided to transfer your home programme to a University of Southampton qualification.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in visiting the University as a research student, please complete the Visiting Research Student Application Form. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

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Further VRS information

Further information for Visiting Research Students, including the full policy and postgraduate research application form

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Staff and Academic Visitors

Information for those wishing to visit the University as a Visiting Professor, Fellow, Academic or a non-academic visitor  

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