Visiting PhD students
Guidelines for PhD students who would like to visit UCL.
On this page:
The programme aims to provide cutting-edge, applied research and training for exceptional students so that they may successfully pursue careers in research, healthcare management, health services, consultancy and policy within several types of organisations focused on driving forward better health outcomes.
Visiting PhD Students and Staff
Instructions for PhD students who would like to visit UCL for a short period of research (one term or less)
We're keen to host PhD students from other universities to undertake a short period of research (less than 3 months) at UCL. We're not able to accept all students who make an application to visit the Department, but we are keen to welcome visiting doctoral researchers whenever possible.
If you're interested in applying to UCL as a visiting student, you should provide the following details to the Department by way of application:
- Proposed dates of visit
- Reason for visit
- UCL faculty member who would supervise your visit and details of any prior contact with this academic
- If any funding is required
- Letter of recommendation from your main advisor and a CV
These materials should be submitted to the PhD administrator, Sharleen Young.
Our Graduate Tutor, Dr Paul Expert, is responsible for decisions concerning the Department’s visiting research students. Applicants will be notified they have been accepted as a visiting research student.
Instructions for PhD students who would like to visit UCL for an extended period of research (one term or more)
We're keen to host PhD students from other universities who would like to visit UCL for an extended period of research (3-12 months). Doctoral students studying at an external institution who wish to study with the Department for between 3-12 months should apply through the UCL Admissions Office. Prospective visiting students should comply with UCL's visiting research students regulations and complete our visiting research student application process. They are expected to pay a student fee for their stay duration pro-rata of £6,035 for 24/25 and £6,215 for 25/26.
For more information regarding how to apply you should visit the how to apply as an independent visiting research student webpage.
When you apply, you must ensure you indicate the following on page 1 of the application form:
- The proposed start and end dates of your visit
- If any funding is required
- Reason for visit
- Letter of recommendation from your main advisor and a CV
- A document explaining what the supervisory arrangement between your home supervisor and host supervisor are. At least one of the host supervisors must be a UCL approved primary supervisor. The supersviory arrangement must by agreed upon by all parties. A list of the Department’s academic staff and their research interests can be found on our staff pages.
Please also email the PhD administrator, Sharleen Young when you have submitted your application. This will enable her to track the progress of your application.
In preparation for your visit with us, the department is unable to provide access to UK or any other secure data to visitors or visiting students. If you require this service, please contact your home institute, as they will be required to provide such access. The department also recommends that you bring your own laptop with the software you need.
Our Graduate Tutor, Dr Paul Expert, is responsible for decisions concerning the Department’s visiting research students. Applicants will be notified if they have been accepted as a visiting research student.
Chinese national students can apply to the China Scholarship Council - UCL Visiting Research Student Award to cover the tuition fees, if available. Please note the application deadline is usually 31st January for the next academic year, so contact potential GBSH supervisors during term 1 (Oct-Dec) to start the visit the following academic year.
You can apply here.
Visiting Post-Doctoral Researchers (PDRAs)
Instructions for PDRA’s who would like to visit UCL for minimum of 1 month and up to a maximum of 12 months.
PDRA’s who want to stay for more than 3 month’s are expected to pay a bench fee for their stay duration pro-rata of £5,690 for 22/23. Visiting PDRA’s should provide the following details to the Department by way of application:
- Proposed dates of visit.
- Reason for visit.
- Department academic with whom you would collaborate during the period of visiting research and details of any prior contact with this academic.
- Letter of recommendation from your line manager and a CV.
- Status: Overseas or home?
The above should be submitted to the PhD Administrator, Sharleen Young.
Applicants will be notified shortly after submission if you have been accepted to visit the Global Business School. If successful, you will be directed to our online shop where you can make payment for your visit.
If you have overseas status, the process will begin to obtain a visa which will be organised by yourself. More information on what is needed can be found here.
Payment is required after the successful granting of a visa.
NOTE: If you have overseas status, you will not be expected to pay until after your visa has been granted.
Visiting Academics
This scheme is intended for academics from overseas who wish to spend a period at UCL, normally of not less than four weeks and not more than one calendar year, pursuing their own research either individually or in association with members of staff of UCL in related fields of interest.
Visitors wishing to stay for more than 4 weeks must apply to UCL's Affiliate Academic scheme. Applicants are required to provide a current CV and a proposal of the research they wish to undertake as part of the application process. They will also be charged a fee (pro rata of £6,035 for 24/25 and £6,215 for 25/26) for use of our facilities. Please note that borrowing rights at UCL libraries are currently available only to those visitors staying 3 months or more.