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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.

Deadlines

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.