Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs)

Students can apply as a visiting student researcher if they are a graduate student from another institution interested in conducting research at the University of Calgary for credit towards their degree.

Student Requirements

Written Invitation from UofC Faculty Member

A faculty member who is interested in hosting a visiting student must provide written confirmation to the student that they are willing to supervise them. This is done through the Supervisor Confirmation of Interest Letter. Please note that this letter is not a formal admission letter.

Supervisor Confirmation of Interest Letter

Student Confirmation of Registration

Students must be currently enrolled in a thesis-based graduate program (Masters or PhD) at a recognized, accredited post-secondary institution.  The applicant will be required to provide proof of current registration as part of the application process.

Student Confirmation of Funding

UofC Faculty members must complete a Confirmation of Funding form for their visiting student. Funding must come from the applicant's home institution, the UofC supervisor, or from a 3rd party institution and must meet the minimum requirements of the GSE Funding Policy 

Confirmation of Funding form (for supervisors)


Steps for Student to Apply

  1. Contact prospective supervisor(s)

    As noted above, all Visiting Student Researchers must have supervision from a current U of C faculty member.

  2. Supervisor Letter of Invitation

    Once a faculty member has agreed to supervise a visiting student, the supervisor should complete the template for an official "Confirmation of Interest Letter" Please note that this letter is not an offer of admission.

The following documents are required for all VS-R applications:

  1. Unofficial Transcript(s) and Letter of Enrollment

    All students must submit a current, unofficial transcript or grade record showing activity in a current graduate program.  If the transcript does not show that the student is currently registered, a letter of enrollment verification is also necessary.  Because most transcripts do no verify current enrollment, it is recommended that the applicant submit an enrollment verification letter as part of the initial application package to expedite processing.

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

    A current Curriculum Vitae can be copied into the application, but it is recommended to include it as an attachment to ensure that formatting and content remain unchanged.

  3. Statement of Research Intent

    The Statement of Research Intent is a document written by the applicant and/or U of C supervisor that outlines the research that the applicant intends to carry out while at the University of Calgary.  The statement should clearly outline how the research being conducted will fit into the applicant's research program at their home institution.

  4. Proof of Funding

    If the student will receive funding from their home university or from a 3rd party funding source, documentation needs to be submitted that demonstrates that the funding to be received meets the minimum requirements set out in the GSE funding policy.

The application process consists of the following steps:

  1. Submit Application

    Once all pre-application requirements have been met and all necessary documents have been gathered, the Visiting Student Researcher can submit an application.  In most cases, the application is submitted to the program where the U of C supervisor has supervisory privileges.  When applying, please select the Visiting Student - Thesis (GSVST) application.

  2. Pay Application Fee

    Directions for payment of the application fee are provided on the application form itself.  NB: application processing cannot begin until the application fee has been paid.

  3. Upload Required documents

    Upload all documents requested above to your application.

     


Important Information

  • Visiting students are normally permitted to attend UCalgary for up to 12 months.
  • Deadlines to apply are:
    • Jan 1 (International) and Mar 1 (Domestic) for Spring session (May to Jun.)
    • March 1 (International) and May 1 (Domestic) for Summer session (Jul. to Aug.)
    • May 1 (International) and Jul. 1 (Domestic) for Fall session (Sep. to Dec.)
    • Sept 1 (International) and Nov. 1 (Domestic) for Winter session (Jan. to Apr.)
       
Timelines for VSR review