Visiting Research Students

Swansea University welcomes student visitors globally, for visits where the proposed visit to Swansea is an ‘integral’ part of a student’s current course of study at another Institution. Whilst we make every effort to accommodate visit requests, due to the level of demand and aligned intensity of competition for limited places, admission is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Visits of up to 6 months in duration - Key Points:

• £0 charge
• Streamlined UK immigration process via UK Standard Visitor Visa Route
• Student English Language entry requirement can range from IELTS 6.5 to IELTS 5.5 (or Swansea University recognised equivalent) dependent on aligned area of research. Further details on our English Language policy can be found here. Successful visitors that have been issued a conditional offer on the basis of acquiring an English Language certificate are encouraged to book a place on our free (1 attempt) Swansea University SWELT test.
• Successful visitors required to hold ATAS clearance prior to enrolment should apply well in advance of their proposed visit timeline to allow their ATAS application to be processed.

Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate. Please note that the above national/country list is subject to change and as such visitor applicants should check ATAS eligibility, prior to applying.

Visits of between 6-12 months in duration - Key Points:

• Months 6-12 are potentially (1) charged at 50-75% pro rata the full course fee.
• Charges for visits over 6 months are reclaimed wherever possible, however Faculties may waive charges for PGR Visiting Students when a clear rationale as to why charges won’t be reclaimed/waived, endorsed by the Executive Dean (or nominee) is entered into the application selection decision and authorisation process.
• UK fee eligible visitors, 12 months visit charge could amount to in-excess of £1,500. Please note that the above is an approximate guide and subject to change. Exact visit charges are listed in our offer letters.
• International fee eligible visitors, 12 months visit charge could amount to in-excess of £6,750. Please note that the above is an approximate guide and subject to change. Exact visit charges are listed in our offer letters.
• Visits of between 6-12 months require Student Route (Tier 4 Sponsorship) - Full UK student immigration process required. Please factor in sufficient time to obtain the visa when aligning proposed visit dates.
• Student English Language entry requirement can range from IELTS 6.5 to IELTS 5.5 (or Swansea University recognised equivalent) dependent on aligned area of research. Further details on our English Language policy can be found here. Successful visitors that have been issued a conditional offer on the basis of acquiring an English Language certificate are encouraged to book a place on our free (1 attempt) Swansea University SWELT test.
• Successful visitors required to hold ATAS clearance prior to enrolment should apply well in advance of their proposed visit timeline to allow their ATAS application to be processed.

Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate. Please note that the above national/country list is subject to change and as such visitor applicants should check ATAS eligibility, prior to applying.

Step 1: Self-check that your proposed visit meets University and UKVI regulations/eligibility.

Students visiting Swansea must:

   a) Be enrolled on a current course of study at another institution whilst visiting Swansea.

   b) ensure that your proposed visit to Swansea forms an integral part of your current course of study.

Step 2: Identify a potential academic to act as an advisor for your visit. Please search via our 'Directory of Expertise'.

Step 3: Contact identified potential academic advisor to discuss your proposed visit.

Step 4: If the above academic wishes to nominate you to be considered for the Faculty selection process, the Faculty Visiting Research Application Form must be completed. 

Completed forms should be attached to the central admissions online ‘APPLY’ formal visit application system and electronically submitted - See step 5.

Step 5: Complete University application form via 'APPLY system':

   i) Select the appropriate hyperlink for PGR Visiting Research student: October Start, January Start, April Start or July start.

   ii) Complete application form, attaching your completed/ signed faculty nomination form, degree transcript/ certificate, academic reference, CV and copy of English Language test certificate (if appropriate).

Step 6: Faculty will receive application packages from PGR Admissions team, considering all PGR visiting student’s expressions of interest as a cohort (see decision timeline below in FAQ), and inform PGR Admission team of decisions.

Step 7: PGR Admissions team contact unsuccessful students to inform them of outcome, and successful students to instruct them on process for visa application - if appropriate.

Step 8: Invite letter (VISA/ATAS application instructions - if appropriate) issued to student for the visit by PGR Admissions staff as standard.

All offers are conditional upon the student's current Institution completing the following Home Institution Visiting Research Student Disclaimer.

Key Fact

• The University welcomes enquiries from Associate Researchers who hold an external scholarship/funding to undertake a period of independent research. Whilst the University is keen to support Associate Researchers in their research, due to the aligned external regulations and intensity of competition for limited research places, no guarantee can be made.

Please contact our Admissions Manager (Research) to discuss further at r.r.ward@swansea.ac.uk.