three postgraduate students sitting by a fountain

Types of visit

Visiting Research Student

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.

 

How to Apply to Visit Associate Researcher

FAQs

Q. When can I start my visit?

A. During our October, January, April, and July enrolment windows. Due to the volume of demand, acceptance is not guaranteed and is on a competitive basis.

Q. Is there a cost to visit?

A. Visits of up to 6 months in duration are free of charge. Visits of over 6 months are liable to attract a visit charge based at 50%-75% of the aligned PhD 100% tuition fee, pro-rota. Any appropriate visit charge (6 – 12 months) is outlined in our invite letters.

Q. Can any charge outlined in an invitation letter be waived? (6–12-month visit)

A. To be fair and consistent to all visiting students, charges are applied unilaterally and cannot be waived.

Q. What are the English Language entrance requirements?

A. Details on the English Language entrance requirements can be found here. Any English Language entry requirements are outlined in our visit invite letters. Conditional offer holders can book 1 free of charge Swansea SWELT test.

Q. I am a non-UK based student, will I need a visa?

A. Details on UK immigration requirements can be found here.

Q. After enrolment, can I extend a visit for up to 6 months to greater than 6 months in duration?

A. Post enrolment, visits cannot be extended in duration to greater than a 6-month duration.

Q. When should I apply for my visit?

A. We accept applications at any time. However, to allow for our application/selection process to complete and for offer conditions, potential visa application and ATAS clearance to finalise, we recommend that applications are made no later than 3 months prior to the proposed visit start date.

Q. Can I undertake multiple visits to Swansea?

A. Decisions to accept visitors rests with Faculty nominees, normally, students can only visit once, within one 12-month period. Secondly, normally, multiple visits to Swansea should not total more than 12 months in combined visit duration time.