Visiting students

The School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) is delighted to welcome a small number of visiting PhD students.

This page outlines:

• the criteria for applying - including language, admissions and visa requirements
• when you should apply - we have four deadlines based on intended start dates
• how to apply
• how much it will cost

To qualify as a visiting PhD student, you need to be a current, full-time PhD student at another academic institution. 

You can apply to visit LLC for a period of up to 12 months.

You should have a specific research reason to be at the University of Edinburgh, either because of materials available in the University library, or because of a research link with a current member of University staff in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. 

Without clear research reasons, we will be unable to process an application.

If you are applying to be a visiting PhD student for a period of three months or more, you will be expected to provide evidence that you meet the minimum English language entry requirements.

If you are applying for a shorter period, you may still need to demonstrate appropriate English language skills.

Visiting students must meet the University’s standard admissions requirements for research programmes. 

These can be found on the University’s Degree Finder. 

All applicants who require a student visa should meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) criteria. 

We have four application deadlines throughout the year. These are based on your intended start date at Edinburgh. 

Application process times can vary, so please ensure that you apply well ahead of your intended visit. 

You should submit your Visiting Student Request Form within the timescales outlined below. 

Please note that we will not be able to process requests out-with these dates and are unable to accept late applications.  

Visiting PhD students need to identify a member of academic staff within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) to act as their Academic Sponsor.

At this stage, you do not need to contact the academic staff member - you just need their name.

All staff are listed on our website by department.

When you have identified your proposed Academic Sponsor, you should complete our Visiting Student Request Form, providing details of:

• your project plans, including what research you intend to undertake during your visit
• a breakdown of your stay
• proposed visit dates and Academic Sponsor

It is important that you discuss your intentions with your current supervisor, as we will require an email from them before we can start processing your proposed visit. This email from your current supervisor must contain a Support Statement, on university letterhead paper, and confirm that you have discussed your visit with them and that they support your time away and the work you are proposing to undertake. 

Once we have received your Visiting Student Request Form and the email from your current supervisor containing their Support Statement, our Postgraduate Research Office will liaise with your proposed Academic Sponsor and their Head of Department, whose approval is required for us to proceed with your application.

If you are successful, you will be invited to complete a full, formal application to the Postgraduate Research Office. 

The following documents are required to support your application:

• An official transcript of a postgraduate master's degree - see 'Criteria' for further details and links
• Official statement confirming you are currently registered as a full-time student on a degree programme elsewhere
• An academic reference from your current programme of study
• A personal statement
• A research proposal
• Appropriate English language skills or valid test - see 'Criteria' for further details and links
• A completed application form; this will be emailed to you by the Postgraduate Research Office
• A detailed month-by-month breakdown of what you plan to undertake during your stay

Assessed applications will then be passed to the College Visiting Students Office for processing and a formal offer.

You will not be charged a tuition fee if you are admitted as a visiting PhD student to the University for a period of twelve weeks or less.

You will be charged a flat fee rate if accepted as a visiting PhD student for a period of more than twelve weeks, up to and including twelve months.

• The 2024 to 2025 academic year fee is £955 for visits from 12 weeks up to and including 12 months.
• The 2025 to 2026 academic year fee is £1,015 for visits from 12 weeks up to and including 12 months. 

Fees must be paid in full before the visit. The Visiting Student Office will provide information regarding payment once the visit has been approved.