Visiting International Research Students

Information for Visiting Students

This information is for students visiting UNBC. If you are a current UNBC student seeking to visit a university internationally for the purpose of conducting research, please contact the International Office.

Application Process

The completed application must be received in the Office of Graduate Programs no later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the visit.

The process to apply for visiting research student status at UNBC is outlined below:

  • Once a student has secured the support of a UNBC faculty member, the faculty member will create a Letter of Invitation. This letter is then sent to the visiting student and the visiting student’s supervisor for review and approval. The template for the Letter of Invitation with full instructions and a sample letter can be found here: Invitation Letter Template and Instructions.
  • Once the terms of the visit have been agreed upon, the student should submit the Visiting Research Student Authorization Form along with a copy of the Invitation Letter and a current confirmation of enrolment at their home institution to the Office of Graduate Programs (grad-office@unbc.ca).
  • On approval of the terms of the research visit, the Office of Graduate Programs will send a letter of confirmation to the student. A copy of this letter will be forwarded (along with the final approved authorization form) to the student’s supervisor and the student’s home Graduate Program administrative office. The student will be registered in VRES 950 for the duration of their visit.

Eligibility Information for Visiting International Graduate Research Students

Visiting international graduate research students must meet the following criteria to apply for visiting researcher status:

  • The student cannot hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
  • The student must be registered in a graduate degree program at a post-secondary institution and maintain this registration throughout the duration of the visit. A confirmation of enrolment is required.
  • The visit to UNBC must be for the primary purpose of conducting research relevant to the student’s program of study for no more than 12 months in duration.
  • The student must not be employed by UNBC in any capacity (including research-related remuneration) prior to the visit and for the total duration of the visit.
  • The student must have the support of a UNBC faculty member who has agreed to act as their supervisor for the duration of the visit.
  • The student must have obtained the appropriate immigration documentation.
  • The student will not be permitted to register in any coursework at UNBC for the duration of the research visit.

Immigration Documentation Requirements

The type of immigration authorization will vary depending on the duration and type of the visit.

Academic Qualifications and English Language Requirements

The UNBC faculty member supervising the student is responsible for assessing the suitability of the applicant to undertake research at UNBC. As such, there are no formal academic or English language requirements mandated by the University.
Health Care and Student Services

Heath and Dental Coverage and Student Fees

International students are automatically enrolled in the Health and Dental plan as a requirement for their attendance. Additional student fees will be assessed and international students will have access to transit services through the U-Pass. International students will also have full access to the UNBC library and other UNBC student services for the duration of their visit. Other accommodations, such as the availability of office space or access to research materials outside of the library, must be arranged with the student’s UNBC supervisor. Students will be charged all applicable student fees, excluding the cost of tuition. More information about fees and costs associated with conducting a visit at UNBC may be viewed here