Eligibility & Applications



The information on this page is for undergraduate Visiting International Research Students (VIRS) only. 

Graduate Visiting International Research Students (VIRS) should visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies page for application and admission information.

Eligibility Criteria (undergraduate VIRS):

  • To be considered, applicants must have active student status at another higher education institution outside of Canada.
  • Applicants must intend to come to the solely for the purpose of conducting research on a project that is academically relevant to their program of study at their home institution.
  • Applicants must obtain a written invitation from the host supervisor(s) to do research at .
  • Applicants must obtain written approval from the home supervisor(s) to do research at .
  • Academic research activities at cannot lead to credits from . VIRS are not permitted to register in courses at . The Registrar’s Office will enroll VIRS in a specially-coded course that will give them student status at .
  • The duration of research activities at is limited to a maximum of 12 months. Under special circumstances, a longer duration may be requested.

Application Process

Undergraduate VIRS must formally apply to and be admitted as a special non-degree student. 

  1. Visit ’s to begin the application process.  
  2. Under “First Time Users,” select .
  3. Click on “Start New Application” and choose Undergraduate Application.
  4. From the side menu, select “Program Information.” Then select the following:  
    • I want to apply to: Individual Courses
    • Select the program you intend to study: Visiting Student
    • Select your intended major: Visiting Researcher
    • Entry Term: from the dropdown menu, select the term in which you plan to begin your research visit
    • Under “primary reason for taking courses at ,” select Personal Interest or Professional Development. Both options are fine
    • Under “specific course you’re looking to take,” input n/a
    • Enter your start and end dates (these should match the dates in the Invitation Letter provided to you by your supervisor)
  5. Under “Academic History,” provide information about your home institution/university.
  6. Complete the “Informed Consent” page ONLY if you give permission to release your personal and/or academic and/or financial information to designated individual(s). Otherwise, skip this section and click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.

As part of your application, you must provide the Registrar’s Office with the following documents: 

  • A copy of the Invitation Letter from your supervisor, and 
  • A copy of the Support Letter from your home institution. The Support Letter should indicate that your home institution is aware that you will be doing research at and gives their official approval/support. 

Note: References, transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS scores, or other supporting documents are not required as part of the application.

Immigration Guidance

  • Visiting International Research Students should contact the International Centre directly with any immigration-related questions.
  • Supervising professors are encouraged to complete and submit to the International Centre an  to determine what immigration process(es) the Visiting International Research Student must follow and what timelines may apply.