
Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are known as Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) and are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students. Their appointments last between one and twelve months, during which they are expected to conduct research and are not allowed to enrol in or audit classes. To be eligible for a VSR position, students must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of other Stanford graduate students, and their research must benefit Stanford as well as the visitor. Stanford also offers various summer research programs for undergraduate students, such as the Stanford Neurodiversity Project and the Sustainability and Earth Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Graduate students currently enrolled at other universities |
| What is the eligibility criteria? | Students should be engaged in research in a field of interest to a Stanford faculty member or should be doing a laboratory rotation as part of a larger research study or grant. |
| What is the duration of the appointment? | 1 to 12 months |
| What is the status of the student? | Non-matriculated graduate students |
| What is the fee structure? | VSRs will be charged a monthly fee comparable to Terminal Graduate Registration, the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee, and the Cardinal Care student health insurance (unless they have comparable coverage with another carrier) |
| What is the intellectual property policy? | VSRs are required to sign a Stanford Patent and Copyright Agreement (SU-18). In special circumstances, they may sign the SU-18A agreement. |
| What is the Honor Code and Fundamental Standard? | VSRs who violate Stanford's academic conduct and behavioral standards are subject to termination of their Stanford appointment. |
| What is the safety training policy? | The sponsoring faculty member is responsible for ensuring that VSRs receive the required training, including health and safety training and instruction in the protection of human subjects. |
| What is the visa requirement for international students? | International VSRs must have a DS-2019 (certification for J-1 visa status) issued by the Bechtel International Center prior to their arrival in the US. |
| Are there any special considerations for current doctoral students of newly hired Stanford faculty? | Yes, there are options for continuing their doctoral program. Discussions about these options should take place early in the faculty recruitment process. |
| What is the process for creating an Undergraduate Visiting Research Intern (UGVI) position? | Schools and departments can sponsor an UGVI to work under a Stanford faculty member in a research lab or project. To be eligible, students must be invited by a Stanford faculty member, currently enrolled in a bachelor's-level degree program for at least two years, and qualified to conduct research at a comparable level. |
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What You'll Learn
- Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs)
- Stanford's policy on non-matriculated student researchers
- Students from other universities doing research of interest to Stanford faculty
- Students from other universities doing laboratory rotations as part of a larger research study
- International students as Visiting Student Researchers

Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs)
Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs and are identified as non-matriculated student researchers.
Eligibility
Stanford faculty can, in limited instances, permit graduate students from other universities to engage in research at Stanford using Stanford research facilities. Such instances might include students engaged in research in a field of interest to a Stanford faculty member or a student doing a laboratory rotation as part of a larger research study or grant. Students sponsored as VSRs must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of other Stanford graduate students, and the research must benefit Stanford as well as the visitor.
Appointment
VSR appointments can be for one to twelve months and do not need to begin at the start of an academic quarter. An extension of up to three months can be requested by the sponsoring faculty with department chair approval if the student is in good academic and financial standing with their home university and Stanford.
Fees and Charges
VSRs will be charged a monthly fee comparable to Terminal Graduate Registration, set annually by Stanford's Board of Trustees. They will also be charged the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee and, unless they have comparable coverage with another carrier, the Cardinal Care student health insurance fee.
Intellectual Property
VSRs are required to sign a Stanford Patent and Copyright Agreement (SU-18). In special circumstances, they may sign the SU-18A agreement instead. The sponsoring faculty is responsible for ensuring compliance with this university policy.
Safety Training
The faculty member who sponsors the VSR is responsible for assuring that they receive any required training to carry out their research at Stanford, including health and safety training and instruction in the protection of human subjects.
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Stanford's policy on non-matriculated student researchers
Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities as non-matriculated student researchers. These students are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs and are directly invited by the sponsoring faculty member. Such instances are limited and might include students at other universities who are engaged in research in a field of interest to a Stanford faculty member or a student who is doing a laboratory rotation as part of a larger research study or grant. These individuals are known as Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) and are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students.
VSR appointments can be for one to twelve months, and they are required to sign a Stanford Patent and Copyright Agreement (SU-18). They are not allowed to enrol in or audit classes. VSRs are charged a monthly fee, the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee, and, unless they document comparable coverage, the Cardinal Care student health insurance fee. They are, however, entitled to receive a student photo identification card.
Stanford also offers the Undergraduate Visiting Research Intern (UGVI) position for students currently enrolled and matriculating in a bachelor’s-level degree program for at least two years at an accredited U.S. or international college or university. This internship is only valid during the Summer Quarter, beginning as early as June 1 and ending no later than August 31. To be eligible, students must be invited by a Stanford faculty member, be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to Stanford undergraduates, and the research must benefit Stanford and the student's academic career.
Additionally, current doctoral students of faculty newly hired by Stanford have options to continue their doctoral programs. Discussions about these options should take place early in the faculty recruitment process.
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Students from other universities doing research of interest to Stanford faculty
Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs and are identified as non-matriculated student researchers. Students who are engaged in research in a field of interest to a Stanford faculty member or are doing a laboratory rotation as part of a larger research study or grant are known as Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) and are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students.
VSR appointments can range from one to twelve months and do not need to begin at the start of an academic quarter. During their time at Stanford, VSRs are not allowed to enroll in or audit classes. They are, however, entitled to receive a student photo identification card and are required to sign a Stanford Patent and Copyright Agreement (SU-18). Before the appointment start date, the sponsoring department may choose to sponsor a SUNet ID for the VSR. VSRs are charged a monthly fee, the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee, and, unless they have comparable coverage, Cardinal Care student health insurance.
Stanford also offers the Undergraduate Visiting Research Intern (UGVI) position, which is open to students currently enrolled and matriculating in a bachelor’s-level degree program for at least two years at a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association or at an international college or university of recognized standing. To be eligible, students must be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of Stanford undergraduates, and the research must benefit Stanford as well as the visiting student's academic career.
Additionally, Stanford offers various summer programs for undergraduate students, such as the Stanford Neurodiversity Project (SNP), the Sustainability and Earth Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SESUR), and the DSURP program in data science. These programs provide opportunities for students to work with faculty members and mentors on research projects, attend seminars, and present their work.
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Students from other universities doing laboratory rotations as part of a larger research study
Students from other universities doing laboratory rotations at Stanford
Stanford University allows graduate students from other universities to engage in research at its facilities in limited instances. These instances include students who are doing laboratory rotations as part of a larger research study or grant. Such students are called Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) and are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students.
Benefits of Laboratory Rotations
Laboratory rotations offer students the opportunity to explore multiple research areas and methodologies. They can learn about various research projects, experience different lab cultures, and work with diverse research teams. Rotations allow students to build a strong network of mentors and peers from various research backgrounds, which can be beneficial throughout their graduate studies and careers.
Challenges of Laboratory Rotations
Balancing multiple lab rotations with coursework and other responsibilities can be demanding, requiring good time management skills. It can also take time for rotating students to fully integrate into a lab and contribute significantly to ongoing projects, and some students may feel overwhelmed when choosing an advisor after enjoying multiple rotations.
Tips for a Successful Laboratory Rotation
To succeed in a laboratory rotation, it is important to attend welcome events and seek advice from senior students. When selecting a rotation time, choose a period that is representative of how the lab typically operates. After meeting with the lab, it is a good practice to send a thank-you note to the lab head within a day or two, as it leaves a positive impression and is an essential skill for any scientist.
Administrative Procedures for VSRs at Stanford
VSR appointments at Stanford can range from one to twelve months and do not need to start at the beginning of an academic quarter. VSRs are charged a monthly fee, the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee, and Cardinal Care student health insurance unless they have comparable coverage. International VSRs must have a DS-2019 certification for J-1 visa status and sufficient funds to cover required fees and living expenses in the US.
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International students as Visiting Student Researchers
Stanford University occasionally invites students from other academic institutions to participate in university-sponsored research activities. These students are not enrolled in any Stanford degree programs and are identified as non-matriculated student researchers. They are also known as Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) and are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students.
Eligibility
To be eligible to attend Stanford as a VSR, a student must be enrolled in a graduate-level degree program at another university and be qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of other Stanford graduate students. Additionally, the research must benefit Stanford as well as the visiting student's academic career.
Duration
VSR appointments can be for one to twelve months and do not need to begin at the start of an academic quarter. An extension of up to three months can be requested by the sponsoring faculty with department chair approval if the student is in good academic and financial standing with their home university and Stanford. Any subsequent or longer extension requires a statement describing a compelling reason for the extension and is subject to review and approval by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education.
Fees and Charges
VSRs will be charged a monthly fee comparable to Terminal Graduate Registration, set annually by Stanford's Board of Trustees. They will also be charged the quarterly Campus Health Services Fee and, unless they have comparable coverage with another carrier, the Cardinal Care student health insurance fee.
Intellectual Property and Academic Conduct
VSRs are required to sign a Stanford Patent and Copyright Agreement (SU-18) and are subject to Stanford's academic conduct and behavioral standards. Violations of these standards may result in termination of their Stanford appointment.
International VSRs
Citizens of other countries who come to the United States to be VSRs at Stanford must have a DS-2019 (certification for J-1 visa status) issued by the Bechtel International Center prior to their arrival. As part of the DS-2019 process, departments verify that international VSRs have sufficient funds to pay the required fees and live in the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Stanford faculty can, in limited instances, permit students from other universities to engage in research at Stanford. These students are known as Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) and are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students.
To become a VSR, a Stanford faculty member must sponsor the student. The faculty member must ensure that the student is qualified to conduct research at a level comparable to that of other Stanford graduate students. The research must benefit both Stanford and the visiting student.
VSR appointments can last between one and twelve months. VSRs are not allowed to enroll in or audit classes. They are required to sign a Stanford Patent and Copyright Agreement (SU-18) and must comply with Stanford's academic conduct and behavioural standards. They are also required to have appropriate health and safety training.










































