Janice Lozano
Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and every year, it welcomes a number of visiting students from other institutions who wish to undertake supervised research or study without registering for a degree. Visiting students normally stay in Cambridge for three terms, or one academic year, and are required to pay the University Composition fee, which is equivalent to the PhD fee in that department. To apply as a visiting student, you must be studying your subject for at least two years as an undergraduate at your home university. If you are accepted as a visiting student, you will be able to live in college, attend supervisions, and get involved with extracurricular activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Students registered for a degree at another institution and attending Cambridge for a period of study or supervised research as part of their overseas degree. |
| Application requirements | A letter of recommendation from your current supervisor or Head of Department, a letter from your home institution confirming course details, academic transcripts and certificates of previous and ongoing degrees, proof of payment of the £50 application fee. |
| Application process | Send an email with the subject 'Visiting Student Application: [Your Name]' and attach the relevant documents. |
| Visa requirements | For visits longer than six months, a student visa is required. For shorter visits, you can enter as a visitor to the UK, but you may still need to apply for a visa in advance. |
| Duration of stay | Visiting students normally stay for three terms (one academic year). |
| Courses | Visiting students can take courses from Tripos Part IA, IB, and Part II. |
| Accommodation | Visiting students live in College with fellow students. |
| Extracurricular activities | Visiting students can join societies, sports clubs, and other activities. |
| Scholarships | Scholarships are available for visiting students, such as the Commonwealth Scholarship Council (CSC). |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
To be a visiting student at Cambridge University, you must be registered for a degree at another institution and attend Cambridge for a period of study or supervised research as part of your overseas degree. Visiting students normally stay in Cambridge for three terms (one academic year).
- You should ideally have studied your subject for two years as an undergraduate at your home university.
- You must submit a completed Visiting Students Application Form.
- You need a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor or Head of Department. This letter should comment on why it would be beneficial for you to spend time at Cambridge.
- You will need a letter from your home institution confirming the course title, course start and end dates, Cambridge start and end dates, that the period of study at Cambridge is part of your course, and that you will remain registered with your home institution during your visit.
- You must provide academic transcripts and certificates of previous and ongoing degrees.
- You must provide proof of payment of the £50 application fee.
- If your visit to Cambridge is for more than six months, you will need a visa under the student route. The University holds a student sponsor licence, which allows it to sponsor eligible students for a student visa.
- If you are coming to Cambridge for less than six months, you will be able to do this as a visitor to the UK. However, certain nationalities may require Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance.
- If you are undertaking postgraduate-level research in certain science and technology subjects, you will require an ATAS clearance certificate to support your visa application or entry to the UK.
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Visa and immigration
If you are an international student and intend to visit the University of Cambridge for a study period of more than six months, you will need to apply for a visa under the student route. The University of Cambridge holds a student sponsor licence, allowing it to sponsor eligible students for a student visa. However, it is important to note that visa sponsorship is only provided if your visit to Cambridge is for studying or researching as part of an overseas qualification. This qualification must be equivalent to or higher than a UK degree. Additionally, you must be registered at another institution for visa sponsorship to be an option.
If you are coming to Cambridge for less than six months, you can enter the UK as a visitor. This option does not require a student visa, but you may need to apply for a visitor visa, depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. You can find more information on the University of Cambridge's website about the requirements and restrictions of entering the UK as a visitor.
If your visit to Cambridge is for a short period of research, it must be a part of your degree course at your home institution to meet immigration requirements. A letter from your home institution is required to confirm that your study at Cambridge is relevant to your course. Once accepted as a visiting student for less than six months, your host faculty or department will provide a visa letter.
For visiting students undertaking postgraduate-level research in specific science and technology subjects, an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate may be required. This certificate supports your visa application or entry to the UK at immigration control. The requirement for ATAS clearance depends on the course code, and students with certain nationalities are exempt from this requirement.
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Extracurricular activities
Societies and Clubs
Cambridge University has a wide range of student-run societies and clubs that cater to various interests, from academic pursuits to sports, performing arts, and cultural groups. Joining these societies offers a chance to pursue passions, develop new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. The Cambridge University Law Society, the Cambridge Union, and the Cambridge University German Society are a few examples of the many societies available. These societies often organise lectures, workshops, and social events, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking.
Sports and Athletics
Sports and athletic activities are an essential aspect of extracurricular life at Cambridge. The university has numerous sports teams and clubs, offering opportunities for visiting students to stay active, develop teamwork skills, and build camaraderie. Whether you're interested in traditional sports or something more unique, Cambridge's sports clubs cater to a diverse range of interests.
Guest Lectures and Workshops
Cambridge University regularly hosts lectures and workshops delivered by renowned scholars, politicians, scientists, artists, and other distinguished guests. These events are open to visiting students and provide a valuable opportunity to learn from experts in various fields, gain new perspectives, and expand one's intellectual horizons.
Social and Cultural Events
Throughout the academic year, Cambridge colleges organise various social and cultural events, offering a rich and diverse extracurricular experience. From formal balls and dinners to cultural festivals, concerts, and exhibitions, these events foster a sense of community and provide a well-rounded educational experience.
College Life and Traditions
Living in a Cambridge college is a unique aspect of the visiting student experience. College life offers a sense of community and the opportunity to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Participating in college traditions, such as formal halls, supervisions, and social events, is an integral part of the Cambridge experience and provides a holistic educational journey.
Visiting students at Cambridge University can expect a vibrant and enriching extracurricular landscape that complements their academic pursuits. By engaging in these activities, students can broaden their horizons, develop new skills, and forge lasting connections, making their time at Cambridge memorable and transformative.
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Course structure
To be a visiting student at Cambridge University, one must be registered for a degree at another institution and attend Cambridge for a period of study or supervised research as part of their overseas degree. Visiting students normally stay in Cambridge for three terms (one academic year). The experience for visiting students is similar to that of full-time undergraduates: they are matriculated, live in college with fellow students, attend supervisions, and regularly submit essays. They can also get involved with extracurricular activities and join societies.
The course structure for visiting students at Cambridge University can vary depending on the specific program and department. However, here is a general overview of what to expect:
Supervisions and Courses
Supervisions are a key part of the academic experience at Cambridge. They are typically one-on-one meetings with professors or post-docs, providing an opportunity to explore your subject more deeply, discuss your ideas, and receive regular feedback. As a visiting student, you will attend supervisions and can choose to write a paper every week and sit for examinations at the end of the term, or you may decide to write a dissertation.
When it comes to course selection, visiting students have some flexibility. You can choose courses from different parts of the Tripos, such as Part IA, IB, and Part II. For example, in law, you may choose from courses like Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Comparative Law, and European Union Law. However, it's important to note that the choice of papers may be limited due to timetable constraints.
Visa Requirements
If you plan to stay at Cambridge for less than six months, you can visit the UK as a visitor. However, for longer periods, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa under the student route. Cambridge University holds a student sponsor licence, which allows it to sponsor eligible students for a student visa. To be sponsored for a visa, your visit must be for study or research that is part of your overseas qualification, and this qualification must be at the same level as, or above, a UK degree.
Additionally, certain courses, especially in science and technology, may require you to obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before applying for your visa. The requirement for ATAS clearance depends on the CAH3 code of the course. Students with certain nationalities, such as Australia, Canada, and the USA, are exempt from this requirement.
Application Process
The application process for visiting students at Cambridge University involves submitting various documents, including an application form, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and proof of payment of the application fee. A letter from your home institution confirming that your study at Cambridge is part of your course and that you will remain registered with them during your visit is also required.
Overall, the course structure for visiting students at Cambridge University offers a balance of academic rigour and extracurricular opportunities, providing a well-rounded and enriching experience.
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Student experience
The experience of being a visiting student at Cambridge University is both exciting and rewarding. The university operates on a supervision system, which allows students to deeply explore their chosen subjects, discuss their own ideas, and receive regular feedback. Supervisions are usually one-on-one meetings with professors or postdocs, and they are not assessed, providing a great opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.
As a visiting student, you can choose to write a paper every week and sit for examinations at the end of the term, or you may decide to write a dissertation. The academic workload can be time-consuming, and you may find yourself spending entire days in the library, working on papers, conducting literature reviews, or reading dense texts.
If you are an undergraduate visiting student, your experience will be similar to that of a full-time Cambridge undergraduate. You will be matriculated, live in college with fellow students, attend supervisions, and submit essays regularly. You can also get involved with extracurricular activities, such as joining societies and sports clubs, which is a great way to meet people and make the most of your time at Cambridge.
If you are an international student, you will need to ensure you meet the visa requirements for your stay. For visits longer than six months, you will need a student visa, and the university can sponsor your visa if your visit is for study or research that is part of your overseas qualification. For shorter visits, you can enter the UK as a visitor, but you may still need to apply for a visa in advance, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Overall, the student experience as a visiting student at Cambridge University is enriching and unique, offering a blend of academic excellence and extracurricular involvement within the historic and prestigious setting of Cambridge.
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Frequently asked questions
You can be a visiting student at Cambridge University if you are already registered for a degree at another institution and want to undertake supervised research at Cambridge without registering for a degree there.
The duration of the visiting student program is typically one academic year or three terms. If you plan to stay for less than six months, you can visit the UK as a visitor. For stays longer than six months, you will need a visa under the student route.
The requirements for the visiting student program include:
- A completed application form
- A letter of recommendation from your current supervisor or Head of Department
- A letter from your home institution confirming your course details and that you will remain registered there during your visit
- Academic transcripts and certificates of previous and ongoing degrees
- Proof of payment of the £50 application fee
To apply for the visiting student program, you should send an email to [email protected] with the subject "Visiting Student Application: [Your Name]" and attach the required documents.
Visiting students at Cambridge University can expect to be fully integrated into the undergraduate experience, including living in college, attending supervisions, and submitting essays and exams. Supervisions are typically one-on-one meetings with professors or postdocs, providing an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the subject and feedback on your work. Visiting students can also join extracurricular activities and benefit from lectures by guest speakers.
