Eligibility & Applications
The information on this page is for undergraduate Visiting International Research Students (VIRS) only.Â
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 HÂş» 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 HÂş».
- Applicants must obtain written approval from the home supervisor(s) to do research at HÂş».
- Academic research activities at HÂş» cannot lead to credits from HÂş». VIRS are not permitted to register in courses at HÂş». The Registrar’s Office will enroll VIRS in a specially-coded course that will give them student status at HÂş».
- The duration of research activities at HÂş» 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 HÂş» and be admitted as a special non-degree student.Â
- Visit HÂş»â€™s to begin the application process. Â
- Under “First Time Users,†select .
- Click on “Start New Application†and choose HÂş» Undergraduate Application.
- From the side menu, select “Program Information.†Then select the following: Â
- I want to apply to: Individual Courses
- Select the program you intend to study:Â Non-Degree
- Select your intended major:Â 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 HÂş»,†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 HÂş» supervisor)
- Under “Academic History,†provide information about your home institution/university.
- Complete the “Informed Consent†page ONLY if you give HÂş» 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:Â
- A copy of the Invitation Letter from your HÂş» supervisor, andÂ
- 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 HÂş» and gives their official approval/support.Â
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.