Visiting PhD students

Two University staff members have informal meeting at the Old Cavendish. Copyright University of Cambridge (November 2024)

Join our diverse community

Each year we host a small number of outstanding PhD students from other universities, either in the UK or abroad.   

Visiting students can complete specific research at Cambridge to support their PhD at their home university. They are not registered for a qualification at the University of Cambridge.   

Visits range in length from one month to a maximum of one year.   
 

Further information

  • a nominated staff mentor who can advise on how to maximise your time in Cambridge. They may also give feedback on work completed during your stay   
  • access to the Seeley Library (Sociology, Land Economy) and the University Library
  • shared workspaces and IT facilities
  • attend departmental seminars, lectures and other events
  • join social events hosted by the Newcomers and Visiting Scholars community 
  1. Develop a research plan for your proposed visit.
  2. Contact a member of Academic Staff with your research plan to request they support your application and act as your mentor.  It is preferred that this is a permanent member of staff.
  3. Apply at least one term before you are planning to visit. 
    There are 3 deadlines per year: 1 November, 1 February and 1 July.  
  4. Decide how long you wish to stay. We need a clear explanation for the proposed duration and timing. Plan your visit to coincide with one or more of the University's terms: Michaelmas (October–December); Lent (January–March); and Easter (April–June). 
    The Cambridge academic year runs from October to June. See exact dates.  
  5. If you do not hold a UK or Irish passport you will need immigration permission to study at Cambridge. The type of visa you’ll need depends on the length of your stay. 
    Information about visas can be found on the University of Cambridge International Students website.
  6. Request a reference from your PhD supervisor at your home university.
  7. Complete a visiting student application form with input and signed by from your staff mentor.
  8. Submit your application form to enquiries@sociology.cam.ac.uk with: an up-to-date CV; a sample of your work in English; a copy of your English language test results (IELTS or TOEFL iBT); and a scan of your passport. 
    The required English language test scores are:
  • IELTS academic: 7.5 overall, with at least 7.0 in each component 

  • TOEFL iBT: 110 overall, with at least 25 in each component 

    9. If your application is successful, you will need to source your own funding and accommodation. It is your responsibility to apply for the appropriate visa. Together with the International student office, we will provide you with the necessary supporting documents.  

Visiting Students pay £1,200 per term. Fees are payable in advance. 
We do not provide funding, or help to source funding for accommodation, travel or living expenses. 
The University of Cambridge Accommodation Service can provide useful guidance on finding suitable housing.   

The Department of Sociology uses your personal information to process your application to be a Visiting Scholar and to administrate your visit if your application is successful. 

Your name and contact details will be held by the Department of Sociology in secure digital and hard copy files, and will be circulated to appropriate governance committees and staff for consideration. Unsuccessful applicants’ details will be held on file for two years, and successful applicants’ information for six years. Research Committee minutes and papers are held for five years from the end of the year the Committee was held in, and then considered as part of the archival process of the University. 

Read more information about how we handle your personal information, and your rights under data protection legislation.