Visiting and exchange students
If you’re attending UCalgary to pursue research studies directly related to your current degree, you may be eligible to participate in the visiting student researcher program.
COVID-19 updates
The Government of Canada has removed most COVID-19 border and travel measures. However, there is a temporary COVID-19 testing requirements for certain travellers.
For more information please visit the COVID 19 Travel Canada website
What is the visiting student researcher (VSR) program?
The VSR program is a formal study program specifically for students who want to pursue research at UCalgary. View the full definition in UCalgary's Academic Calendar.
Visiting student researchers are full-time students who attend UCalgary to support a specific research project that aligns with their studies at their home institution.
Both undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in a full-time degree program at an accredited or recognized post-secondary institution may apply to participate in this program.
Visitors inside of Canada can’t participate in the VSR program unless they have a valid study or work permit.
Please have your supervisor complete the assessment form found at the link below. We require this information to assess which application stream (work permit versus study permit) will be the best suited route for your VSR appointment at UCalgary.
Visiting student researchers
Your first step would be to contact a UCalgary research supervisor in the faculty of your area of research interest to confirm they’d would be willing to host you on their research team. Once you have this confirmation, apply for admission to the VSR program using the links below.
Undergraduate visiting student researchers must complete the undergraduate application. For any questions related to undergraduate VSR requirements, email admissions@ucalgary.ca.
Graduate visiting student researchers must complete the graduate application. For any questions related to graduate VSR requirements, contact future.grad@ucalgary.ca.
After you’ve been formally admitted to the VSR program and have a UCalgary letter of acceptance, please have your supervisor complete the assessment form . We require this information to assess which application stream (work permit versus study permit) will be the best suited route for your VSR appointment at UCalgary.
Conducting research in Canada, regardless of if it’s for study purposes or not, is considered work. As such, proper authorization is required.
Bringing your family with you while you study in Canada
Many students studying in Canada are anxious about having to leave their spouse and/or children behind in their home country.
What is the incoming exchange students program, and how do I apply?
If you're studying for one semester only, you'll need to apply for either a “Temporary Resident Visa” or an “Electronic Travel Authorization” (this excludes American students). Click here for more information on what you need to enter Canada.
If you're studying for one semester only and want to work while you’re here, you'll need to apply for a study permit. For information on working in Canada as a student, please click here.
You’ll require a study permit if:
- you'll be conducting any independent research on our campus (outside of regular course requirements) during your exchange
- you'll be studying at UCalgary for longer than six months
What type of immigration documents do I require?
If you're studying for one semester only, you'll need to apply for either a “Temporary Resident Visa” or an “Electronic Travel Authorization” (this excludes American students). Click here for more information on what you need to enter Canada.
If you're studying for one semester only and want to work while you’re here, you'll need to apply for a study permit. For information on working in Canada as a student, please click here.
- You’ll require a study permit if:you'll be conducting any independent research on our campus (outside of regular course requirements) during your exchange
- you'll be studying at UCalgary for longer than six months
Before you enter Canada
You must have your immigration application approved prior to entering Canada. For more information on immigration requirements, please contact International Student Services at issimmigration@ucalgary.ca.