The Visiting Student title enables current registered students from another institution to spend a period of time at the University to conduct research as part of their own studies, or as a research placement/internship. Candidates must have an assigned supervisor within Queen’s.

The School of Biological Sciences welcomes applications from current registered students at other Universities and institutions, across all levels of study. The Visiting Student title is not applicable to Doctoral Training Partnership students from other institutions.

The title can be conferred initially for a maximum period of one year and can be renewed on an annual basis, up to the end of your registration at your home institution. Renewals are subject to the agreement of the School and students must re-apply to extend their titles.

A prospective student visitor expresses interest in a visit to the School of Biological Sciences by contacting a potential supervisor. View a full list of our academic staff. 

The student then completes the Visiting Student Application Form and sends it to SBSIGFSVRT@qub.ac.uk at least three weeks before the start of the visiting studentship.

International students may need to allow additional processing time for visa requirements. You must also provide a copy of your transcript or other proof of your current registration status at your home institution, and a copy of your passport and other relevant documentation with your application.

An additional consideration for students who are non-European Economic Area nationals, and who wish to apply for a Visiting Student title for any duration in certain subject areas, is the requirement to apply for clearance under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). ATAS clearance must be obtained before application to immigration for visas.

• Upon accepting your Visiting Student title, you are signing up to the Terms and Conditions for Holders of Honorary Status.
• Visiting Students will not be a registered student at Queen’s University Belfast and will receive no credit or qualification from the University.
• You will not be remunerated by Queen’s University Belfast.
• A bench fee may be charged.

The School of Biological Sciences also hosts Visiting Scholars from around the world. This facilitates academics, researchers and practitioners visiting from other HEIs who wish to conduct research with Queen’s staff.

Candidates must hold a doctorate, or another relevant higher degree and are required to be working in collaboration with, or under supervision of a member of University academic staff.

A Visiting Scholar title will normally be conferred initially up to a maximum period of three years, and for a cumulative maximum period of six years.

Collaborations beyond this period should be considered under the Honorary Titles procedures. 

The initial duration requested may be for longer than three years in cases where a funded project is scheduled to run for an extended period.

All applicants who wish to be considered for a Visiting Scholar position must be nominated by a member of academic staff in the School. The nominating staff member must complete the Visiting Scholar Nomination Form or Visiting Spin Out Member Nomination Form (if candidate is currently employed by a spin out company), for recommendation by the Head of School and onward approval by Academic Affairs.

Completed forms should be returned to SBSIGFSVRT@qub.ac.uk. The nomination form must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the commencement date of the title for UK/Irish nominees. The nomination form must be submitted at least six weeks in advance of the commencement date of the title for international nominees.

• Visiting Title Holders are issued with a set of Terms and Conditions which must be agreed to prior to confirmation of the Title. 
• The award of a visiting title does not create an employment relationship between the title holder and the University. 
• Remuneration is not normally paid to those holding Visiting Titles.