International Visiting Graduate Student Research
Are you an international graduate student interested in conducting research at the University of Toronto? The International Visiting Graduate Student Research (IVGSR) program might be just what you are looking for!
The IVGSR program provides international students the opportunity to participate in short-term graduate research activities at U of T. This program is made available by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) to facilitate visits by graduate students who do not fall under an approved exchange program.
Prospective Students
Who is eligible for the IVGSR program?
The IVGSR program is designed for any international graduate student looking to conduct research at the University of Toronto. To be considered an eligible program candidate, you must be:
- registered full-time at your home institution in a master’s or doctoral program
- in good standing
- proficient in the English language
How can I participate in the IVGSR program?
To participate in the IVGSR program, you are required to identify a research supervisor at the University of Toronto. A U of T faculty member must agree to supervise for the duration of your visit. It is your responsibility to contact a suitable faculty member and make the appropriate arrangements for research supervision.
Once a research supervisor has been identified, you must then apply for admittance to the University of Toronto under the IVGSR program. To apply, you must be registered under the International Visiting Graduate Student Research Mobility Agreement. Visit the SGS website to download an application.
Completed applications should be sent to your research supervisor at the University of Toronto. Once the research supervisor obtains authorization from the U of T Graduate Coordinator, the application must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for final approval.
How long is the IVGSR program?
The IVGSR program allows you to conduct research for up to three sessions at the University of Toronto. You are permitted to visit between a one month (minimum) and twelve month (maximum) period. If accepted, you will be registered for the length of time requested on your application.
The start and finish of the IVGSR program typically coincides with the start and end date of a session at U of T. It is important to submit your application well in advance of the session start date you plan to visit the University. Applications must be received no later than one month prior to the start of the visit/session (e.g. no later than July 31st for a September (Fall) session start). If the application is not received and approved on time, you may not receive permission to visit. For more information, consult SGS deadlines.
Can I visit for less than one month?
To be registered in the IVSGR program, you must visit for a minimum one month period. Any student planning to visit for less than one month is not registered under the International Visiting Graduate Student Research Mobility Agreement. Instead, an internal agreement between you and the U of T faculty supervisor must be appropriately arranged.
Certain restrictions apply for any student visiting less than one month. Please read the “In-Coming Student” section below for more information.
Where can I get more information?
You'll find more information in the International Visiting Graduate Student Research Mobility Agreement. Visit the SGS website to download a copy.
For general inquiries, contact graduate.information@utoronto.ca or visit the School of Graduate Studies in person.
In-Coming Students
When will SGS notify me?
Submitted applications will be forwarded to the Office of Student Services at the School of Graduate Studies for processing. Process times can take up to one business week. If accepted, SGS will notify both you and the U of T research supervisor of admittance into the IVGSR program.
Can I enrol in graduate courses at U of T?
You will be registered as a full-time non-degree student at the University of Toronto. The IVGSR program is for graduate research only. Therefore, you are not permitted to register in graduate courses at the University of Toronto nor will transfer credit normally be given for work done as an international visiting graduate research student.
You may be permitted to audit courses as per the University of Toronto Policy on Auditing of Courses. For more information, visit the Office of the Governing Council website.
What are the program fees?
Any student attending U of T under the IVGSR program is responsible for the following:
- An annual administrative fee
This is a one-time fee of $400.00. International students are not eligible for provincial grant support; an administration fee is needed to offset administrative expenses that will be incurred by the University. If a mid-session visit is requested, the annual administrative fee will still apply.
- Full‐time compulsory non‐academic incidental fees
The incidental fees for the 2012/2013 Fall/Winter session are $1,241.52. These fees cover the cost for University operated services and basic resources. These fees are subject to change and will be prorated on a sessional basis. Fees cannot be prorated on a monthly basis. For more information, visit the Student Accounts website.
- The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) premium
The UHIP premium for a single student in 2012/2013 is $57.00 per month. The cost of UHIP is based on the number of months that you will be visiting the University. UHIP premiums may vary from year to year. Refer to the ‘Health Insurance’ section below for additional information.
You must pay the full amount through your financial institution in order to be registered at the School of Graduate Studies. You not liable for tuition fees at the University of Toronto, but may be liable for fees at your home institution.
Do I need health insurance while visiting?
You are required to enrol in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) for the duration of your visit. This mandatory health plan ensures that international students have basic health care coverage while studying in Ontario. You are required to pay for UHIP coverage regardless of any other coverage you may have.
UHIP forms will be mailed to all incoming IVGSR students. Please complete your form as early as possible and submit it to the UHIP Office. You are also strongly encouraged to notify the UHIP office of your arrival date.
Please be aware that UHIP does not include travel coverage. You are encouraged to seek private travel insurance if you plan to travel out of province.
Please note: any student visiting the University for less than one month is not eligible for health care coverage under the UHIP plan. You are responsible for making your own health coverage arrangements.
Do I need a study permit?
Any student visiting the University for more than one month must obtain a study permit issued by the Government of Canada. You are not eligible to participate in the IVGSR program on a work permit. You will need to apply for a study permit before your arrival to Canada. Information on study permits is available on the Government of Canada website.
Please note: any student visiting the University for less than one month must obtain a letter of invitation from the U of T faculty member and is required by the Government of Canada to obtain a tourist visa. Information on tourist visas is available on the Government of Canada website.
Will I have access to University resources?
Any student registered in the IVGSR program will have access to University operated services and resources paid through your compulsory non-academic incidental fees. You will have access to research services, including library, e-mail access and computing, as well as access to basic student services, including Hart House, Student Life programs, and athletics and recreation facilities.
Please note: Any student visiting the University for less than one month, and therefore not registered under the IVGSR program, will not have access to University resources.
I have been accepted into the IVGSR program. What are my next steps?
Check out the "Preparing for Arrival" section of the CIE website for important pre- and post-arrival information.
Also visit the School of Graduate Studies website for a list of resources available to graduate students. Be sure to download the “Essential Grad Guide” and “Information for New Student Brochure ”.
Where can I get more information?
To learn more, visit the School of Graduate Studies website. General inquiries or questions regarding the IVSGR program should be directed to graduate.information@utoronto.ca or visit the School of Graduate Studies in person.
For information on UHIP coverage and other resources available for international students, visit the Centre for international Experience website.
For information on incidental fees, visit the Student Accounts website.
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." John Dewey
