Requests to exceed the maximum 12 month period are considered exceptional. Applications to extend a visit beyond 12 months should be made to the Department Academic Secretary by the supervisor, sufficiently far in advance that a decision can be made before the trip was originally scheduled to end. If the student is on a student visa, the International Student Office will be advised in advance that a case is being made to the Postgraduate Committee so they are aware an extension is being considered.

There must be a strong academic case for a visiting student to need to stay in Cambridge for more than 12 months. The Department would need to make a case to the Postgraduate Committee as to why such a period of study is necessary and provide appropriate supporting evidence.

The application would need to explain:

• the rationale behind an extended visit, including information on how the length of additional time has been determined;
• how the department would provide appropriate pastoral support both within and outside of the local research group; and
• what measures would be in place to help the student integrate into the wider Cambridge community.

Expected evidence to support the request includes:

• confirmation from the visiting student's home institution of their registration for a postgraduate degree with the year of admission and year of expected completion, that they are expected to return to their home institution to complete their degree after the visit, and that the home institution gives permission for the length of visit to Cambridge (the International Student Office may already have this information);
• financial arrangements in place to support living costs during the visit, and how the sum available compares to the University's minimum maintenance requirement. If funds available fall below the minimum maintenance requirement, the department should provide a statement on how the shortfall will be addressed;
• a statement from the visiting student about the reasons for the extension;
• any other relevant evidence that would aid the assessment of the academic need for an extended visit and to demonstrate the support available during the visit.

It is not possible to consider a case to extend the 12 month maximum duration based on the following reasons:

• the student has funding for more than 12 months;
• it is the student’s preference to stay for a longer period;
• it is a requirement of the host institution for the student to stay in Cambridge longer;
• a Cambridge supervisor has agreed to co-supervise or take some other part in the supervisory team of a student registered at another institution;
• the host Faculty/Department would like the student to continue working on a project or paper outside of the specific research activity they are undertaking at Cambridge as part of their overseas degree. 

Cases will be considered at the next Postgraduate Committee meeting.

FAQs

My visiting student has a visa that extends beyond 12 months. Does that mean they can continue study in the University until the visa expires?

No. It is standard procedure for a visa to expire a few months after the end date of study. That time allows the student some breathing space to pack up and travel home rather than having to leave the country on the exact day their visiting student status at the University ends. It does not change the 12 month maximum period of study that the University permits.

Can a visiting student take a break or return to their home institution after 12 months and then come back?

No, not if the student is coming back to undertake research/study for the same degree as their previous visit. The 12 month maximum period will apply.

Can we accept a visiting student who has already been a visitor in another Department?

You can, although it would be unusual for a visiting student to be able to work directly on research relevant for their degree in two separate departments. However, the total combined duration of their visit must not exceed 12 months.