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University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
Visiting Student Researchers (VSRs) are students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a recognized post-secondary institution who come to the University of Manitoba (UM) solely to conduct supervised student research with a qualified UM faculty member, and who do not enroll in academic coursework. VSRs have access to the same services and supports and must adhere to university regulations and policies as all other students.
To qualify as a VSR, students must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary program, at the undergraduate or graduate level, and will be admitted to UM at the equivalent level of studies as at their home institution. Exceptions may be made for those students between upper-undergraduate and graduate level studies and who have qualified for a bridging program like Mitacs Globalink. In these cases, students will be admitted at the undergraduate level.
Before applying to UM, a VSR must have:
There is no specific English-language proficiency requirement or academic grade point average requirement for admission as a VSR. It is the responsibility of the UM research supervisor and home academic department/unit to determine an applicant’s qualifications to undertake the research.
VSRs are not permitted to enroll in academic coursework at UM. Students wishing to enroll in or audit courses must apply separately under the appropriate category.
Please see additional details and links below for more information on becoming a visiting student researcher at UM.
UM is not responsible for matching visiting student researchers with a research supervisor. Visiting student researchers are responsible for contacting a faculty member working in a research area related to their interest, either directly, or through a recognized matching program such as the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship.
All visiting student researchers, including Mitacs Globalinks Research Interns, will need to apply and be admitted to UM. Visiting student researchers should follow the links below to apply either as an undergraduate visiting research student or graduate visiting research student depending on the level of study at their home institution.
Visiting student researchers should apply only once a qualified UM faculty member has agreed to act as their research supervisor. As part of the application process, the research supervisor will need to complete a ‘VSR Research Supervisor Form’ detailing support for a specific research project, signed by the department/unit head (or designate) and indicates the duration (specific dates) you will be participating in academic research at UM. This form will need to be completed and uploaded as part of the application for admission. The research supervisor can access the ‘VSR Research Supervisor Form’ on the UM intranet.
Visiting student researchers are advised to submit their application at least 8 weeks prior to the intended date of arrival. International applicants are advised to take into consideration processing times to secure the appropriate immigration and travel documents when applying.
As a formally registered student, visiting student researchers are considered full-time students and will have access to the same services and supports as other students. They are protected by and obliged to act in accordance with UM policies and procedures.
As a student, visiting student researchers will be responsible for maintaining a UM student email account. Through this account they will receive all-student email communications, and other targeted communications.
Undergraduate visiting student researchers will register in VSR 4000, and graduate visiting student researchers will register in VSR 7000 in the academic term(s) that align best with their research stay. The visiting student researcher’s home unit will assist with the registration process. Upon completion of the academic research activities, visiting student researchers will be assigned an attended grade in the course and will be able to order an official transcript that verifies the activity
As a visiting student researcher, you are not permitted to enroll in academic coursework at UM. Students wishing to enroll in or audit courses must apply separately under the appropriate category.
Visiting student researchers are not assessed tuition. They are assessed and responsible for paying the general UM undergraduate, and graduate studies fees assessed on all students for each term, or partial term attended at UM. All fees are non-refundable.
Visiting student researchers are also responsible for any other costs during their stay at UM, including accommodation, transportation, and food.
Visiting student researchers can be enrolled at UM to undertake full-time research with a research supervisor for a period of no less than 1 month (4 weeks) and no more than 12 months (3 terms). If they wish to extend your studies beyond 12 months they must reapply.
Please see https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html.
International visiting student researchers who are planning to study for more than 6 months may require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) depending on their status in Canada. International visiting student researchers are advised to contact IMMIGRATION@umanitoba.ca to connect with the appropriate office for further information.
Immigration document requirements for visiting student researchers can vary depending on the details of their stay. International visiting student researchers are advised to contact IMMIGRATION@umanitoba.ca to connect with the appropriate office for further information.
All international visiting research students must obtain international health and dental insurance from their home country or through a private insurance company before travelling to Canada. Visiting Student Researchers are not eligible for coverage through UM.
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) is a competitive program for international undergraduates to conduct 12-week research projects at Canadian universities between May 1 and October 31. Covering diverse fields and supervised by UM faculty, the program offers hands-on research experience, professional development, and insight into Canada’s research environment.
Following confirmation of acceptance into the GRI program by Mitacs, GRIs will need to apply as a visiting student researcher at UM. Following acceptance, undergraduate GRIs will register in VSR 4000, and graduate GRIs will register in VSR 7000 in the academic term(s) that align best with their research stay. The GRI student’s home unit will assist with the registration process.
Apply as a Graduate Visiting Student Researcher
For application Start Term, please select the available Fall 202X term. Your final admit term will be adjusted to align with your research stay.
Please submit your application at least 8 weeks prior to your intended research start date.
This content can be found on UM Intranet using the link below.
Research and International Agreements
414 Admin Building
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada