Visiting International Research Students (VIRS) | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies will be closed from December 16 to 20. In-person services will be available only by appointment. We will continue to be available online. To book an appointment please refer to our Contact Us directory.

Document submissions: please use the drop-box located outside our office.

Visiting International Research Students (VIRS)

A Visiting International Research Student (VIRS) is registered as a full-time student in their home country and visiting the University of Guelph for a period of one month or more for training, research or other experiential learning activity. These visits are arranged on a collegial basis and contribute to the student completeing their research, training or degree requirements at their home Univeristy. VIRS activities are not part of any exisiting formal University of Guelph degree program but are meant to facilitate the collegial sharing of expertise, mentoring and supervision with students from abroad on a short-term visiting basis. VIRS status does not apply to Post-docs, paid employees or non-student visitors such as guest lecturers or sabbatical stays. For a full outline of procedures and responsibilites for the VIRS process see the attached PDF document.

For more information, please visit the Guelph International website.