Visit the UK as an Academic
If you are from an academic institution overseas, you can visit the UK as a ‘Standard Visitor’ to take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts and carry out your own research during a sabbatical.
If you are a senior doctor or dentist, you can also take part in research and teach (as long as it’s not a permanent position) and undertake non-permanent clinical practice.
As a Standard Visitor, you can visit the UK for up to 6 months as an academic. If you want to stay longer, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa that can grant you permission to visit the UK for up to 12 months in total.
Visiting the UK as an academic for up to 6 months is free. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
If you apply for a Standard Visitor visa before entry to the UK, this could last for up to 12 months for a fee of £200.
If you’re already in the UK on a 6-month Standard Visitor Visa, and want to extend it up to 12 months, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. The fee for a visa extension is £1000.
Whether you apply for the visa before entry or extend it during your stay, you are still only allowed to visit for up to 12 months in total from the first day of entry.
Your family may also apply to stay with you in the UK for up to 12 months in total. They can apply for a Standard Visitor visa in advance or visit for 6 months and then extend their stay once in the UK. The same fees apply as for Standard Visitor visas.
When applying to visit the UK as an academic for more than 6 months on a Standard Visitor visa, you must prove that:
- You are a highly qualified expert in your field (which usually means that you have a PhD or higher)
- You are visiting to do research or a formal exchange
- If you’re a senior doctor or dentist, you may also visit to undertake non-permanent clinical practice, or to teach
- You are currently working at an academic institution overseas in your field of expertise
- You will not and do not intend to fill a permanent teaching post in the UK
You will also likely be required to provide:
- A letter from your employer stating the period of your exchange or sabbatical, including a description of the research to be undertaken
- A letter from your UK host organisation confirming the arrangements for your exchange, clinical practice, or research
- Ensure your academic intentions for your visit to the UK are permitted as a Standard Visitor
- Ensure you have a copy of all documents required to enter the UK
- Check that you also meet the basic eligibility requirements as a Standard Visitor
- Check if you need to make an application for a Standard Visitor visa
- If you need a visa to enter the UK, you can apply for one online
- If you visit the UK often, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead
If you’re unsure whether you need a visa or how to apply, you can seek advice from one of our qualified immigration advisors below.