Recognised Students

Recognised Students - Affiliation with Russian and East European Studies

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Students registered for a PhD at another university conducting postgraduate research on Russia or Eastern Europe who want to do research in Oxford without registering for a degree can apply for Recognised Student status. 

It is possible to apply to be a Recognised Student for a minimum of 1 term and up to a maximum of 3 terms (or 1 academic year). There is no formal course of study or formal association with an Oxford college with this status and Recognised Students are responsible for finding their own accommodation in Oxford. Recognised Students may use University libraries and can attend lectures and seminars with permission. Admission is at the discretion of the REES Admissions Board, which is responsible for appointing the student’s Academic Advisor. 

If admitted by REES, you will be allocated an Academic Advisor, who will give general advice about the research topic, but not systematic instruction, as you are expected to be sufficiently well advanced in your studies to undertake research largely unsupervised. Recognised Students cannot necessarily expect feedback on written work from their advisor, since the amount of support available from an advisor will vary according to their availability.

REES charges a fee of £2000 per term for Recognised Students and please note that there is a £50 application fee. 

Full information on the recognised student experience at OSGA can be found on the School's main website, here.

How to Apply

In order to start the application process, you should contact the Administrator at rees.enquiries@area.ox.ac.uk and send the following documents:

1. Original transcripts from the degrees you have previously obtained

2. A 500–1000 word statement of your research proposal

3. Two reference letters from senior members of faculty at your current university

4. A letter of application, including the dates you would like to be at REES and with details of any funding that you have secured (source and amount). The letter should explain how you envisage your stay in Oxford contributing to your doctoral study and what resources you aim to consult.

5. Evidence of English language competency (if you intend to apply for a Tier 4 visa; please see specific requirements below)

6. A current C.V.

You should ensure that the start of your stay corresponds with the start date of any particular academic term.

If REES is able to support your application, and has an Academic Advisor available to provide appropriate supervision during your proposed visit, you will then be asked to complete a separate application form and we will send you a letter of support. You should then send all of the completed documentation together to the Graduate Admissions Office, PO Box 738, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, OX1 9FB, United Kingdom. 

Thereafter, you will receive a formal offer letter specifying the terms for which you have been admitted, as well as a student contract. This should be completed and returned to the Student Information & Advisory Service, Examination Schools, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BG before you arrive at Oxford.

It is not possible to be admitted as a Recognised Student if you have already been matriculated as a member of the University of Oxford.

Please note that it is your responsibility to check how long it will take to obtain a Visa in your country and to plan the submission of your application accordingly.

 

Visa Information for International Students

For full details about visas please visit the main University website here. 

Planning Ahead

As soon as you receive your Offer Letter, you will need to start applying for your visa. On your request, REES will arrange for a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number to be provided to you.

It is recommended that for detailed information about Tier 4 Visa and Student Visitor Visa, you consult the UK Border Agency website.

Finally, in line with requirements from the UK Border Agency, you must have your passport scanned when you report to the Student Information & Advisory Service on your arrival. If applicable, you should also ensure that you register with the police.

Fees

The department student visitor charges are £2,000 per term (£6,000 per academic year).  

This covers the cost of the access to the University facilities and the cost of the guidance provided by your Academic Advisor. Tuition fees do not include college fees (as you will not be affiliated with any college), accommodation, or other course and maintenance fees. Fees must be paid within fourteen days of the start of Full Term and failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your admission. You may pay for more than one term at a time if you wish.

Recognised Students Profiles