Before your visit
Once a Visiting Scholar has been notified of their confirmed visit dates by the University, they may wish to begin planning their stay as early as possible. The information below outlines key considerations for visitors to keep in mind ahead of their visit.
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All Visiting Scholars will be expected to complete a welcome form before they travel to or start engaging with St Andrews. This provides the University with essential personal information and ensures the visit can be supported effectively. The Global Office will share a link to the welcome form with the Visiting Scholar by email; Visiting Scholars will be expected to complete and return the form at least six weeks in advance of the visit taking place.
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To comply with UKVI rules, anyone undertaking activities at the University, including Visiting Scholars, should have the correct permission from the UKVI to be in the UK. The University of St Andrews welcomes visitors each year, either as sponsored researchers under the Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) visa route, or one of the visitor visa routes. It is very important that anyone visiting the University of St Andrews, enters the UK under the correct visa category for your intended activities. There are specific restrictions on what you can do, allowed payments and the length of your visit – depending on what visa you have. The HR Immigration team liaise with Schools to ensure that visitors enter the UK under the correct visa route, reduces the risk of visa refusals and ensures that the visitor undertakes activities which are permissible under their visa. Further visa information is available on the Staff Immigration web page and the GOV.UK website.
If you are unsure which visa is suitable for you visit, please contact the HR Immigration team with the following information as this will ensure the correct immigration category can be identified. The following information is required:
- Nationality
- Current occupation or status overseas
- Activities to be undertaken at St Andrews
- Length of stay at St Andrews
- Funding arrangements for stay in St Andrews
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Fee-paying Visiting Scholars will be charged £1,000 per annum, or pro rata at £2.74 per day. Upon confirmation of your visit, you will receive a link to our online shop, along with the total amount due. Please note that the fee must be paid at least 14 days prior to the start of your visit.
For further details, please refer to the Visiting Scholar Fee Policy, which the Global Office will provide.
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While the University may be able to offer some advice, it is the responsibility of the Visiting Scholar to arrange their own accommodation for their visit to St Andrews.
Over the summer months, visitors to St Andrews may have the option of staying in University accommodation depending on availability. A number of the University’s halls of residences are transformed into great value summer accommodation, offering both self-catered and bed and breakfast options in a range of settings. You can find out more about staying in University accommodation on the Accommodation, Conferences and Events website.
The town is also home to a variety of hotels and boutique bed and breakfasts. For those looking for a private base, St Andrews also offers a number of holiday lets which can be rented for any length of time. Visit Scotland has a comprehensive list of hotels and bed and breakfast options in St Andrews.
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Visitors to St Andrews have a number of options when it comes to travelling to the town. Located on the east coast of Scotland within the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews can be easily reached from a number of nearby cities via public transport, road and private transfers. Visitors have a choice of airport to fly into, all of which have good links with the town. Further information about travelling to St Andrews can be found on the Getting to St Andrews webpage. A map of the University can be used to locate University buildings and School offices.