Recognised Students

Oxford’s School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) boasts the world’s largest community of Area Studies scholars.

We have research and teaching programmes dedicated to the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, South Asia, China, Israel, Japan, Russia and Eastern Europe. The School offers nine Master's degrees and welcomes students from all around the globe.

Our Recognised Students scheme offers the opportunity for doctoral students from other universities to participate in and contribute to Oxford research-related activities for a minimum of one term and a maximum of three terms. Recognised Students are not members of a college and do not receive an Oxford qualification.

Students  working towards a doctoral qualification such as a PhD or DPhil at another university and conducting postgraduate research on the following areas, who want to do research in Oxford without registering for a degree can apply for Recognised Student status through the appropriate centre:

Please see the University Website for more details and instructions on how to apply.
 

Three students sitting in a row behind a table in a seminar. There are three colourful abstract paintings behind them.

Application information

Recognised Students may join the department for a minimum of one term and a maximum of three terms. The timing of visits is an important consideration, as the atmosphere of the department changes across the academic year. Please see the University guidance for details of recommended deadlines.

Applicants are advised to time their visit to coincide with one of Oxford’s three terms, as colleagues are more likely to be available during these times, and students who wish to participate in a full calendar of events and other similar research activities should aim to visit in Michaelmas or Hilary terms.

Conversely, if a student is looking for a quieter working environment, Trinity term may be preferred. It is important to note that very little supervision will be available over the long vacation due to the demands of fieldwork outside of Oxford. 

OSGA charges a fee of £2000 per term for Recognised Students and  there is a £50 application fee. Recognised Students will normally apply for research funding schemes through their home institution in order to fund the cost of their visit.

Colleges provide a hub for social events, interdisciplinary interaction and can provide additional support during your visit. Several Oxford colleges have particular strengths in Area Studies. If you wish to apply for association with a college for the duration of your visit, you will need to contact the relevant college directly. Please find a list of colleges here. Please note that there is a separate fee for college association: you will find details on individual college websites.

Before you contact the Programme Administrator of your chosen programme or institute, you are encouraged to seek a provisional agreement from a member of the academic team to act as your Academic Advisor.

You should then contact the Programme Administrator of the OSGA programme or institute where you intend to apply and obtain provisional agreement from them:

Please provide the following documents to the Programme Administrator:

  • A letter of application
  • A letter from your institution confirming their support of your application
  • Original transcripts from the degrees you have previously obtained
  • 500-1000 word research proposal in English
  • 2 academic references from senior members of faculty at your current university
  • English language competency (if you require a Tier 4 visa)
  • A current CV

Once we have agreed to consider your application, please follow the steps on the University of Oxford website to pay the application fee and submit the required documentation. 
 

As part of the Recognised Students programme, each student will have an Academic Advisor who will play a key role in introducing them to relevant opportunities within the School and Oxford.

Although the Advisor will not provide formal supervision, s/he will meet twice termly with the student, and provide advice on relevant events and other research activities, they will also introduce the student to relevant members of staff and other contacts.

The Academic Advisor will supply a formal letter of support as part of your application, once you have discussed the objectives of your visit with him/her.

Students are strongly encouraged to identify potential Academic Advisors in advance of submitting an application. Potential advisors can be found here.

In addition to the support of an Academic Advisor, students will be provided with a University card, University email, printing services and access to Oxford’s world-class library resources.

Students are also able to attend seminars and events hosted by the department. It may be possible to attend course-specific classes with the approval of the relevant Course Convenor and  Course Director. However, students cannot attend course-specific language classes whilst in Oxford. 

Recognised Students have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities and will participate in and contribute to the collaborative research culture of the School in consultation with their advisor. They may wish to engage with researchers in their field,  assist a research centre in developing networks, and undertake other appropriate activities as agreed with their Academic Advisor.