Recognised Students - Global and Area Studies

Students registered for a PhD at another university conducting postgraduate research in Global and Area Studies (with interests in more than one ‘region’ or with interests in the concepts and theories of Area Studies) who want to do research in Oxford without registering for a degree can apply for Recognised Student status.  

Three students sitting on steps outside a building with large grey pillars.

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 with this status and Recognised Students are responsible for finding their own accommodation in Oxford. Recognised Students may use University libraries and other online resources provided by the University. They can also attend lectures and seminars and can enrol on particular courses, with the permission of the department. Admission is at the discretion of the Global and Area Studies (GAS) Teaching Committee, which is responsible for appointing the student’s formal Academic Advisor.  

If admitted by GAS, 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 in receipt of supervision from your home university. Your Advisor may also be able to help you make connections in Oxford and/or identify useful courses to attend. Recognised Students can only expect one feedback on written work related to their thesis from their advisor, since the amount of support available from an advisor will vary according to their availability. Recognised students enrolled on courses will of course receive the same formative and summative assessment (including feedback) as Oxford’s degree students do. 

GAS charges a fee of £2000 per term for Recognised Students and please note also that Oxford currently charges a £50 application fee.  

How to apply

In order to start the application process, you should contact the GAS Administrator 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 associated with GAS 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 GAS 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 formal application (this is the one that costs £50). Full details on this process can be found in the Graduate admissions pages. 

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.