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The International Study and Language Institute welcomes academic visitors, who make valuable contributions to the work and life of our School. An academic visit is typically for personal research, and informal discussions with other academics.

You will become part of our scholarly life, engage with colleagues, and receive invitations to attend events such as research, and teaching and learning seminars. Together, we can build vibrant, inclusive, and diverse communities of knowledge and practice.

Who can apply?

We invite applications from colleagues who are currently employed at another Higher Education Institution outside the UK in the following academic areas:

  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
  • International Foundation Year Studies
  • Intercultural Competence.

You can be at any level of your career and have teaching, research or management responsibilities. Please note that students are not usually eligible to make visits under the Academic Visitor scheme.

You may be:

  • On sabbatical leave from your academic institution and visiting the University of Reading to carry out your own personal research. Ethical clearance for such research should be obtained at  your own institution first. We may request confirmation from the your institution.
  • Taking part in formal arranged exchanges, e.g. where the University of Reading is collaborating with your university’s research, and exchanges staff for some or all of the duration of the project. Any salary should continue to be paid by your own overseas institution. 

As an academic visitor, you will typically fall under the Standard Visitor visa category.

How long is an academic visit?

Your visit can be a minimum of two months and a maximum of one year (or six months if visa restrictions apply), depending on your visa terms.

Accommodation

We are unable to arrange accommodation for you, but we provide information on privately rented accommodation and healthcare alongside the invitation letters.

What you can expect during your visit?

  • A supportive, accessible member of staff to meet you and show around the campus on your first day.
  • Assistance with getting a campus card (including library access) and IT username, access to WiFi.
  • A mentor to support you during your visit. You will organise meetings with your mentor directly and meet with your mentor approximately once a month during your stay.
  • Access to events and staff development activities.
  • A hot desking space, subject to availability.
  • Use of the library computers and printing facilities.
  • To be asked to provide a brief report on your visit or a presentation of your work for the School at the end of your stay.

Fees and how to pay

For visits taking place during the 2025-26 academic year (August 2025 to July 2026) the Academic Visitor fees start at £600 for up to two months and increases by £300 for each subsequent month. Information about how to make payment will be provided upon acceptance of application. If you apply as an individual, the total cost of the visit is due once you arrive, we do not ask for payment in advance of your visit. However, if you would prefer to pay before your arrival please let us know and we can send you the invoice for payment earlier.

How to apply

To apply, email the following supporting documents listed below to isli-operations@reading.ac.uk with the subject line “For the Academic Visitors Programme”. Please copy in any academic who you have already been in contact with informally.

  • Exact dates of your arrival and departure.
  • Your CV, with a passport-sized photo at the top, if possible.
  • A scanned copy of your passport (showing your name, date of birth and nationality).
  • Your home postal address.
  • Name of your place of employment and its postal address.
  • Two references relating to your area of research, on headed paper and signed by the referees.
  • Your research proposal (typically 1-3 sides of A4 paper), stating the following at the top of your proposal:
    i. “The purpose of my visit is to further my studies and research on...”
    ii. “The learning outcomes and objectives of my visit are…”
  • Ethical clearance if you are planning to conduct data collection in the UK (please note that we cannot guarantee assistance with access to participants for data collection purposes).

We encourage you to complete your application at least three full months in advance of the proposed start date of the visit. An application does not guarantee acceptance.

ISLI Executive Support will inform you in writing of the decision of your application. Applications are considered according to the applicant’s fit with the research and teaching interests of colleagues in the International Study and Language Institute.

We reserve the right to restrict the number of visitors based on working space and resources.

Upon receiving your documents, we will arrange a mentor for you. Once the mentor has read and approved your CV, research proposal, and references, we will arrange for Executive Support to send you an invitation letter which will be signed by the Head of School.

Visa advice

Make sure to check which visa (if any) you need before submitting your application. Visitors are responsible for obtaining their own necessary visa prior to their visit. A formal letter of invitation will be issued by the University. In the event that a Visa or Work Permit is required, please be aware we are not able to assist with any aspect (financial or administrative) of the application.

Please always follow the latest official guidance (link correct as of June 2025).

Find out more about how you can apply for a visitor visa.