Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1S 1C4
Phone: 1-800 637-6859
Email: info@ustpaul.ca
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Visiting Student Researcher (VSR) Program

A visiting student researcher (VSR) is a Canadian or international student conducting research on a full-time basis at Saint Paul University (SPU) under the supervision of an SPU faculty member.

Eligibility criteria

The candidate must:

  • Be enrolled at a Canadian or international educational institution other than Saint Paul University or the University of Ottawa, in an undergraduate, master’s or doctoral program. (Postdoctoral fellows and professors are not eligible to participate in the VSR Program.)
  • Intend to come to Saint Paul University solely for the purpose of conducting research on a full-time basis on a project that is part of their curriculum and relevant to their academic program.
  • Have obtained approval from the host and home supervisors for the research activities to be conducted at Saint Paul University.

Academic research activities:

  • Must not involve payment.
  • Must not lead to credits from Saint Paul University.
  • Must not be related to courses offered at Saint Paul University.

Duration of research stay:

  • Undergraduate: Maximum of 4 months (must be fewer than 119 days).
  • Master’s: Maximum of 12 months.
  • PhD: Maximum of 24 months.

Application process: Canadian or permanent resident students

  1. Complete the VSR application form and pay the processing fee of $165.
  2. Submit the complete application package to the Office of Admission, Registrar and Student Services (OARSS):
  • Proof of payment of processing fee;
  • Completed VSR application form;
  • Copy of official identification;
  • Letters from the home and host supervisors supporting the research at Saint Paul University and the dates of stay.

Upon acceptance, the OARSS will send a letter of acceptance as proof of enrollment in the VSR Program. The letter will include a Saint Paul University student number that gives access to various services, including the library.

Application process: international students

  1. Complete the VSR application form and pay the processing fee of CA$165.
  2. Submit the complete application package to the Office of Admission, Registrar and Student Services (OARSS):
  • Proof of payment of processing fee;
  • Completed VSR application form;
  • Copy of passport;
  • Letters from the home and host supervisors supporting the research at Saint Paul University and the dates of stay.

For documents that are in a language other than English or French, an official translation into English or French is required.

Upon acceptance, the OARSS will send a letter of acceptance as proof of enrollment in the VSR Program. The letter will include a Saint Paul University student number that gives access to various services, including the library.

When applying for required travel documents (study permit, temporary resident visa and electronic travel authorization/eTA, etc.), the VSR must present their letter of acceptance. For further information about the immigration process, please contact the local Canadian consulate. Prior to arrival in Canada, the VSR must provide the OARSS with confirmation of immigration authorization.

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

UHIP is a mandatory insurance plan for international students (and dependants, if applicable) that covers standard medical visits and part of other medical and hospital expenses during their stay in Canada. UHIP does not cover dental care or the cost of prescription or other drugs.

International students can also join Green Shield insurance, which covers drugs, dental care, eye exams, etc.

VSR’s responsibilities

  • Attend an initial mandatory meeting with the host supervisor to discuss the research project and set desired outcomes.
  • Follow the Saint Paul University ethics and integrity guidelines when conducting research.
  • Maintain regular contact with the home supervisor and the host supervisor to discuss progress and challenges.

Home supervisor responsibilities

  • Approve the VSR’s research project.
  • Ensure that the research project complies with the ethics regulations of the VSR’s home institution.
  • Develop a week-by-week work plan for the VSR and set desired outcomes.
  • Provide support and guidance throughout the research project.
  • Communicate regularly with the VSR to discuss progress and challenges.

Saint Paul University (host) supervisor responsibilities

  • Have an initial meeting with the VSR to discuss the research project and set desired outcomes.
  • If applicable, provide the VSR with guidance and support on how to apply for ethics approval.
  • Provide appropriate support by meeting regularly with the VSR to review the progress of their research.