New International postgraduate research student checklist
Everything you need to do before you start your doctoral degree if you're a student paying overseas fees or with a visa and immigration tasks.
What you need to do first
Before you can start your research degree, you must do the following:
- Register for your course
You need to register and activate your University IT account before you can start your programme. You will receive a registration email from preregistration@sheffield.ac.uk with instructions on how to do this. There are two steps to your registration:
- Step 1: Online registration, available from 21 August 2025
- Step 2: In-person right to study check, appointments available from 16 September 2025
- Activate your student IT account
Once you’ve registered for your course, your University IT account (MUSE) will be activated. You will use your MUSE account to access online IT services including your student email account.
Learn how to get online, manage your emails, access apps and software, and get the most out of your programme. Start your digital induction
If you experience any problems logging into your University computer account, contact IT Services.
Keep checking your University email account as this is where we will send all future communications.
- Book your in-person right to study check
As a non-UK national, to complete your registration with the University you must book and attend an in person Right to Study check. You will receive an email at the start of September, asking you to book this.
At your right to study check we will:
- Verify your passport and immigration documents
- Help you to complete registration for your course
- Print your student UCard (your student ID card used to access buildings and services).
If you're a distance learning student, you don't need to attend an in-person right to study check. You’ll be prompted to upload any immigration documents online as part of your pre-registration steps.
- Complete the CAS application task
Anyone who applies for a Student visa to study in the UK must include with their visa application a unique Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, linking them to the institution where they intend to study. You will be asked to complete the CAS Application task as part of your pre-registration tasks.
- Apply for your student visa
Once you have received your CAS from Admissions you should apply for your visa as soon as possible.
Before applying for your visa:
- Check if you need to provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your visa application. Tuberculosis screening
- Check if you need to provide ATAS clearance as part of your visa application. If you’re unsure what you need for your application, contact our International Student Support, Advice and Compliance team (ISSAC)
- Check that you meet the Student visa financial requirements before applying
- Join a pre-departure briefing
There's a lot to think about before moving to Sheffield, so join a Sheffield Live session and get your questions answered. Sessions run on a Wednesday and cover lots of topics from CAS and visas, to packing and moving, and those all important pre-departure briefings.
- Let the University know about any accessibility requirements
We can support you if you have a long-term impairment or condition. Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) to ensure that the support you need is in place.
DDSS provides the same level of service to both international and UK students, and has some specific information for international PGRs who may be unsure about whether they are eligible for support.
- Complete your financial declaration and pay your tuition fees
Paying your tuition fees is a crucial part of your registration at University. It’s important to know how to do this correctly, as well as the things you need to look out for.
If you’re a Sheffield University graduate, and are funding your doctorate yourself, you’re entitled to a discount on your tuition fees (if applicable).
How to pay your tuition fees (and some important reading)
All students must complete the Financial Declaration, online, in advance. You will be sent a link, via email, asking you to complete your pre-registration actions; this includes completing the Financial Declaration.
This applies to you even if you are receiving funding for your research degree. See additional information for sponsored students.
It’s also a good time to start thinking about managing your money during your research degree. Our money tools can help you plan your finances and could make your money go further.
Watch out for tuition fee fraud
Scams and fraud are very common. You need to know how to protect yourself against them.
- If a company, or someone online, offers to pay your fees at a reduced price, do not respond.
- Never share your personal information (including your University username and password) with anyone else.
- Don’t be pressured into making payments - criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- Ensure you will receive your scholarship payments
If you are in receipt of a scholarship managed by the University, you must provide your bank details on MUSE and ensure you are fully registered by the start date of your programme to avoid any delays to your first stipend payment.
Start getting ready
Once you've completed your essential tasks it's time to start getting excited for your Sheffield journey. Here's a list of things to do to help you prepare.
- Join us for Orientation Week, 15 - 19 September
Orientation Week is an optional programme of guided tours, social events and information sessions open to all new and continuing students, international or from the UK. If you want a little extra time and help to settle into life in Sheffield and the University, then Orientation Week is for you.
- Get to know the city of Sheffield
Sheffield is a vibrant, green, modern city with real character. Unforgettable nights out, breathtaking green spaces, sprawling shopping centres and proud, local independents.
- Get your tickets for Welcome Week, 22 - 26 September
Explore everything Sheffield has to offer at our Welcome Week, taking place 22 - 26 September. There really is something for everyone and during this week you can:
- Grab freebies at our Freshers Fair
- Meet members from hundreds of our clubs and societies at the Activities Fair and Sports Fair
- Join daily Give it a Go activities to test out different societies
- Enjoy loads of fantastic nights out
All events are open to all new students including PGRs, and some events are specifically for postgraduate students.
- Register with the University Health Service
You should register with a GP (doctor) in Sheffield so you can get medical advice and treatment if you ever need it. As part of your online registration, you’ll be able to register as a patient with the University Health Service (UHS), your dedicated NHS GP practice and student health specialist.
If you have a pre-existing physical or mental condition (for example, sickle cell disease), it’s very important that you register with a GP to let them know about your condition so that they can help you access the specialist care you need.
Find out more about accessing healthcare in the UK as an international student, including information about National Health Service (NHS) entitlement, health insurance and immunisations before you arrive in the UK.
- Find support and advice for settling in and adjusting to life in the UK
Studying abroad can be both exciting and stressful. To help you settle in and adjust to life in the UK, the International Student Success programme is a free online resource with practical guidance and support for all new international students.
- Start packing
Remember to bring any current medications you take with you, and make sure you have enough for your first few weeks.
- Register for PGR mentoring and social events
PGR Connect provides opportunities to meet your colleagues across the University through mentoring, events and socials. As a mentee you can connect with someone more experienced and further along in their research.
- Learn more about PGR study and understand the Code of Practice
The PGR Hub contains essential information for all PGRs at Sheffield. You can browse the webpages or read through the downloadable PDF version to find out more about:
- Your programme structure, timeline and key milestones you will complete
- Policies and expectations relating to supervision, research, and examination
- The Doctoral Development Programme, the flexible training all students complete to support their research
- Administrative processes such as taking a leave of absence or a work placement during your studies
- Support and opportunities available to you during your time at Sheffield
This will be a key reference for you throughout your degree, alongside any supplementary guidance or handbooks provided by your School.
- Check your University email account
Whilst you are a student with us, any important information we need to communicate to you will always be sent to your student email address. So it’s essential that you check your emails regularly.
Learn how to get online and manage your emails
If you experience any problems logging into your University IT account, contact IT Services.
- Follow the University on social media
Celebrate your success and get involved on social media! Make sure you’re following us on:
Travelling to the UK
Before you travel, make sure you have everything you need and know what to bring with you.
- What to bring with you
If you’ll be living in University accommodation, here’s some useful advice on what to bring with you.
Take a look at our international student essentials for advice on what to bring with you and important information for moving to the UK.
Bring the following documents in your hand luggage:
- Your CAS number and/or details of your course
- A recent bank statement
- Details of your accommodation
- Any medical documents and at least three months’ medication for ongoing conditions
- Don’t bring any restricted items into the UK
- Have your passport ready and remove it from its cover
- Bring a pen with you so you can complete a landing card on the plane
- How to get to Sheffield
Find maps of the city and campus, and travel information for visiting Sheffield from across the nation and world.
Arriving at Sheffield
Here is everything you need to know and do when you arrive in Sheffield.
- Download our safety app
Download SafeZone for instant alerts during major incidents, such as cyber attacks, security threats, campus evacuations or extreme weather situations. You can also use it to contact the University's security team if you ever need help on campus.
- Know where to go for help
The Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) is the first place you should go to for general student-related enquiries. Contact SSiD
For immigration related information or advice, contact the International Student Support, Advice & Compliance (ISSAC) team.
There is also a wealth of support and information available in your faculty to help make your doctoral research degree successful. Find your Faculty Doctoral School
What to do in your first week
There will be lots going on in your first week, so here are the key things you need to do and what you can get involved in.
- Attend your in-person right to study check
You must attend an in-person right to study check to be able to study with us. This is where you will also pick up your UCard.
- Check your visa details and responsibilities
Check your visa details are correct. If there’s a problem, let us know straight away.
Students with a Student or Tier 4 visa have certain conditions and responsibilities attached to their stay in the UK.
- Open a UK student bank account
You will need a bank letter from the University to open a bank account in the UK. Bank letters can only be requested once you have completed your student registration.
- Register with the University Health Service
If you didn’t already register with the University Health Service (UHS) as part of your online registration, you can still register as a patient at any point.
It's very important that you register with a GP (Doctor), so you can access medical advice and treatment when you need it. The University Health Service is your dedicated NHS GP Practice, providing a full range of services, including:
- Routine NHS Doctor and Nurse appointments
- Long term conditions appointments (e.g. diabetes, asthma etc)
- Mental health services
- Eating disorder services
- Sexual health services (including contraception fitting)
- Travel health service (travel immunisations)
Register with the University Health Service
We recommend all students are vaccinated against MMR and MenACWY. If you have not been vaccinated against these, you can be vaccinated when you have registered with UHS. They are free on the NHS.
- Complete your mandatory training
There are 11 mandatory training courses that all postgraduate research students and University staff must complete, which form an essential part of keeping us all safe and healthy at work, keeping our data secure and building a positive, supportive community for all students and staff.
- Attend your school or faculty welcome and induction events
You should attend any school/departmental or Faculty PGR induction events that you are invited to. You'll receive information about these via your University email address.
- Read the University's Research Ethics Policy
If you’re conducting research with people, their data, or their tissue, make sure that you’re familiar with the University Research Ethics Policy and how it applies to you.
- Begin working with your supervisor
In your first meetings you will:
- Establish the expectations for your supervisory relationship;
- Be introduced to the key people, processes, resources and facilities in your school or department;
- Discuss the timeline for your doctoral programme, and the requirements, milestones and deadlines you need to be aware of;
- Develop plans for your project, building on the initial research proposal defined during the admissions process;
Complete your Training Needs Analysis for the Doctoral Development Programme (DDP) and identify any additional training you will require in your first year.
Settle into Sheffield
As you begin your research, here are some things you can do that will help you get the most out of your time at Sheffield.
- Get to know your library services
Across campus, you have access to several library sites where you can find resources for your research, use study spaces, and access support when you need it. Find out about your University Library
- Find out about English language support
The English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) offers a wide range of English language support services you can access throughout your studies. This includes a programme of courses, workshops and tutorials specifically designed for postgraduate research students to develop your advanced academic writing and speaking skills.
- Explore our sports facilities
Start exploring the sport facilities at the University and find out more about gym memberships.
- Join clubs and societies
Take a look at our clubs and societies to explore what you could get involved with.
- Learn more about your student IT essentials
Get help with managing your University IT account, using Google workspace and accessing your emails.
- Make new friends from all over the world
Throughout the year we have a wide range of weekly events and activities including Global Hangouts, Local History Walks and Global Cafe. These events are open to everyone so you can meet people, make friends and settle into life at the University and Sheffield.
When should I arrive?
You should aim to arrive in Sheffield in time for Welcome Week (22 September to 27 September 2025), when induction events will take place.
The majority of postgraduate research programmes will begin on 1 October 2025. Your start date will be confirmed on your offer letter.
You need to complete your registration by 29 September 2025 so you can begin your studies from the start of term. You must complete registration before beginning any research or supervision.
Late registration
If you arrive after 29 September 2025, you may be able to register late. The final deadline for arriving in Sheffield and registering as a student in the main registration period is 20 October 2025, although you should be aware that if you register late the deadlines for your programme will not change correspondingly.