Leave of absence
In some circumstances, a period of leave of absence may be required, perhaps on personal, financial or medical grounds. Faculty approval is required and a form is available to download at the right of this page.
A student seeking leave of absence on medical grounds must submit a medical certificate with the application. On return to the University, a medical note confirming that the student is able to resume his/her studies should also be submitted to Research & Innovation Services. Research Council-funded students requesting leaves of absence on the grounds of maternity/paternity leave are advised to review our information for scholarship holders or consult their individual Research Council for advice on the length of leave permitted.
Wherever possible, students should apply for a leve of absence as soon as the circumstances arise that would require one. When applying for a future leave of absence, students should note that six months is the normal maximum period that will be approved although a year is permissible under certain circumstances (e.g. where supported by medical evidence). It is not University policy to approve continued lengthy periods of leave of absence. Students need to be aware of the possible consequences of taking lengthy breaks from their research, for example, the possibility that their research may lose currency and originality and that they may struggle to regain momentum. Applications for retrospective leaves of absence are not encouraged and may be refused if they date back too far.
International students should be aware that the conditions of their visa may not permit a leave of absence to be taken and should carefully read the following section on 'Leave of Absence for international students' and seek advice from an immigration adviser before making an application.
In exceptional circumstances, there may be occasions where a student is unable to undertake effective research or pursue their research with adequate commitment, but where a period of leave of absence is still deemed appropriate. For example, a student may not be well enough to attend regularly or undertake full-time studies, but may not want to completely distance themselves from their research for a prolonged period. Under such circumstances, a 'pro-rata' leave of absence may be considered in exceptional cases. In practice, a student would be granted leave of absence to cover only the amount of time lost due to these exceptional circumstances, and not a leave of absence for the entire period in which these circumstances are a factor.
LOA and International Students
In addition to the above guidance, international students should be aware that there are other factors to consider when applying for a leave of absence and they must therefore seek guidance from an immigration adviser in Student Services before the application can be processed. Overseas students should note that the University is required to report Tier 4 student visa holders who are on extended periods of leave of absence to the Home Office. The Home Office will expect such students to return to their home country for the duration of the leave of absence and will curtail the student's visa. Students must re-apply for a new visa when they are ready to recommence their studies.
Students in the UK subject to immigration regulations must be fully registered and attending in order to meet the conditions of the student visa. In order to comply with immigration policy and visa requirements, requests for retrospective leaves of absence of more than 2 months cannot be approved. Applications for retrospective leaves of absence of less than 2 months will be considered on a case-by-case basis where there are exceptional circumstances. Applications for leave of absence may be rejected on the grounds that they do not comply with visa regulations.
For further information or guidance relating to LOA and immigration issues, please contact Student Support and Guidance: international.students@sheffield.ac.uk.