Potential implications of taking a leave of absence
If you do decide to take a Leave of Absence then you should consider the following potential implications:
Impact on your progression reviews and thesis submission
A Leave of Absence will mean that your next review date and submission date will be adjusted by the period of Leave of Absence taken. More details about this are outlined in the Code of Practice.
Student Visa Holders
If you hold a Student visa and are considering taking a Leave of Absence, you should seek advice from the Student Advice and Support Service as it will have significant implications for your permission to remain in the UK.
Depending on the length of your Leave of Absence, the UKVI may expect you to return to your home country and re-apply for a new visa when you choose or are able to resume your studies.
Financial implications
Taking a Leave of Absence may have financial implications as student loans and grants are not normally payable during suspension of studies. There are a few exceptions to this so please seek advice by making an appointment to see an advisor in the Student Advice and Support Service.
A Leave of Absence may impact on your Council Tax exemption status. You are advised to seek advice from the Student Advice and Support Service.
Your tuition fees will be pro-rated so that you are charged for the period of registration up to the start of your Leave of Absence. When you return to studies, you will be charged the remainder of your outstanding fees. If you return to studies in the next academic year, your remaining fees will be charged at the tuition fee rate for the new academic year.
Stipend payments will usually be paused during a Leave of Absence unless you are entitled to parental leave pay or sickness pay.
University Facilities
Your IT account will remain active whilst you are on a Leave of Absence. This means you will still have access to Student Self-service, Learn, computer labs and your email account during your period of Leave of Absence.
Students on a Leave of Absence are welcome to continue to use the University Library for reference purposes at any time, free of charge. If you wish to borrow books whilst of leave if absence, you need to collect a membership authorisation form from the Library and have it countersigned by your School. Once you have returned the form and paid the Library a £10 admin fee, you will be allowed to borrow throughout your Leave of Absence period with the same borrowing rights as students in your year.