- What is voluntary suspension of studies?
- Before you defer your studies
- Get support before making your decision
- Important information for international students
- How do I apply for a voluntary suspension?
- Returning to your studies
What is voluntary suspension of studies?
A voluntary suspension (also known as a deferral) is when you take an approved break from your studies.
You may request a suspension for reasons such as:
- Maternity or paternity leave
- Illness
- Family circumstances
- Financial difficulties
- Standing as a Hertfordshire Students' Union Sabbatical Officer
- Other reasons approved by the Dean of Students
Suspensions are normally approved for a maximum of one academic year.
Before you defer your studies
Deferring your studies can affect several areas of your student experience. Before you apply, make sure you understand how a suspension could affect:
|
Area |
Possible impact |
|
Accommodation |
You may need to leave University-managed accommodation and reapply before returning. |
|
Tuition fees |
Your tuition fee payments may be affected. |
|
International students |
Your immigration status and visa sponsorship may be affected. |
|
Council tax |
Your council tax exemption status may change. |
|
University services |
Access to services such as the LRC, nursery, Disability Services and Students' Union may be affected. |
|
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) |
Your funding and support arrangements may be affected. |
Please note, requests for suspended studies of more than 12 months, retrospective requests, or requests that appear 'unusual', will be considered on a case by case basis by the Dean of Students and the School of study.
Get support before making your decision
If you are thinking about deferring your studies, we recommend discussing your options with the appropriate support services first.
You can speak to:
- Your Programme Tutor
- Counselling and Personal Support
- The Dean of Students' Office
- Hertfordshire Students' Union Advice and Support
- The Ask Herts team
- A Student Support Officer or Community Support Officer
- International Student Support and Advice
- Accessibility and Disability Services
These teams can help you understand the personal, academic, financial and practical implications of suspending your studies.
Important information for international students
Suspending your studies may affect your Student visa.
International students should contact the International Student Support team as early as possible before submitting a suspension request.
Please note that the Home Office Visa Brake for international students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan came into effect on 26 March 2026. If you defer your studies:
- The University will withdraw sponsorship of your Student visa.
- You must return to your home country.
- You must remain there until the visa brake is lifted.
There is currently no confirmed timescale for this.
For the latest information, see Home Office Updates for International Students.
How do I apply for a voluntary suspension?
If, after seeking advice and support, you decide to proceed with a suspension, you should:
- Complete the Request for Voluntary Suspension of Studies form and provide supporting evidence.
- Ask your Programme Tutor to approve the form.
- Email the completed form to ask@herts.ac.uk.
- Your Student Records Administrator will arrange approval by the Dean of School.
- If you receive Student Loans Company funding, the University will notify them of your suspension.
Returning to your studies
When you are ready to return, use the Returning Student Checklist to help you prepare for restarting your course.