Approval can only be given for the suspension of a student’s studies for up to 1 academic year. This post provides guidance on the procedure of voluntary suspension of studies, for Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate students.
What is voluntary suspension of studies?
Suspension is taking a break from your studies for the following reasons:
- Maternity or paternity;
- Illness;
- Family issues;
- Financial issues;
- Standing as a sabbatical officer for the Hertfordshire Student Union;
- Other reasons at the discretion of the Dean of Students.
Things you need to consider
Suspending your studies can bring a number of implications that you should consider. Suspending your studies may:
- Require you to leave University managed accommodation, and you would need to re-apply before returning to study.
- Affect your tuition fees payments.
- Affect the immigration status of international students studying in the UK.
- Affect your council tax exemption status.
- Affect your access to a number of University services, including the LRC, nursery, Disability Services, and Student Union status.
- Affect DSA funding.
Support and advice
You can talk with a variety of University staff to support you in your decision-making:
- Your course Programme Tutor
- The Counselling Centre can offer confidential advice and support.
- The Dean of Students' Office can offer advice on the suspension process.
- Seek impartial advice from a student's perspective at the Students' Union.
- Your course administrator in the Ask Herts team.
- A Student Support Officer or Community Support Officer for accommodation related queries.
- International Student Support can offer guidance for international students
- Disability Services can talk you through how suspending your studies may affect several factors, including your assessment adjustments, support and DSA support.
How do I apply for voluntary suspension?
If you are contemplating suspending your studies, you should speak with your course Programme Tutor before making a formal request.
If you decide to apply for a suspension of studies, you need to complete the request for voluntary suspension of studies form and attach documentary evidence of the reasons for the request. The form must be countersigned by your course Programme Tutor. Once signed, you are responsible for passing the form to your Ask Herts hub. Your Student Records Administrator will then request approval by the Dean of School
International students must speak to International Student Support at the earliest possible time.
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.
If you are funded by the Student Loan Company
You need to complete a Change of Circumstance form.
When you're ready to return
When you are ready to come back following a suspension of your studies, have a look at our Returning Student Checklist.