- Returning to study after being withdrawn
- HIC and partner institution students
- Which return-to-study process should I follow?
- Before you make a request
- Returning to the same course
- Less than one year since you were withdrawn
- Between one and two years since you were withdrawn
- More than two years since you were withdrawn
- Returning to a different course
- Returning to study if you need a Student visa
- Evidence needed for Student visa holders
- Forms
- Contact us
Returning to study after being withdrawn
If you want to return to the University of Hertfordshire after being withdrawn, the process depends on:
- whether you are returning to the same course
- how long it has been since you were withdrawn
- whether you need a Student visa to study in the UK.
HIC and partner institution students
If you were studying with Hertfordshire International College or a partner institution, do not follow the return-to-study processes on this page.
This applies whether you want to return to the same course or start a different course.
- If you are a Hertfordshire International College (HIC) student, email admissions@hic.navitas.com.
- If you study with a partner institution, email the Collaborative Partnerships Unit at CPU@herts.ac.uk.
Which return-to-study process should I follow?
This page explains the process for returning to the same course.
If you want to study a different course, see Returning to a different course below.
If you need a Student visa, follow the process under Returning to study if you need a Student visa.
Before you make a request
We recommend submitting your request at least eight weeks before your course is due to start.
Before requesting to return:
- check with Student Finance how returning could affect your fees or funding
- clear any outstanding tuition fee or accommodation debt
- be aware that your return will need academic approval.
If you were withdrawn because of academic failure or misconduct, this may affect whether you are permitted to return.
We cannot guarantee that your request will be approved or that your preferred start date or intake will be available.
If you want to discuss returning before making a formal request, email ask@herts.ac.uk.
Returning to the same course
The process depends on how long it has been since you were withdrawn.
If you need a Student visa, follow the process under Returning to study if you need a Student visa instead.
Less than one year since you were withdrawn
If you were withdrawn less than one year ago, email ask@herts.ac.uk and include:
- your full name
- student ID number
- the course you want to return to
- when you want to return, for example September 2027
- any other relevant information about your request.
Your request will be sent to the relevant Student Administration team. They will review your student record and seek academic approval for your return.
You may need to complete additional forms if it has been more than one year since you were withdrawn by the time your record is reviewed. This could delay your request.
Between one and two years since you were withdrawn
If it has been more than one year but less than two years since you were withdrawn:
- Email finance-tuition@herts.ac.uk to check how returning may affect your fees or funding.
- Complete the Return to Study Form
- Email the completed form to ask@herts.ac.uk.
More than two years since you were withdrawn
If it has been more than two years since you were withdrawn, you will need to make a new application for the course you want to study.
See the University of Hertfordshire guidance on how to apply.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be allowed to return to the point where you previously left your course. For example, if you withdrew after Year 1 of a BSc (Hons), you may be allowed to return to Year 2.
If you want to discuss your circumstances before applying, email ask@herts.ac.uk.
Returning to a different course
If you want to return to the University on a different course, a different process applies.
If you need a Student visa
You are likely to need to make a new application.
See the University of Hertfordshire international application information.
If you need advice, contact the International Office.
If you do not need a Student visa
If it has been less than two years since you were withdrawn, email ask@herts.ac.uk with details of the new course you want to study.
Your request will be sent to the relevant Student Administration team. They will review your student record and advise you on the next steps.
You may need to make a new application.
Returning to study if you need a Student visa
There are additional requirements if you need a Student visa to return to your studies.
If more than two years will have passed between the date you were withdrawn and your intended return date, you must make a new application.
If your visa was cancelled following your withdrawal and you were required to leave the UK, you must complete a Return to Study form.
See Reinstatement of Student visa sponsorship and UKVI cancellation notices for more information.
Submit your return-to-study request at least eight weeks before your course starts. This allows time for the necessary CAS and Student visa processes.
The International Office and Student Immigration Team will advise you about any visa implications.
How to request your return
- Email finance-tuition@herts.ac.uk to check any fees or funding implications. You must clear any outstanding debt before you can return.
- Complete the Return to Study Form - Student Visa Holders.
- Provide the supporting evidence listed below.
- Email your completed form and supporting evidence to ask@herts.ac.uk.
Your request will be reviewed by the International Office and Admissions to check:
- your eligibility
- your visa requirements
- the English language requirements for your course.
Your return may depend on completing the requirements below.
Evidence needed for Student visa holders
Because you were previously sponsored by the University to study at the same academic level, you need to explain why you did not continue your previous studies. This is used as part of the CAS application and is required by UKVI for applicants with previous sponsorship at the same level.
Your statement must explain:
- why you originally chose your course
- why you want to undertake another period of study at the same level
- why you want to study at the University of Hertfordshire
- how you intend to use this additional period of study when you return home.
Complete your statement in section 2 of the Return to Study form.
You will need to submit this along with your completed return to study form.
You need to provide a Notification of Results (NOR) for your previous study at Herts. This is required as part of the educational evidence for your visa application. It is needed for the “evidence to obtain offer” section of the CAS application
To request your NOR, email ask@herts.ac.uk and include:
- your name
- student ID number
- previous course of study.
Attach your NOR to your completed Return to Study form.
Please attach this with your completed return to study form.
You need to provide evidence that you left the UK following your previous withdrawal.
Evidence can include:
- boarding passes
- flight tickets
- UK exit stamps
- entry stamps from your destination country.
Attach your evidence to your completed Return to Study form.
Immigration History Questionnaire (IHQ)
Once your completed return to study form is received and reviewed the International Office will send you a link to complete the IHQ.
The University needs information about your immigration history and the time you have previously spent studying as a Student visa holder to decide whether it can sponsor you again.
After your Return to Study form has been received and reviewed, the International Office will send you a link to complete the Immigration History Questionnaire (IHQ).
All international students who require sponsorship must pay a deposit to confirm their place.
Once your return-to-study request has been reviewed and approved by the International Office, email tuition-finance@herts.ac.uk to find out how much you need to pay for your course.
Sponsorship interview and financial evidence
Before you return, the International Office will conduct a Sponsorship Interview, which mirrors the UKVI assessment for a visa application.
If you do not pass the interview, you will not be issued a CAS and will not be able to return to study.
You must also provide UKVI-compliant evidence showing that you can cover your tuition fees and maintenance costs. If you do not provide acceptable evidence, the University cannot issue a CAS.
A CAS can only be issued once all mandatory requirements have been successfully completed.
Allow at least eight weeks between submitting your completed Return to Study form and the start of your course.
You need a CAS before you can apply for a Student visa. See the GOV.UK Student visa guidance.
Forms
Contact us
If you need help with returning to study, email the Ask Herts team at ask@herts.ac.uk.