FAQ - Current Students - Leave
Are there instances where the department can complete a "Leave of Absence" form on a students behalf?
Do I need to lodge a Return from Leave of Absence form if I have been on study leave?
Do I still need to submit a Return from Leave of Absence form if my candidature is about to lapse?
How can I cancel my leave of absence or Study leave?
What’s my maximum entitlement?
What’s the difference between “leave of absence” (LOA) and “study leave” (SL)
When do I notify my Return from leave of absence?
Why was I Sent a ‘Return from Leave of absence’ form?
Are there instances where the School/Discipline can complete a "Leave of Absence" form on a students behalf?
In extreme cases, for example a medical emergency, leave of absence can be applied for on behalf of a student. Before applying, the School/Discipline should contact the Graduate Centre to discuss any issues which may be pertinent to the case. The student needs to be made aware that the leave has been lodged and he/she will still be required to complete a "Notification of Return from Leave of Absence" form at the end of the leave period
Do I need to lodge a Return from Leave of Absence form if I have been on study leave?
No
Do I still need to submit a Return from Leave of Absence form if my candidature is about to lapse?
Yes. If you do not lodge the form your candidature will be suspended and you will be not be able to submit your thesis.
How may I cancel my leave of absence or study leave?
By notifying the Graduate Centre in writing.
The total period of LOA which can be approved for students who started candidature prior to 1 September 2000 is normally twenty-four months.
The total period of LOA which can be approved for students who started candidature on or after 1 September 2000 is normally twelve months, in compliance with RTS guidelines.
LOA for an accumulated period greater than the maximum entitlement will be considered only when there are exceptional circumstances beyond the student\x92s control. These applications must be accompanied by detailed supporting documentation from the Head of School/Discipline and Principal supervisor.
What's the difference between "leave of absence" (LOA) and "study leave" (SL)?
LOA is the period of time-off from study for reasons other than study (e.g. medical, financial, or personal).
SL is a specified period of time spent undertaking fieldwork, research or study, outside of the University.
You are not “actively-enrolled” during a period of LOA and your scholarship (if applicable) stops for the duration of the LOA. Both candidature and scholarship start once you return from LOA and formally notify the Graduate Centre that you have returned.
You remain “actively-enrolled” while on study leave and your scholarship payments continue during the period of SL.
The total period of SL which can be approved for all students is normally twelve months.
If you have not completed the Core Component of the Structured Program (CCSP) or the application is for SL beyond the maximum entitlement, your application must be accompanied by detailed supporting documentation from the Head of School/Discipline and Principal supervisor.
Please note that for SL of one week or less, a SL application is not required. However, it is the responsibility of the School/Discipline to maintain accurate records (in the local area) of the date(s), purpose(s) and destination(s) of such periods for insurance purposes.
When do I notify the Graduate Centre of my return from leave of absence?
It is important that you notify the Graduate Centre of your return from leave of absence, so that your enrolment and any scholarship payments can be re-activated. Within two weeks of your expected date of return, you are required to notify the Graduate Centre of the resumption of your candidature by completing and lodging the form "Notification of Return from Leave of Absence". If you do not intend to return from leave on the date previously approved by the University, you should apply for an extension of leave of absence at least one week prior to the originally approved date of return. (Note that applications for leave of absence beyond the maximum entitlement are considered only if there are exceptional circumstances beyond your control. You must document in detail the reason(s) why such an extension is sought and the application must be supported by the School/Discipline.) More information available in the Research Student Handbook.
Why was I Sent a "Notification of Return from Leave of absence" form?
When you return from leave of absence, you are required to formally advise the Graduate Centre of your return, to enable re-activation of your candidature and scholarship payments. Failure to return and/or notify the Graduate Centre of your return from leave of absence will result in the suspension of your candidature and scholarship. More information available in Research Student Handbook.
