Leaves of absence
Students enrolled in a Bachelor or Master programme at the University may, under certain conditions, request a leave of absence. During a leave of absence, the student remains enrolled on their study programme but does not participate in courses and exams. The time covered by the leave is not included in the calculation of the maximum study duration.
A leave of absence can be granted in the following circumstances:
- Illness or other medical condition;
- Responsibility for a partner or first degree relative (parents, children) who requires intensive care.
- Pregnancy and maternity/paternity, within 3 months of birth or adoption.
- Parental leave up to the child’s third birthday.
- Military or compulsory civil service.
- Other circumstances must be exceptional to qualify for a leave and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What are the consequences of a leave of absence?
A student on leave continues to be enrolled but no longer has the right to:
- Take courses and attend classes;
- Benefit from supervision;
- Participate in exams or any other form of assessment;
- Participate in elections or be elected or act as a student representative.
However, students on leave:
- Keep their student card;
- May remain eligible for student accommodation (decision subject to availability and assessment of the student’s personal situation);
- May access University facilities including the library, restaurants, and sports facilities.
The student on leave must also continue to:
- Comply with general eligibility conditions (i.e. authorisation to stay in the county);
- Be covered by health insurance;
- Comply with the obligations laid down in the User Charter (Annex 1 to the Study Regulations).
How to request a leave of absence
Students wishing to request a leave of absence or to extend an ongoing period of leave should fill in the corresponding form (see “Useful documents“) and submit it, together with the relevant documentation, to their Study Programme Director.
Requests are usually processed within four (4) weeks.
If a leave is granted
A leave of absence is always granted for a limited period, usually for the duration of one or a maximum of two study semesters. Whenever possible, leave periods start at the beginning of the semester and must be requested at least four (4) weeks in advance of the start of the semester. Requests for leave from newly admitted students during their first semester of enrolment will not be accepted.
No leave can be granted retroactively or for circumstances that are no longer applicable when the request is submitted.
Requests to extend an ongoing period of leave must be submitted at least four (4) weeks before the end of the current leave period.
It is possible to end a leave of absence before the agreed date. To do so, the student should send a request to terminate the leave to the Admissions Office in the Student Department (SEVE).
Advice and support
If you are not sure whether you qualify for a leave of absence or whether it is a good idea to request one, you are advised to contact your Study Programme Director or Administrator for guidance and support.