Types of student leave
A brief guide to the different types of leave that PGRs are entitled to.
Types of student leave
All PGRs are entitled to request leave throughout their period of study. The type of leave and whether it has any impact on students’ registration dates, stipend and visa will depend on factors such as who funds the student and the duration of the leave requested. Students should check their specific funder terms and conditions when applying for leave.
These are the types of leave that students can apply for.
Leave of absence
Leave of absence (LOA) is normally for periods of absence of 28 days or more. Applications can be made on the following grounds:
- Medical
- Personal
- Parental
- Financial
- Academic
An approved period of leave of absence will extend a student’s registration dates, as it is regarded as a complete break from their degree and suspension of their registration. Students must not undertake any work towards their research degree whilst they are on a leave of absence. A leave of absence may also affect when students receive their stipend, and, for visa-sponsored students, it may affect their visa and right to remain in the UK during the period of absence.
UKRI and University of Sheffield-funded students may be eligible for additional stipend payments during a leave of absence, depending on the reason for the leave of absence, and whether they are still within their fee-paying period. Students sponsored by other funders should check with their funder.
Authorised absence
Students should apply for an authorised absence when requesting a shorter period of absence (up to four weeks/27 days), e.g. if a student is unable to attend due to a minor illness, such as a cold or flu.
An authorised absence does not extend a student’s registration dates, so it has no impact on stipends or visas.
Annual leave
PGRs can request reasonable annual leave throughout their degree, not exceeding 30 days per year, plus Bank Holidays and University Closure Days (which are between Christmas and New Year) for full-time students (pro rata for part-time students). This figure is based on the rules for students who receive funding from a UK Research Council (UKRI), but can apply to all full-time PGRs, unless this contravenes any rules set down by their own financial sponsor.
Annual leave does not extend a student’s registration dates, so it has no impact on stipends or visas.