The Faculty recognises that a student may need to take a break from their programme due to ill health, exceptional personal circumstances, financial reasons or in cases where the student intends to transfer their programme. This is known as a 'suspension' and will mean stopping your studies for the remainder of the academic year.

You may apply to suspend your studies until the first day of the Spring Term, please click here for the University's term dates. Any request to suspend after this point must be made on the grounds of health or other compelling reasons and appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted.

All suspension requests must be completed before the May/June Assessment Period. Again, please click here for the University's term dates.

Please see the steps to follow below if you are considering suspending your studies.

 How to Request to Suspend Your Studies
Step 1

Contact the Student Experience and Information Team

  • It's important you contact us as a Student Experience and Information Team to discuss your situation as your options might not be limited to suspending your studies. We can also point you in the direction of any support and advice that might be available.
Step 2

Financial Check

  • Student Finance - If you receive a Tuition Fee and/or Maintenance Grant/Loan from the Student Loans Company, it's vital you speak with Money@CampusLife before submitting a suspension request. They have a very helpful advice page which might answer some of your questions.
  • Tuition Fees: For Undergraduate Students, if you suspend studies the amount of tuition fees you pay for the year will depend on your last date of engagement. For Postgraduate Students, your tuition fees are calculated on a pro-rata basis. You can find further guidance on tuition fee liability and refunds here
  • Accommodation - It is also worth considering whether suspending studies will affect any contracts you have for accommodation. If you are staying in Swansea University accommodation, do contact the Accommodation Team for advice: accommodation@swansea.ac.uk
  • Sponsored Students - If you are sponsored student, we strongly advise you consult with your sponsor before submitting your request.
Step 3

International and EU Student Visa Check (if applicable)

  • If you are an international or EU student with a Student Route visa, you will need to contact the International@CampusLife Team to discuss the CAS and visa implications of suspending studies.
Step 4

Submit your Forms

If you wish to go ahead and request to suspend your studies, you will need to:

After Submitting Your Request
  • Keep an eye on your student email account. Once your suspension has been approved you will receive an email from student records to confirm your suspension, your expected date of return, and any conditions of your return to study.
  • If you have not received an approval email within one week of submitting your form and supporting documentation, please contact the Student Experience and Information Team.
Returning to Your Studies

Full time students will normally be expected to return to study at the beginning of the following academic year and re-start the level of study.

  • You will be contacted by Student Records as your return date nears to confirm any action you need to take before enrolling for the academic year. If you have suspended on health grounds, you will need to provide current medical evidence to confirm that you are fit to return to your studies.
  • If the original circumstances of your suspension are continuing and you feel unable to return, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss this.
  • If you do not re-enrol onto your programme of study, the University shall assume that you wish to withdraw from the University. You will be contacted to confirm that you have been withdrawn and your record will be amended.