Suspending Studies

It's important you contact us as a Student 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.

It is very important you check the financial implications of suspending studies.

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 attendance. As a general rule, tuition fee liability is split up as follows: 

• Term 1 - 25% 
• Term 2 - 50%                   
• Term 3 - 100% 

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.

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.

The University recognises that candidates may feel compelled for various reasons to interrupt their studies during/over an academic session. In such instances, candidates may request a suspension of their studies.  It should be noted that candidates do not have a right to suspend their studies; rather suspensions must be requested and supported by the Faculty and approved by the Academic Registry or Dean.

Undergraduate candidates are only permitted to request to suspend their studies during their maximum period of candidature.  Requests which fall outside this period will only be considered if the School successfully applies for an extension to your candidature.   

Please note that undergraduate and postgraduate taught full-time degree students will not be permitted to suspend after the first day of the Summer Term unless it is for health or other compelling reasons.

If you are an International student, you are strongly encouraged to consult the International Student Advisory Service before suspending your studies, as this will have implications with regards to your immigration status.  The University will be required to inform the UK Border Agency of Suspensions. Students under a Student Route Visa will be expected to return home and re-apply for a new visa.

Listed below is the procedure which must be followed if you wish to suspend studies at the University.

1. You must put in writing your request to suspend studies by completing the attached form. Normally, you will be expected to attend for interview with a member of staff from your Faculty and contact a member of the Academic Registry for advice

2. The grounds on which you can request a suspension are as follows

   • Health (including medical grounds/disability)
   • exceptional personal circumstances
   • financial
   • in cases where a candidate intends to transfer scheme

The University will require confirmation that you are medically fit (if applicable) or that you have overcome the issues resulting in your suspension before you are able to resume your studies on your return to the University (see the suspension regulations in your Academic Guide.

Except in cases of serious health conditions, supported by medical evidence, the University shall be permitted to refuse a request for suspension.  Requests from candidates, who are compelled to suspend their studies for health reasons beyond the first day of the summer term, shall be considered on an individual basis by and must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation

.         You must complete all sections of the form including

• The reason why you have decided to suspend your studies (e.g. financial, health or personal reasons).
• Confirmation of your last date of attendance and the date you intend to resume your studies.  Please note that your last day of attendance is calculated based on the last day you attended a teaching seminar/tutorial/lecture etc in person during a teaching term, AND the latest date that you accessed teaching material on canvas; whichever date is latest.  It is important that this date is accurate as it will be used to calculate any tuition fee refund and assess if any grant must be repaid.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE HAVING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, THE UNIVERSITY MAY BE ABLE TO HELP.  CONTACT studentsupport-scienceengineering@swansea.ac.uk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Full-time candidates will normally be expected to resume their studies at the beginning of the following session i.e. return in the following September (with the consent of their Faculty) and re-start the year/level of study (automatically forfeiting any credit already gained).  In some cases e.g. part-time candidates it may be considered more appropriate for candidates to resume their studies at the point of suspension in the subsequent year.  In such cases candidates will carry over their existing marks with the approval of the Faculty.

• Once you have completed the form, it must be sent to studentsupport-scienceengineering@swansea.ac.uk for signing by the relevant Faculty staff.

• Upon final approval of your completed form, the Student Record Office shall inform you of the outcome and, if relevant, amend your records and inform your Faculty, Finance Office, Accommodation Office, Library and if you are an International student the Immigration authorities.

• Resumption of Studies. Before your expected return date you will receive a resumption of studies email asking you to confirm that you are returning and advise about your enrolment.  If you have not specified a return date on this form the next course start date will used as your recorded expected return date.

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

• Complete a Suspension of Studies Form 22/23 and return this to StudentSupport-ScienceEngineering@swansea.ac.uk from your student email account. Forms sent from personal email accounts will not be accepted.
• If you are suspending on health grounds, you will need to supply relevant supporting documentation with your request to suspend studies e.g. a letter from your GP.
• If you are an international or EU student with a Student Route visa, you will also need to complete a Previous Study and Personal Statement Questionnaire along with your Suspension Form.

After submitting a request you should:

• 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 Information Team.

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 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 enrol or contact the Faculty or University and do not re-enrol onto your programme of study, the University shall assume that the student has withdrawn from the University. You will be informed in writing that you have been withdrawn and your record will be amended.