Authorised Interruption of Study and Withdrawal

If you want to interrupt or withdraw from your studies.

Authorised Interruption of Studies

An Authorised Interruption of Study is a temporary break from study (usually for a one-year period) because you are unable to study. There are many reasons you may seek an interruption, e.g. circumstances beyond your control, medical and mental health issues, special interests, company management, to pursue an internship, for an elite sporting event, lengthy military service, and many others.

You must apply for permission for an Authorised Interruption of Studies. To apply, you will need to contact the Student Support Team. They will  be able to assist you and submit your application on your behalf. Once your application has been submitted, your case will be reviewed and you will be notified of the outcome when a decision is made.

Authorised Interruption of Studies

Please note the following important points:

• An Authorised Interruption of Studies cannot be granted retrospectively, they can only start from the point of application until the agreed upon return point. 
• You may be considering an Authorised Interruption of Studies due to difficult personal circumstances. If this is the case, it may be advisable for you to apply for Special Circumstances, depending on when you are wishing to begin your interruption. We advise that you speak with your Student Adviser by emailing studentsupport@maths.ed.ac.uk; they will be able to advise you as to whether you should apply for Special Circumstances and what the procedure is. Special Circumstances procedures and decisions are dealt with completely independently from the request for an Authorised Interruption of Studies. 

VISA Students

If you hold a Visa you should contact the University Student Immigration Service for advice before applying for an Authorised Interruption of Studies.

Student Immigration Service

Withdrawal

A withdrawal is a permanent decision to discontinue your studies here at the University of Edinburgh. You can choose to withdraw at any time. We encourage you to speak to your Student Adviser before submitting a request to withdraw. There may be alternatives to withdrawing that can be explored. 

If you wish to withdraw, contact the Student Support Team at studentsupport@maths.ed.ac.uk and they will be able to assist you.