Leave of Absence

Students may be granted leave for periods of absence from the University.

For undergraduates, such leave of absence is normally not counted against the maximum candidature of the programme pursued by the student concerned. For graduate students, leave of absence is counted against their maximum candidature. For graduate students in coursework programmes, up to one year of leave of absence may be excluded from the count against their maximum candidature.

Leave of absence may be granted for the following reasons:

Medical reasons

Students are required to submit a medical certificate from the University's Student Health Physician, or a medical certificate from any other medical practitioner registered with the Singapore Medical Council. Normally, a student who is granted leave of absence on medical grounds during a semester will be given “IC” grades for all modules taken in that semester.

Academic reasons

Leave of absence granted for academic reasons is generally to facilitate student exchange with other universities, and internships either locally or overseas.

Personal reasons

Leave may be granted for students to participate in activities such as competitions, sports, seminars, and community services, to start-up a company or to attend to personal matters.

Students who require leave of one semester or more should obtain approval in advance of the semester.  If a student applies for leave of absence after the relevant fee payment deadline, s/he may be liable to pay fees for the entire semester. Students contemplating on applying for leave of absence are strongly advised to consult their Department or Faculty advisor on the possible impact to their course of study.  If during the period of leave of absence, rules relating to his/her candidature are amended, the student must expect to be governed under the amended rules upon his/her return from leave.

Graduate students should also note that if the leave period results in a student exceeding the maximum candidature, the student will also need to apply for an extension of candidature to cover the leave period and the additional time to complete the thesis. There is no automatic extension of candidature to account for the period of leave.  In addition, should the student submit his/her thesis for examination during the leave period or during the semester immediately after the period of leave, the student will have to pay fees for one semester.

It is the student's responsibility to notify the relevant Departments/course instructors regarding absences from scheduled academic activities.  Students who are absent for an extended period without first obtaining approval for leave will be regarded as being absent without permission and are liable to have their registration status terminated.

Students granted leave of absence are required to vacate their hostel accommodation during the period of leave. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) will re-assess hostel applications of students returning from leave of absence.