If you take a break from your studies (also known as an interruption), we hope you’ll return as soon as you’re ready.

An interruption is for a maximum of one calendar year or, exceptionally, to the start of one further academic year.

The Interruptions Policy outlines the agreed University policy for managing students’ formal interruptions to study.

During interruption, you’ll still be a registered student but some of your entitlements may change. For example, you won’t have the right to payment of any bursaries and loans. You’ll also still be subject to University requirements, including any disciplinary procedures.

While you’re away, we want you to access important information and support, so you’ll still be able to:

use the library
access your computing accounts
access all university systems and facilities (except for supervision – if you’re a research student).

When you submit your request to interrupt, we'll need to know when you plan to pause your studies and your expected return date. To help you, you can check key dates for your academic calendar including your formal assessment and reassessment periods for up to two years in advance. Your Course Team use your expected return date to help determine when to contact you to confirm your return to study and agree transition and support requirements.

Please note

If you are considering interruption, it is important that you discuss this with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).

For some students, depending on your course or level, your current course may not be available to return to. In these circumstances, we will endeavour to transfer you to the most relevant new course. The new courses will feature different modules and will be structured with 30 credits per module instead of the current 20 credits per module.

If you are impacted, we will let you know at the point of interruption and work closely with you to determine the best options to support your individual academic success.

Student wellbeing and support

Students on an interruption of studies can approach the Student Wellbeing and Support Team for advice and guidance, including assistance with applying for university hardship funds. We recommend contacting the team at least six weeks before you are due to return to arrange a meetings and ensure support plans are updated.

Tuition fees and funding support

We’ll need to verify your stated interruption date, as this will be used to work out your tuition fee liability and your student funding. If you wish to check your tuition fee liability before making a decision, you can contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk.

You’ll need to pay tuition fees for the academic year in which you return. Any fee will depend on your return date and it may be due even if you’re only returning to sit exams. Please ensure you fully understand the financial implications of your request before making your final decision.

Any funding support such as maintenance loans will stop while you’re taking a break. Student Finance will do an overpayment calculation and you may have to return part of the loan you’ve already received. If you’re interrupting due to compelling personal reasons, or you can’t support yourself and would be put in financial hardship by the withdrawal of your maintenance loan, you can request that your funding continues for the rest of that academic year. Your circumstances and any evidence will be reviewed before a decision is made.

Important information for students on a Student Route Visa

If you take a break from your studies, you’re required by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) service to return to your home country. If you remain within the United Kingdom during any break from your studies then we’re obliged to follow UKVI rules and reserve the right to refuse to issue a further Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) when you plan to return to your studies.

Important information for students in university accommodation

If you are currently in university named accommodation, please also complete a License Termination Request Form.

Changes to study