Suspending your studies
It’s relatively common for life events to disrupt your original plans for study, and for some students, the best plan of action is to suspend their studies for a while. Suspension (sometimes also called ‘rustication’ at Oxford) is often an appropriate response to unexpected illnesses, changes in family circumstances ranging from parental leave to bereavement, and financial changes.
As every student has a unique set of circumstances, if you are considering suspending then please contact the Academic Office to arrange a meeting. We will be able to listen to your experiences and suggest a range of options, and if appropriate, support you through the suspension process and then once again on your return.
Below is some information for you to consider before meeting with the Academic Office, so you know what to expect.
Taught course students cannot suspend for less than one full academic year. For example, if you decide to suspend in Hilary Term of 2025, you will return to your course at the start of Hilary Term 2026. You can find out how many academic years you can suspend for in your course conventions. If your circumstances change during the time you are suspended and you require more time than stated in your course conventions, then we can apply for dispensation for you to suspend your studies for an additional year. (Parental leave is the exception from this).
You will not be able to remain in College accommodation whilst you are suspended. However, you will still be able to access online library resources. You are not expected to do any studying whilst you are suspended.
In order to suspend your studies, you must complete a GSO.17 ‘Suspension of Studies’ form and receive approval from your supervisor, the College, and your Director of Graduate Studies. The Academic Office will send you this form after we meet with you.
Research students can suspend their studies one term at a term, for a maximum of six terms total over their entire degree. Any suspensions for parental leave do not count towards this six-term total.
You will not be able to remain in College accommodation whilst you are suspended. However, you will still be able to access online library resources. You are not expected to do any studying whilst you are suspended.
In order to suspend your studies, you must complete a GSO.17 ‘Suspension of Studies’ form and receive approval from your supervisor, the College, and your Director of Graduate Studies. The Academic Office will send you this form after we meet with you.
You will be contacted by your department and the College shortly before your suspension is due to end to process your return from suspension. Please make sure your personal email address is up to date in your self-service account.
You will need to complete a Return from Suspension form, which we will send you. If you have suspended for medical reasons, you will need to provide sufficient evidence that you are fit to return to study. This form will also need approval from your supervisor, the College, and your Director of Graduate Studies.
Once you do return from suspension, the Head of Academic Office will arrange a meeting with you to check in and see if there are any ways the College can support you in your return to studies.
There are a range of reasons why students choose to withdraw from their course. The Academic Office will try to meet with any students considering withdrawal in order to help them make an informed decision.