Guidance for UKRI and University of Leeds funded PGRs on maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave

PGRs who receive a stipend either fully or partially funded by UKRI or the University of Leeds are entitled to parental leave and financial support, in line with the terms and conditions of their funding.  

Last updated 25 October 2024

For more information about funding entitlements for UKRI funded PGRs during a period of maternity/paternity/adoption leave please see the UKRI Training Grant Terms and Conditions.  
For more information about funding entitlements for University of Leeds funded PGRs please see the regulations of your studentship attached to your award letter. 

Recording your parental leave with the University 

You can take parental leave in several ways, depending on your circumstances, including the length of time needed and visa restrictions.  
These are: 

  • Suspension of studies 

  • Authorised absence 

  • Annual leave 

Please see the Maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave page of the For Students website. All absences should be recorded in GRAD and evidence will normally be required. More information can be found on the Documentary supporting information page of the For Students website. 

During a period of suspension of studies for maternity leave, you will receive the maternity payments outlined in the Terms and Conditions of your studentship. 

For authorised absences, please speak to your Graduate School who will advise of the process for requesting an authorised absence in GRAD.   
PGRs sponsored by a Student Visa should seek advice from the Student Visa Advice team. 
It is expected that any short period of absence covered by an authorised absence will be absorbed into the candidature. 

If you are eligible for paid leave, maintenance payments will continue during this period of authorised absence and the funding deadline will be extended accordingly. The maximum time limit for thesis submission date is not normally extended for a period of authorised absence. However, if your funding end date is the same as your maximum thesis submission date, an extension may be applied to the record.  

If you have questions about your eligibility for funding during parental leave, speak to your Graduate School.  

Returning to your studies 

You are encouraged to consider whether it would be beneficial for you to participate in activities related to your research project during your leave and discuss this with your supervisors.  PGRs who receive a stipend either fully or partially funded by UKRI or the University of Leeds are entitled to up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KiT) days during your maternity/paternity/adoption leave. You should discuss and agree these in advance with your supervisors. Payment for KiT days would be made at the basic daily stipend rate, less appropriate maternity/paternity/adoption support pay that you may be receiving. 

You may be eligible to return to your studies part-time after a period of parental leave. Part-time PhD studies at the University of Leeds are normally operated on a 60% FTE and so your stipend and deadlines would be amended accordingly. If you are a visa holder, please note that this may not be possible due to visa restrictions and you should seek advice from the Graduate School and the University’s International Student Office. UKRI funded PGRs should refer to the Terms and Conditions of their funding before any changes to mode of study are requested. 

If you withdraw from study after a period of maternity, paternity, parental or adoption leave you should refer to the guidance in this document (PDF).