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Leave your research degree early

Contact your Graduate School to discuss your plans if you’re considering leaving your studies early, either temporarily or permanently.  

You should also speak to your supervisor. 

They will be able to discuss your options – there may be other options you have not considered.

You can also read the Support and wellbeing pages, which includes specific support for postgraduate researchers. 

Withdrawing could affect your: 

  • Maintenance grant
  • Scholarship
  • Doctoral loan payment
  • Visa (international students).

Please make sure that you monitor your University emails during your enquiry.

How to cancel your contract in the first 14 days

You can cancel your agreement with the university and withdraw from your studies without reason within 14 days of the start date noted on your offer letter. Read the “Withdrawal” section of the Student Contract for details.

How to temporarily leave the University

If you need to take a break from your study, you can request an authorised absence or suspension through GRAD. Read the If your research is disrupted page for guidance.

How to permanently leave the University

​​Complete a Leavers Enquiry Form.

Your School will review and send this form to Doctoral College Operations to record you as a permanent leaver.

Your IT account will close immediately when your record is updated and you will need to hand over any IP and/or data to your Graduate School. Your Graduate School will also let you know any extra steps you need to take.

How leaving could affect you

Withdrawing could affect your:

  • Maintenance grant
  • Scholarship
  • Doctoral loan payment
  • Visa (international students).

Fees and funding

Fees are calculated on your leaving date and not your last day of attendance (unless they are the same).

You’ll be notified by email if you’re due a refund.

In some instances, you may lose some or all of your student financial support.

Get advice

Read more about the process of becoming a permanent leaver and fee payments when leaving early.

Visas

If you have a Student visa and permanently withdraw, you must leave the UK. The university must report all permanent withdrawals to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

If you’re considering transferring to another university, you’ll need a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You’ll need to leave the UK to make another visa application.

Email the Student Visa Advice team at StudentVisaAdvice@leeds.ac.uk team for advice.

Accommodation

Find out what you will need to do to exit your accommodation contract and any fees that apply.

If you’re in private sector accommodation, check the terms of your contract. You can get advice from Leeds University Union Advice.

Council Tax

You must let the council know if your circumstances change. You can find out more on the Council Tax exemption page.

Studies