Family, medical and additional leave benefits for UKRI and University of Leeds funded PGRs  Medical leave

Medical leave is available to support you when you're unable to study due to health-related reasons—this includes both physical and mental health. This ensures you can take the time you need without compromising your wellbeing or progress. 

Examples of why you may request medical leave include: 

• sick leave (physical or mental health) 
• pregnancy-related illness 
• antenatal appointments 
• fertility treatment (if leave is medically advised) 
• disability-related illness or appointments (including chronic conditions, diagnosis, therapy, or treatment) 
• gender reassignment (if leave is medically advised) 

Short-term health issues should normally be managed through flexible study arrangements. For example, routine illnesses like colds or mild stomach ailments don’t usually require a funding extension, as time lost during short illnesses like these can often be absorbed over the course of your studentship. 

However, if you have a chronic health condition, that requires you to take medical leave in blocks, this may be different. In such cases, the time taken can add up, and your funding period should be extended to reflect the total time taken. Keep us notified of any leave.  

Managing your medical leave