Before making the decision to interrupt your studies, you should discuss your options with your supervisor.

 

1. Voluntary temporary suspension (max. 2 years)

A doctoral student may request the voluntary temporary suspension of their studies for up to a year, a period that may subsequently be extended for up to a further year. The Doctoral Academic Committee will decide on such requests based on the reasons claimed by the student. Under no circumstances can this voluntary interruption be requested during the period of the extensions. 

During the leave of absence, the student cannot participate in study-related activities (participation in already planned courses may be granted an exemption).

 

2. Medical leaves

A student who must interrupt study temporarily because of illness or injury may take a medical leave of absence, contingent upon the submission of documentation from a health-care professional confirming that the student is unable to engage in graduate study; the documentation may include a statement as to when the student can be expected to resume studies.

In case of incapacity for health reasons (including risk during pregnancy), the period shall be extended as follows:

  • If there is an employment contract, it will be expanded for as long as the PhD student is on medical leave.
  • If there is no employment contract, a committee of the doctoral school will review the application for medical leave and, based on the documentation submitted by the student (i.e., certificates from registered doctors), will establish the duration of the leave. 

In both cases, it will be necessary to provide all the supporting documents to: [email protected]

 

3. Parental leaves

Students who are pregnant, whose partners are pregnant, or who are adopting or hosting a child, can apply for a period of leave of absence on parental grounds. The period shall be extended within the maximum time recognised by labour regulations as "period of rest or leave for employees". 

It will be necessary to provide all the supporting documents (birth certificate) to: [email protected]