Leave of absence and application process
You can apply for leave of absence in the event of pregnancy, childcare, military service, office in student political or elected bodies and documented and relevant work experience. Executive master's programs may have their own rules.
Deadlines for applying for leave:
- June 1 for the upcoming fall semester/coming academic year
- December 1 for the upcoming spring semester
In certain cases, it may be necessary to apply for leave after the set deadlines (e.g. in the event of acute illness/injury).
During the leave period, changes to program and course plans may be adopted, for example changes to the curriculum, work requirements and examination forms.
How long can you be granted leave?
- Undergraduate students: Leave for one year (not one semester, due to the structure of the program).
- Master's students: Leave for one semester or one year.
- Internship: Leave for up to one year for academically relevant work.
- You apply for leave for one semester or one academic year at a time. If you need further leave, you must submit a new application.
- If you have a long-term illness, it is recommended to have a dialogue with a study advisor before you return, e.g. about the need to take a workshop course again.
What kind of documentation should you upload?
All leave applications must be supported by documentation. Examples:
- Doctor's or specialist's statement.
- Notice of pregnancy check-up.
- Signed internship agreement.
How to apply?
- Log in with your username and password.
- Fill out the application form and upload documentation.
- NB! Medical certificates etc. contain sensitive information and should not be sent by email.
Apply for a leave of absence here
What to remember during leave?
- Stay informed about changes in deadlines and rules for program and course plans, and make any course selections.
- Register for courses and semester registration within the applicable deadlines when your leave period is coming to an end. Note that deadlines for this may be during your leave period.
- Stay updated on deadlines and dates on our website and in your AHO email.
Send a written termination of your study place to your study advisor if you do not wish to resume your studies after the leave period.
Pay the semester fee and register for the semester?
When you are on leave, it is not intended or expected that you pay semester fees or register as a student, but it is possible:
- You can choose to pay semester fee and register in Studentweb while you are on leave, even if you are not taking courses. You can then order a semester receipt and make use of the welfare offers of the Student Association, such as SiO housing. You will usually also keep your IT access.
- The usual deadlines for paying semester fee and registering apply.
- Please note that Lånekassen cannot retrieve information about your student status if you are on leave, even if you have registered and paid the semester fee.
Follow classes and take the exam?
It is possible to follow classes and take exams in courses you have not previously taken, while on leave. This may be an option for students who have the opportunity to study something during the leave period, but it depends on the study program's capacity. You cannot participate in classes while on leave without being registered for courses.
The usual deadlines for applying for a place in classes and registering for exams apply.
What if your application is rejected?
- You can appeal the decision.
- New information can be attached.
- If the appeal is rejected, it will be processed by the AHO's Appeals Board. The Appeals Board's decision is final.
Lånekassen
You must familiarize yourself with Lånekassens rules for loans and grants during leave.
Students on parental leave must also investigate the terms and conditions for parental grants. Please note that the leave arrangements at AHO may be shorter or longer than the period for which the Loan Fund provides parental grants.