Stopping or pausing your study

If you withdraw from your studies, suspend your studies for more than 180 days, or drop below half-time study you will become ineligible for Direct Loans. You should contact Student Financial Support as soon as possible to advise of any changes - do not wait until the change in your enrolment status is confirmed.

The University, and you, may be required to return some of your loan funds. Full information is available in our Return to Title IV Policy:

• Return to Title IV (R2T4) Policy (PDF , 146kb)

Before making any decisions regarding changing your study, you will need to:

• seek immigration advice. Please see our Immigration Information web page
• inform Student Financial Support, we can advise how a change may affect your loans

Leave of absence

Leave of absence less than 180 days (PGR students only)

You will not be able to receive any Direct Loan funds while on a leave of absence which has been approved by the US Department of Education.

All other leave of absences

All PGT student absences, and PGR student absences over 180 days

The definition for a leave of absence differs for the US Department of Education and the University of York.

Unless you're a PGR student on a leave of absence of less than 180 days, a leave of absence is considered as a withdrawal for Direct Loan and repayment purposes. A return of funds calculation may be necessary.

Withdrawal

Please contact Student Financial Support as soon as possible if you are planning to withdraw from your programme, preferably before the decision is finalised. Your eligibility for loans will end and a return of funds calculation may be necessary.

Early submittal

Once you've submitted your thesis, your student status will change and your eligibility for loans will end.

If you intend to submit your thesis before the end of the academic year, or your expected end date, it may mean you cannot receive any outstanding disbursements for the year, and some of your last disbursement may need to be returned. Please contact Student Financial Support if you are thinking of submitting early.