Authorised interruption of study

Taking an authorised interruption of studies may have implications for the tuition fees you are charged. If you need to take an authorised interruption of study, the fees you will need to pay will be determined by the source of funding for your tuition fees.

The definitions and circumstances in which an authorised interruption of study applies are detailed in the University’s Authorised Interruption of Studies policy.

Authorised Interruption of Studies policy

Self-funded students

The tuition fee policy on authorised interruption of study for self-funded students applies to the majority of students, including those whose fees are being paid in full or in part by another sponsor. Where exceptions for specific sponsors or funders apply, these are detailed in the Student Awards Agency Scotland and Student Loans Company sections.

Interrupting study on or before 18 February

If you start your studies in Semester 1 (usually September) and interrupt your studies for a period of more than 3 months on or before 18 February, you will need to pay 60% of the annual tuition fee.

Interrupting study after 18 February

If you interrupt after 18 February, you will need to pay the full annual tuition fee for the programme of study.  

Tuition fees funded by Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)

Interrupting study before 1 December

If you are funded by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) and interrupt your studies before 1 December, SAAS will not pay your fees and you will not be liable for the annual tuition fees for the year in which you interrupt.

Interrupting study on or after 1 December

If you interrupt on or after 1 December, SAAS will pay the full annual tuition fee for the year in which you interrupt.

Tuition fees funded by Student Loans Company (SLC)

The Student Loans Company includes Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales and Student Finance Northern Ireland.

Interrupting study before the start of semester 2

If you interrupt before the start of semester 2 (January) and you receive a tuition fee loan from the Student Loan Company (SLC), you will be liable for 25% of your full annual tuition fee loan for the year of study.

Interrupting study after the start of semester 2 and before spring vacation

If you interrupt after the start of semester 2 (January) and before the spring teaching vacation, you will be liable for 50% of your full annual tuition fee loan for the year of study.

Interrupting study after spring vacation

If you interrupt after the spring teaching vacation, you will be liable for the full annual tuition fee loan for the year of study.  

This article was published on