If you encounter illness or personal difficulties during your candidature you should draw this promptly to the attention of your supervisor or Postgraduate Research Tutor when there is a situation where it may be necessary to request a suspension to your studies.  Appropriate documentary evidence should be provided in support of an application for a suspension of study (eg medical certificate).

International students (in the UK with permission as a student) are advised to contact the International Student Office for immigration advice on the implications of a suspension of their research degree candidature to their visa status.  The International Student Office can be contacted at: Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3930 or  Email: internationalstudentoffice@leeds.ac.uk

Your School’s Postgraduate Research Tutor may then put forward an application for a suspension to the Graduate Board, via Research Student Administration. If your application for suspension is granted by the Graduate Board you will receive a letter from Research Student Administration confirming the details.  Upon your return you will need to re-register and it may be the case that you have to register twice in a single academic year. You will be able to obtain an updated student ID card with a new completion date at the Student Services Counter free of charge (provided you hand in your old card).

See also Research Student Handbook (Suspension of registration)