Interruption

INTERRUPTION UNDERGRADUATE

Sometimes University is not what you were expecting, and you might not want to continue with your studies. That is okay. Also, you might need a year out. Again, this is okay.

Taking a break in studies can be a really sensible decision and help you focus on your wellbeing or caring responsibilities for example. This means you can return when things are better/different and be in a better position to focus on your studies.

There are different options available to you and at the advice unit we can support students with this process if there is an issue with student finance. It may be a good idea for you to contact your Education Welfare Advisor who can discuss this and other options such as part time study.  

We can provide you with some general information around your finances if you wish to interrupt of withdraw. If you feel that the information below does not reflect your situation then please come and see us and we can give more specific advice.

Tuition Fee

If you interrupt within the first 2 weeks of term, Exeter will waiver the tuition fee liability which would have been 25% of the tuition fee. However. student finance will consider that you have used a year of entitlement even if you have only been in tuition for a number of days.  

If your date of leaving falls in the first term and after this date you will be liable for 25% of the tuition fee.

If your date of leaving falls in the second term you will be liable for 50% of the tuition fee.

If your date of leaving falls in the third term you will be liable for the full tuition fee for the year.

See the finance regulations (section 8)

If you rely on Student finance for your tuition fee then this will be paid directly from Student Finance to the University. Or if you are self-fund you may be eligible for some refund depending on how much you have paid.  

Maintenance Loan

Maintenance is paid for the time that you are in attendance of your course. If you interrupt your studies, then they no longer receive maintenance payments. If you have interrupted soon after receiving your maintenance payment, it is likely that Student Finance will not request those funds back, but instead consider this an overpayment - which would then be deducted from future maintenance entitlement if you return to study.

If the reason for your interruption is for health grounds, and you would need to select health as the reason for interrupting on your SID form, then Student Finance England allows you to be entitled to another 60 days of maintenance, without this being considered part of an overpayment.

Accommodation

If you are in private accommodation, then it is unlikely that you will be able to release from your tenancy early. More information around how to terminate your accommodation early please visit the Housing Advice page.

How long can I interrupt for?

Interruptions are usually for 1 year. It may be possible to interrupt for longer but you would need authorisation from the college. On the interruption form it will ask what your expected return date is and if you are requesting more than one year we would recommend that you add any additional information to support your request.

Do I need to let student finance know?

You can let student finance know but they will need to hear this from the University. Nothing will change on your account until the University has updated them.

If you are wanting the 60 days maintenance loan support due to interrupting for health reasons then you will need to speak to student finance about this. Don’t forget to putthat you are interrupting for health reasons this on your interruption form as to get this as student financewill not automatically grant this.

What happens when I interrupt?

An interruption is a pause in study so once you have interrupted you will no longer be expected to do any academic work. You need to keep an eye out for emails from the University closer to your return date to confirm that you are returning and to sort modules etc.

Most students we see interrupt for health reasons so we recommend that you take the time to access any support and help you need. Without the added pressure of study it can be easier to put in the time for your health.

I have already interrupted once before, how does this impact me?

If you are funded by student finance the most likely impact is that it will impact your finance entitlement and you may not have enough years funding to complete. In this case it could be that you need to apply for an additional funding for compelling personal reasons. Please contact advice@exeterguild.com or submit an enquiry to arrange an appointment.

If you self fund then as long as you have the funds this should be manageable.

Can I still be part of societies?

Yes, while you are interrupting your studies you can still be part of Guild societies and this could be a positive to keep friendships and interests in University for your wellbeing and to help you feel settled on your return.

INTERRUPTION POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT

The main difference for postgraduate students is the percentage of the tuition fee liability.  

• If you interrupt within the first 2 weeks of term, Exeter will waiver the tuition fee liability.  

• If your date of leaving falls in the first term and after this date you will be liable for 33% of the tuition fee.

• If your date of leaving falls in the second term you will be liable for 66% of the tuition fee.

• If your date of leaving falls in the third term you will be liable for 100% of the tuition fee for the year.

See Finance Regulations, 8. Interruptions, Withdrawals & Refunds for the specific dates.  

WITHDRAWAL UNDERGRADUATE

Sometimes University is not what you were expecting, and you might not want to continue with your studies and that is absolutely fine. People can feel pressure to go to University but if you are not sure what you what to do or Exeter is not for you then it could be best to be honest about that and think about withdrawing.  

There are different options available to you and at the advice unit we can support students with this process if there is an issue with student finance. It may be a good idea for you to contact your Education Welfare Advisor who can discuss this and other options.

If you are not sure it might be best to start with an interruption which can be changed to a withdrawal if you become more sure.  

We can provide you with some general information around your finances if you wish to withdraw. If you feel that the information below does not reflect your situation then please come and see us and we can give more specific advice.

Tuition Fee

If you withdraw within the first 2 weeks of term, Exeter will waiver the tuition fee liability which would have been 25% of the tuition fee. However student finance will consider that you have used a year of entitlement even if you have only been in tuition for a number of days.  

If your date of leaving falls in the first term and after this date you will be liable for 25% of the tuition fee.

If your date of leaving falls in the second term you will be liable for 50% of the tuition fee for the year.

If your date of leaving falls in the third term you will be liable for the full tuition fee for the year.

See the finance regulations (section 8)  

If you rely on Student finance for your tuition fee then this will be paid directly from Student Finance to the University. Or if you are self-fund you may be eligible for some refund depending on how much you have paid.  

Maintenance Loan

Maintenance is paid for the time that you are in attendance of your course. If you withdraw from  your studies, then you will no longer receive maintenance payments. If you have withdrawn soon after receiving your maintenance payment, it is likely that Student Finance will request those funds back, and would consider this an overpayment - which would then be deducted from future maintenance entitlement if you return to study or requested to be paid back.

Accommodation

If you are in private accommodation, then it is unlikely that you will be able to release from your tenancy early. More information around how to terminate your accommodation early please visit the Housing Advice page.

Do I need to let student finance know?

You can let student finance know but they will need to hear this from the University. Nothing will change on your account until the University has updated them.

I have already withdrawn once before, how does this impact me?

If you are funded by student finance the most likely impact is that it will impact your finance entitlement and you may not have enough years funding to complete a different degree in the future if you wanted to. In this case it could be that you need to apply for an additional funding for compelling personal reasons. Please contact advice@exeterguild.com or submit an enquiry to arrange an appointment.

If you self-fund then as long as you have the funds this should be manageable.