Withdrawing from your Studies (Research PG Students)

What is withdrawal from studies?

You may wish to withdraw permanently from your studies.  This course of action should be considered carefully, as it cannot be reversed.  

Withdrawing may have implications for your funding.  

If you are an overseas student on a Student visa, it will have implications for your leave to remain in the UK and you should contact the International Student Adviser (advint@st-andrews.ac.uk).

If you are considering withdrawal you should consult your Supervisor in the first instance.

Please ensure you have checked the options of Leave of Absence, Extension of Studies, Re-registration and Change in Mode of Attendance before deciding to withdraw.

Further advice is available from Registry

How do I withdraw from my studies?

Please email the Registry Officer (Research Student Support) at reg-support-pgr@st-andrews.ac.uk, indicating your request and the date from which you wish to withdraw.

Your supervisor will need to confirm support in writing for your your request.

Registry will send formal confirmation of your withdrawal.

If you are sponsored by a UK Research Council (or similar body), you must use the date of withdrawal indicated on your formal notification.

Important points to note:

You may decide to withdraw from studies for a particular reason (eg ill health) and find yourself in a position to re-engage at a later date.  As your withdrawal was permanent, you would need to re-apply for formal admission to the programme.

If all contact has been lost with you for more than one month, the University may decide to withdraw you from your course of studies.  In this case, the University would write to you to inform you of this decision, and if you wished to re-engage with your studies you would need to apply for formal admission to the programme.

The Students' Association has an Education Advocate who is able to advise further if you have a problem in the University.

If you have a Student visa, withdrawing from study will affect any employment you have with the University. You should take advice from the Registry Officer (Research Student Support) by emailing reg-support-pgr@st-andrews.ac.uk.

You may wish to request an academic transcript. If so, please email transcripts@st-andrews.ac.uk

Related Links:

Research Postgraduate Policies

Refund Policy for Research Postgraduate Students Withdrawing from Studies