Graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin may apply for a leave of absence of no more than two semesters.
A student on leave may not use any University facilities nor is the student entitled to receive advice from any member of the faculty. A leave of absence does not alter the time limits for degrees or course work.
Requesting a Leave of Absence
Authorization for Leave of Absence form
Master’s students and students not yet admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree must submit an Authorization for Leave of Absence form for approval by the graduate adviser. The decision of whether to grant a leave of absence for a student not in candidacy is left to the discretion of the graduate adviser and Graduate Studies Committee. The only rule is that the decision be made “in the best interests of the academic progress of the student” and the form must be returned to the Graduate School in advance of the semester for which a leave is granted.
Petition for Leave of Absence form
If the student has been admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree, the application for leave must be petitioned in advance by the graduate adviser to the graduate dean and will be approved only in rare and unusual circumstances. Use the Petition for Leave of Absence form, which must be accompanied by a letter from the graduate adviser to the dean of the Graduate School specifying the reason(s) for the leave.
Leaves of Absence for Pregnant and Parenting Students
The Title IX Office facilitates leaves of absence, on a voluntary basis, for pregnant and parenting students. A pregnant or parenting student may undertake a leave of absence and, if in good academic standing at the start of the leave of absence, return to the student's degree or certificate program in good academic standing without being required to reapply for admission. Visit the Title IX Pregnancy and Parenting Leave of Absence page for more information.
Readmission
Graduate Readmission
A student on approved leave must apply for readmission in order to return to the University, but readmission during the approved period is automatic and the application fee is waived. Failure to secure a leave of absence in advance of the semester for which a student will be on leave means the student will not be guaranteed readmission and will be assessed an application fee for readmission.
Notice for Students who took a Leave for Pregnancy or Parenting Reasons
Students who leave the university for pregnancy or parenting reasons are not required to complete the Application for Admission or a Readmission Application and are not required to pay a fee. Please visit the Title IX Office website and complete the Intent to Reenroll form.