Apply for leave of absence

If you have fallen ill, had a baby or for some other reason need to take a break from your studies, you can apply for leave. Read here how to do so.

In what cases can you be granted leave?

Depending on your situation, you have three different options for applying for leave from your studies. For each of the three types of leave, different rules apply to the duration of the leave period and your ability to extend the leave.

You can apply for leave multiple times during your studies

1. Right to leave of absence

You have the right to leave of absence from your studies if you taking parental leave, have adopted a child, or are required to perform military service.

You can be granted leave from your studies for up to one continuous year per leave period.

Read more about parental leave during studies

2. Leave of absence due to special reasons

You can apply for a leave of absence from your studies if it is justified in one of the following reasons:

  • if you or someone close to you becomes seriously and long-term ill,
  • if you are an elite athlete and need leave of absence to pursue your sport, or
  • if other special circumstances beyond your control make you unable to study.

You can be granted leave of absence due to special reasons for up to one year. In addition, you can apply for an exemption to extend the leave period. More information about extension of leave

If you are granted a leave of absence due to special reasons deadlines related to your study programme, including the first-year exam and the maximum study time, are extended by the leave period, calculated in whole semesters.

3. Leave of absence without reason

You can apply for a leave of absence from your studies without justification, provided you have passed a certain number of ECTS credits:

  • Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Engineering students must have completed at least 60 ECTS credits.
    For Bacheor of Engineering programmes, these 60 ECTS credits must constitute the first year of study. 
    For Bachelor of Science in Engineering students, the 60 ECTS credits must be earned from mandatory courses (elective courses do not count).
  • Master’s students must have completed 30 ECTS credits from mandatory courses (elective courses do not count)..

You can be granted leave of absence without reason for up to one semester. The leave period cannot be extended.

If you are granted a leave of absence without reason deadlines related to your study programme, including the first-year exam and the maximum study time, are not extended

 

Leave during the final project

When applying for a leave of absence during the final project you must attach a statement from your project supervisor to the application.

How to apply

Fill in the application form
  • Attach documentation for special grounds
  • Send the filled out form enclosing documentation from your student email to studadm@adm.dtu.dk.

Ansøgningsfrist

You must submit your application no later than three weeks into the period, you are applying for leave of absence in.  

A leave period may fall in the middle of a semester.

You cannot be granted leave of absence retroactively beyond three weeks.

If you want to terminate your leave early

If you want to interrupt your leave early, you must notify the Study Administration by sending an email from your student email to studadm@adm.dtu.dk.

Deadlines that have been postponed (first-year exam and maximum duration of study time) are not adjusted unless you terminate the leave early by a full semester.

 

If you have applied for an exemption

The processing of your application for an exemption will continue during your leave.

The exemption decision will also apply and be enforced, even if this has been made while you are on leave of absence.

If you wish to withdraw your application for exemption and apply for exemption after the end of your leave of absence, you must contact the exemption committee by writing to studiedispensation@adm.dtu.dk and ask to have your application for exemption withdrawn.

Study rules

Rules in my study programme

Go to 'My Programme Specification' to see which study rules apply to your study programme.

If you have any questions or need advice

Study Guidance

Providing help with choosing a study, study planning, exemption, guidance in DTU’s rules, or with personal questions. All student advisors have a duty of confidentiality.

Study Administration

Providing help with study administrative questions, fx student ID card, course and exam registration, transcripts, and password to DTU’s IT systems.

SU Office

Providing help with questions regarding rules for SU, SU loans, and youth card.

International Student Services

Offers guidance on Study Abroad, arrivals, and orientations for new exchange students and MSC students - and Students Culture Hub; a team dedicated to offering events and activities aimed at diversity and inclusion on campus.