Leave of Absence
When enrolling in a specific degree at the University, students are required to register for courses each semester (except in Summer Term where course registration is optional unless otherwise specified). If a student does not intend to register for any courses in a particular semester but plans to continue his/her study, he/she must apply for a leave of absence before the end of the course add/drop period for that semester. Approval of the leave of absence allows the student to maintain a valid student status with the University. However, the student is required to vacate the Student Residence during the leave of absence.
According to the Academic Regulations, the period of leave of absence taken will be counted in the calculation of the student’s maximum study period. Those who cannot complete all graduation requirements within the maximum study period will be required to discontinue their studies.
Application Procedures
How to Apply for Leave of Absence
- Submit an online application via SIS > Academic Application > Application Type > Leave of Absence by the end of the course add/drop period.
- Only under very exceptional circumstances will late applications be considered, and such late applications must be submitted no later than the end of the teaching period of the semester/term.
- Each application can apply for leave of absence up to four semesters.
- Students should also upload the supporting document(s) if any. If the document(s) are not ready when making the application, they may upload it later within 4 calendar days after submitting the application.
- After submission, the students will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application.
- By submitting the application, you agree to above notes for the applicants, application procedures, fees charged and give consent to the Personal Information Collection Statement.
Approval
Periods of approved absence may not be less than one full semester/term, and may not accumulate to more than four semesters. Each application for leave of absence will be considered and requires approval by the Head of the student’s home academic unit. Under exceptional circumstances where a student needs to take a leave of absence accumulating to more than four semesters, such a request should be approved by the Dean.
The application results can be viewed in SIS upon the decision has been made. The students will also receive an e-mail about the application results and the arrangements related to their studies.
Fees Matters
| Time of Application | Fees Chargeable |
|---|---|
| Up to the end of Week 2 | A continuation fee of HK$1,500 for each semester. Students can still access university facilities like the library and maintain computer privileges during the period of leave of absence. |
| Week 3 till the end of Week 6 | 50%* |
| Week 7 and afterwards | 100%* |
*For programmes/degrees charged on a per credit unit basis, students will be liable for the tuition fee chargeable or the minimum tuition fee of two credit units, whichever is higher.
- Sunday is the start day of the week according to the Academic Calendar.
- An e-statement of account on the fees to be paid will be posted in AIMS [Student Record > My Finance] after the leave of absence is approved. Students should settle the fees before the due date. Failure to do so will lead to termination of the student status. For details, please refer to the Regulations on Tuition Fees.
If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity between the page contents and the Academic
Regulations (AR), rules and guidelines, the AR, rules and guidelines shall prevail.