Suspending study of a postgraduate programme (excluding doctoral)

We recognise that things may happen that are outside of your control and affects your ability to complete your studies. A suspension means that you need to take time off your programme. 

A suspension request is based on exceptional circumstances so you will need to provide some evidence to support your application. 

For more information, please see Postgraduate extensions and suspensions supporting evidence.

We understand that providing evidence can be difficult in some circumstances. If you have any concerns about providing evidence, please email us.

Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care is also available to you and provides a safe, confidential and free service to support the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone at University. 

For more information, please see Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care. 

Masters

Thesis or research portfolio: you can apply for a suspension of your studies, usually for no more than one year, in exceptional circumstances.

Other courses: you can apply for a suspension of your studies, usually for no more than two semesters or four quarters, in exceptional circumstances.

Bachelors (honours) degree

You can apply for a suspension of your studies, usually for no more than one year, or two semesters, in exceptional circumstances.

Postgraduate diploma/certificate

Postgraduate diploma and postgraduate certificate programmes do no allow for a suspension of your studies but do allow for an extension to the duration of your programme.

For more information, please see Extension of time: postgraduate programme duration.

If you’ve applied for a suspension, you will not be charged additional fees while you are on suspension. This is because you shouldn’t be enrolled in any courses.

On your return from a suspension your enrolment will need to be continuous (i.e., every semester) if you are: 

• Completing your masters degree full-time
• Enrolled in a bachelors honours degree
• Enrolled in a research component

The period of suspension will not count towards the time limits for your programme. For more information, please see Time limits and rules to complete your postgraduate programme.

You should not undertake any study or research while your enrolment is suspended. 

If you’re considering a suspension, it is important that you consider:

• If you’re receiving funding from StudyLink, including a student allowance or student loan living costs, you must notify StudyLink. To contact StudyLink, please see Contact us
• If you’re an international student, a suspension may impact your visa. You should speak with an International Student Adviser to discuss these impacts. For more information, please visit Contact the International Office
• If you’re a scholarship recipient, a suspension may also impact your scholarship payments. Please refer to the terms and conditions of your scholarship to understand the impacts of a suspension

If you have a supervisor, you will need to discuss your situation with them as they will need to support your request for a suspension.

It is also important to confirm that your supervisor is able to continue to supervise your work after your return from suspension. 

You can apply for a suspension by completing the:

You will receive notification of the outcome of your application by email.

If you’re approved for a suspension:

• The period of suspension will not count towards the time limits for your programme
• You should not undertake any study or research while your enrolment is suspended
• A suspension applies to all your study. You cannot enrol in any courses while you are suspended