In the Swedish context deferment is only granted should extenuating circumstances arise. If you have been admitted to a programme or a course you can in some instances apply to defer the commencement of your studies.

Reasons for deferment of studies

In normal circumstances you are supposed to begin your studies the semester you have been admitted to. But if there are extenuating circumstances deferment of studies may be granted. Deferrals are regulated in Chapter 7, Section 33 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) and in the Swedish Council for Higher Education's regulations on deferment of studies for admitted students (UHRFS 2013:3)

The regulations mentioned above contains which circumstances can be ground for deferment, such as social, medical, or other extenuating circumstances such as: 

  • the care of a child 
  • mandatory military service 
  • denied leave of absence for studies from your employer 
  • assignment within a student union  

Deferment of studies cannot be granted for reasons related to your current economic situation or issues with housing/accommodation.

Your reasons for deferment are tested individually. When you are applying for a deferral you must support your reasons with a written certificate or some other type of documentation. Deferment can normally be granted for a maximum of 18 months unless there are extraordinary reasons for a longer time. 

You indicate on your application which semester you were supposed to begin your studies as well as until which semester you need to defer. Keep in mind that many courses and programmes only start once a year, for example only in the autumn semester. If you are granted a deferment it will only apply to the course/programme and semester stated in the decision and cannot be used for other courses/programmes or semesters. 

If you are required to pay tuition fees you must pay the first instalment of tuition before the deadline in order for your application for deferment of studies to be assessed. Should your deferral request be granted you must then apply for a refund of the tuition fee.

 

How to apply for deferment

Application for deferral should be made as soon as you find out that you cannot start your studies. However, in order to be granted a deferment, you must be admitted to the course/programme you wish to start at a later date. If there are multiple selection rounds you must remain 'admitted' in the final selection round. So if you are admitted in the first selection round, a YES must be given before second selection round, in the normal manner. Note that if you have been withdrawn from the course, for example because you did not participate in a mandatory roll-call, you are no longer admitted and can therefore be denied a deferral.

If you have already commenced studies (registered on a course or study programme) you can normally not be granted deferment; you are instead advised to request leave from studies. Therefore, if you are planning on applying for deferment you must be admitted, but not registered, to the course/programme.

Application for deferment is made on the form called Deferment of Studies, which you send, together with the documentation which substantiates the grounds, to admissions@liu.se  

It is also possible to send the above-mentioned documents to:
Linköping University
Admissions
581 83 Linköping
Sweden

Form: Application for Deferment of Studies (PDF)  

 




How the decision is announced

When a decision has been made you will receive a message to your account at universityadmission.se. You will also receive a copy of the decision sent to your email address unless you have specified otherwise.

Beginning your studies after deferral

In order to claim your place you must make a new application for the course/programme at universityadmissions.se for the course/program and term for which your deferment was granted. You must do this before the last day of application. Scan and upload, alternatively send in, the decision granting your deferment. 

Preparing for your programme