Deferment of degree 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.