Support when making your decision

We recognise that withdrawing from your studies is a big decision and we want to ensure that you are making the right choice for you and for your future. If you are considering permanently withdrawing from your programme, please discuss it with us before you make your final decision.

We can help you to identify the alternative options open to you. These may include, for example, considering how you might use University procedures to support you to achieve your preferred outcome or assisting you to identify relevant support, which may help you remain on your programme.  More on assistance with your studies.

You are strongly encouraged to seek academic advice, for example, from your Academic Tutor, School Director of Academic Tutoring or Programme Director who can discuss your plans with you.

Your Student Support Coordinator or the Henley Helpdesk or ISLI will be able offer you advice on possible alternative options and/or the implications of withdrawing, for example the financial implications for future studies.

Students on an apprenticeship programme should discuss withdrawing with their Apprenticeship Tutor in the first instance. Your Apprenticeship Tutor will guide you through the necessary processes for your programme.

Withdrawal form
If, having sought advice, you have decided to withdraw from your studies, please complete and return the Notice of Intention to withdraw form (PDF) | editable version Word, if you prefer to complete a form electronically. It is important to read the guidance notes on the first page of the form, before signing and submitting it, as these contain important information that you need to be aware of when withdrawing from study. It is your responsibility to ensure you follow that guidance as failure to do so may result in financial implications, for example, relating to fees, visas or accommodation costs (further information on these areas can also be accessed in the headed sections below; Fees, International Students, Cancelling Halls accommodation). 

If you are submitting your Notice of Withdrawal via email, please ensure that you use your University of Reading student email account. Your Student Support Co-ordinator will confirm in writing that your withdrawal has been processed. 

Withdrawal date
The date of withdrawal cannot normally be earlier than the date upon which the completed form is received by the Student Support Coordinator or Henley Helpdesk or equivalent. Requests for retroactive withdrawal will not normally be considered. If, however, you were neither attending nor engaging with your studies and were not able to submit the Notice of Intention to Withdraw form due to hospitalisation, incarceration or equivalent physical or mental incapacity, then a statement which details the reason for the lateness of the request may be submitted, with relevant supporting evidence, in addition to the Notice of Intention to Withdraw form. 

Fees
It is important that you know that you may be charged part of your tuition fee or even the full tuition fee for the year depending on when you withdraw from study. Full details of the 'liability points' and dates can be found on our tuition fee tables pages and the University’s Fee Policy.

International students
International students who require a visa to study in the UK should note that in the event of your withdrawal, the University is required to inform the Home Office UK Visas and Immigration that you are no longer studying and you may be advised to leave the UK.  If you intend to study at another institution you will need to obtain a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and a new Visa for that institution before being allowed to start.  The International Advisory Team offer Immigration advice to students here on a Tier 4 / Student route visa who are seeking a withdrawal from their studies.

Cancelling halls accommodation

If you are withdrawing from the University and live in halls accommodation, you must submit a contract cancellation request form. Please note that you will only be released from your accommodation contract once you have submitted your form and your withdrawal has been confirmed.  More on cancelling your contract.