Withdrawal from study

If you're thinking about leaving your research degree, it's really important to talk things through first.

Thinking about withdrawing?

Start by speaking with your supervisor or your School/Department Administrator, they’re there to help.

Before making any decisions, consider whether there might be other options that suit your situation better. For example:

  • You might be eligible to take a Leave of Absence.
  • You could explore changing your method of study (where eligible).
  • If you're struggling and feel that extra support could help you stay on track, reach out to Student Wellbeing. They offer practical help and guidance and may be able to support you in continuing your studies.

What happens if you withdraw?

If you’ve looked into other options and decide that withdrawing is the right choice for you, it’s important to understand how this could affect things like your tuition fees, funding, and visa status.

Here’s what you need to know:

If you withdraw from your programme, you will still be liable for a proportion of your tuition fees. If your withdrawal date falls within the first four weeks of your programme you will not be charged tuition fees. Thereafter, you will be charged on a pro rata basis in accordance with your withdrawal date.

This means you’ll be charged fees up to the date your withdrawal request is submitted to the Doctoral College Office (DCO). Unfortunately, the DCO can’t backdate your withdrawal, so timing matters.

If your funding comes from an external source (like a government sponsor, employer, or financial guarantor), make sure to speak with them before making any final decisions.

Read Regulation XVI for more information.

Regulation XVI - Tuition Fees and Payments for Other University Services

If you receive a stipend from the University, it will be calculated on a pro rata basis up to your withdrawal date. You may get one final payment to cover any stipend you've accrued up to that point.

Again, if your funding is managed outside the University, check in with your funder to understand how withdrawing might affect your financial support.

We would advise you to discuss any accommodation issues you may have with Student Services, who will be able to assist you.

University halls/ accommodation

Please speak to the University Accommodation Service about leaving University accommodation. They are best placed to help you with your accommodation contract.

Private halls/accommodation

If you are renting a private property, and have a landlord, you should speak to them (and consult your contract) on how to stop your accommodation if you wish to withdraw.

If you're studying on a Student visa sponsored by Loughborough University, the DCO is required to notify the Home Office once your withdrawal is processed. This means your visa sponsorship will end.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may shorten your visa, and they’ll contact you directly. Make sure your contact details with UKVI are up to date so you don’t miss any important messages.

For help with visa questions, contact the Student Advice and Support Service.

How to withdraw

If you've considered everything and still want to go ahead, here's what to do:

  • Fill out the Doctoral Researcher Withdrawal Form, which will submitted to the Doctoral College Office.
  • Withdrawals can't be backdated, so the earliest your withdrawal can be processed is the same working day the DCO receives your form.

If you have any questions or need help with the process, feel free to contact the Doctoral College Office.

Withdrawal from Doctoral Study form