Change your plan
We know there are many factors that lead to your decision to come to UPEI, and we hope that you are as happy with your decision as we are. However, we also know there are many factors that may lead you to change your mind.
If you are considering changing your plans or leaving UPEI for any reason, we have some resources available to help you with your decision. Whether you are thinking of changing programs, taking some time off from your studies, or withdrawing from UPEI, let us help you explore your options.
Take a leave of absence
Withdraw from UPEI
Take a "leave of absence" from your studies
If you are thinking of taking a break from your studies, there are some things to consider. A break in studies is known as a “Leave of Absence”. Undergraduate students taking a leave of absence should fill out the Leave of Absence Application (in the "UPEI Forms" section of myUPEI) to let us know how long they will be absent. A leave of more than one academic year (September to August) requires re-application to return to your studies. If you decide not to return within a year or you do not re-apply if you’ve been out longer than a year, your record will be updated to “withdrawn” and will remain inactive. You can always re-apply in the future, of course!
Students in graduate or professional programs are required to apply for a Leave of Absence prior to any planned break in their studies and may have this approved by their faculty for periods of up to one academic year. Approval for a leave of absence is not guaranteed. A leave of absence of more than one academic year (September to August) require re-application to return to your studies. If you decide not to return within a year or you do not re-apply after you’ve been out longer than a year, your record will be updated to “Withdrawn” and will remain inactive. You can always re-apply in the future.
Before you make your final decision on taking a leave of absence, it is a good idea to speak with someone in your department about your options, particularly if your program is competitive entry and there are a designated number of seats each year.
A leave of absence will not be granted retroactively, so be sure to tell us what you are doing in advance. Students who do not have a leave of absence recorded and do not register in two (2) consecutive terms (Fall, Winter, Summer) will be considered to be withdrawn and re-application will be required.
Reasons for taking a leave of absence
Examples of reasons for leave include, but are not limited to, the following:
- medical illness or injury
- pregnancy
- family emergency
- death or serious illness of a family member
- change in program of study within the same institution, outside a regularly scheduled break date
Duration
Undergraduate and graduate student leaves are granted for a maximum of one year at a time. Leaves of more than one year require re-application.
Criteria
Visit the Academic Calendar to see the rules for a Leave of Absence:
Fees
Students are responsible for tuition and fees still owing for previous terms while on a leave. While on a leave of absence, no fees are required for the term(s) of the leave.
Student Visa students
- If you are an international student and you wish to take a leave of absence, you should consult with an IRCC Immigration Advisor before doing so. The university is required to report leaves for international students to the IRCC twice a year.
Return from a leave of absence
When you plan to return from a leave of absence, it is your responsibility to let UPEI know prior to the registration date for the term in which you plan to return. This allows time for us to reactivate your registration status so you can register as you normally would when registration opens for that term.
To let us know you are returning, send an email to studentsupport@upei.ca with the subject “Returning from leave” and your student ID number. In the body of the email, please include your ID number, name, date of birth, and the term you are returning to. We’ll be in touch with you to confirm, or if we have any questions.
Withdraw from the university
If your plans lead you to a decision to leave UPEI, we understand and are here to support your decision. Please make sure you check into the following things before completing the final step of filling out the Intention to Withdraw Form.
- Academic deadlines - Withdrawals will be processed following the published timeline to add/drop/discontinue courses with applicable refunds. That is, any refunds will be based on the date of your withdrawal form submission.
- Tuition and Fees - As noted above, tuition and fees will be refunded according to the published dates. If your fees include Health & Dental coverage administered by the UPEI Student Union, you may want to contact them to see if you are still covered, depending on your date of withdrawal. If not, make sure you have other health and dental insurance coverage.
- Student Loans and funding
- Immigration status
- International loans
- Accommodations
Returning to studies after a withdrawal
Withdrawing is an important decision, and we want to make sure you have access to advice and support. Therefore, if you would like to speak to an academic adviser about your decision before filling out the form, please contact apply@upei.ca.
To withdraw from your courses, please complete the Withdrawal Form through your myUPEI account. Once approved and processed, your withdrawal will be confirmed and will adhere to the deadlines and dates noted above.
If you have not begun classes at UPEI, you do not need to complete a Withdrawal Form. No form is required for domestic students. If you are an international student please inform the UPEI International Admissions team by completing the UPEI International Students Withdrawal form. If you have questions on this process please email inte@upei.ca.
If you wish to return to UPEI at any point in the future, you will be required to submit a new application and fee, and to meet the entrance requirements for the program of study you apply for.
