# Leaves of Absence

**Source**: https://www.grad.illinois.edu/academics/registration-records/leaves-absence
**Parent**: https://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/returning-applicants

[Graduate College](https://www.grad.illinois.edu/)
[Academics](https://www.grad.illinois.edu/academics)
[Registration and Records](https://www.grad.illinois.edu/academics/registration-records)
Leaves of Absence

# Leaves of Absence

**Occasionally, it may be necessary for a student to take a leave of absence. Please refer to the Graduate College Handbook for the** [**Leave of Absence policy**](https://www.grad.illinois.edu/document/handbook#academic-leave)**.** It is advisable for graduate students who want to interrupt their programs to work closely with their advisors and other appropriate department staff to make arrangements for the interruption.

Please note that:

- Graduate students who have not been registered for more than one year at the Urbana campus cannot register without an re-entry approval.
- Any lapse in registration may result in the loss of the full-tuition-waiver privileges that may have previously accompanied a particular student's assistantship appointments.
- Whether leaving for one or more terms, a student with educational loans should consult the Financial Aid Office and/or the lender before terminating student status.
- International students who are F-1 or J-1 visa holders leaving campus are required to secure clearance from the [Office of International Student and Scholar Services](http://isss.illinois.edu) (ISSS).

Please see the requirements for [applying for re-entry to the Graduate College](https://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/returning-applicants "Returning Applicants") and contact your [program of study office](https://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/programs) for further information regarding re-entry requirements.