Extension or suspension of studies

Extension of deadlines for examined/assessed written work

If you are unable to submit your work on time, please contact the Academic Office at academic.office@kellogg.ox.ac.uk. Students at the Department for Continuing Education should submit extension requests to their department.

For short-term illness or a flare-up of a chronic condition, you can apply for a 7-day extension directly to the Proctors using the self-certification form available on the Proctors website here. For longer extension requests or for reasons not covered by the self-certification form an application will then be made on your behalf to the Proctors. This application will require supporting evidence.

Please provide the following information in your email

• Name of assessment and unit code (if known)
• The original submission date(s)
• An explanation of the issue, how you have lost time for circumstances beyond your control, and why extra time is needed for submitting. This should be in the form of a separate short written statement by you, either as an email or a letter.
• Supporting medical evidence if illness is the issue, or other relevant independent verification as applicable. This is mandatory and should be recent documentation.
• If extra time is being requested, a new proposed date must be specified to the Proctors. The Proctors consider extensions on the basis of time lost for factors beyond your control. They will not consider open-ended applications. If the reasons are medical, it is helpful if the doctor supports the amount of time requested. There should be a correlation between the time lost due to the unforeseen circumstances and the amount of time requested.

Some students may find themselves in the situation where they need longer to finish their thesis, or they need to suspend their studies temporarily. We recommend that you discuss this with your Supervisor in the first instance. Departments and courses have different regulations about this so do ensure that your course allows for the changes to your studies. The forms need to be approved by a number of parties so you should apply in good time. You will have to provide reasons for the requests and independent verifiable evidence (as appropriate). It should be noted that retrospective suspensions are rarely granted; any such request must make clear why the request for suspension could not be made ahead of time. Download the Graduate Study (GSO) forms here. 

Extension of Time 

 If you need additional time to finish your studies, subject to the arrangement of your course, you will need to apply to your department to extend your studies via a GSO.15 form (Extension of Time). 

 Suspension of Studies  

 If you are unable to make progress on your studies then you should apply to your department, faculty or school to suspend your studies via a GSO.17 form (Suspension of Studies). Remember, if applicable, suspension or withdrawing from your studies may affect your visa eligibility. 

 Suspension of Studies due to maternity, extended paternity and adoption leave 

 If you are looking to suspend due to maternity, extended paternity and adoption leave, then you will need to apply to your department, faculty or school to suspend your studies via a GSO 17.b form. There are additional arrangements for student parents, and you may find it helpful to consult the University’s guidance for student parents.