how to leave phd program

How to Know When It's Time to Quit Your Ph.D. Program

Here are some pointers on when to stay in a Ph.D. program and when to drop out.

When to Quit Your Ph.D. Program

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Alumni of Ph.D. programs say one valid reason to exit a Ph.D. program is if having a Ph.D. is not necessary for you to achieve your professional aspirations.

Earning a doctorate of any sort is difficult. After years of study, candidates must pass a qualification exam, write a lengthy dissertation or complete a capstone project, and defend their research and conclusions in front of a panel.

And unlike most other degree programs, research doctorates - commonly known as Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D., degrees - frequently do not have precise parameters on how long they take to finish.

Uncertainty surrounding when graduation day will arrive is one of the challenging aspects of these programs, and Ph.D. students often struggle to plan for the future when they don't have an end date in mind, says Adam Ruben, who has a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

"It's so indeterminate, how long it will last," says Ruben, who wrote a satirical book called "Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go to Grad School."

"People ask you how long it will be until you graduate, and most of the time you tell them you have no idea," he adds. "It's not really until that last six-month stretch or so, when you have a thesis defense date scheduled, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, that you know how long it is going to be."

Students who have started to regret their decision to enter a Ph.D. program should carefully evaluate whether it makes sense to stay in graduate school, experts say.

"Sometimes, openly considering quitting as a real option can help you to reconnect with why you started the PhD in the first place, and why you would like to stay," Katherine Firth, an academic adviser at the University of Melbourne in Australia, who has a Ph.D. and supervises Ph.D. students, wrote in an email.

Noncompletion and Academic Delays

Many people who enroll in Ph.D. programs leave those programs without Ph.D. degrees or take longer than eight years to finish their studies.

Ph.D. completion statistics from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveal that only 42% of humanities Ph.D. students in the U.S. who began pursuing their degrees sometime between 1996 and 2006 had doctorates eight years later.

Research on Ph.D. program attrition indicates that conflict between Ph.D. students and their academic advisers increases the odds that students will leave grad school. Frustration that arises while coming up with ideas for a dissertation or capstone, completing that project and defending it can be a major source of stress for Ph.D. students, many of whom leave their programs after completing doctoral coursework but before finalizing and successfully defending their work, research shows.

Additionally, Ph.D. students often express a need for additional funding, mental health services and professional mentoring.

Ph.D. program alumni often say they were mistreated by faculty during graduate school. A global survey of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at academic science institutions, published in May 2021, revealed that 84% of current and former science Ph.D. students and postdocs felt that an academic supervisor had treated them abusively.

"Cases where people are facing harassment, bullying or exclusion for example, might mean a person decides the only safe option is to quit, but a better academic culture would let them stay and complete," says Firth.

Reasons to Leave a Ph.D. Program

When a ph.d. won't help you get where you want to go.

Lt. Col. Robert Solano, a U.S. Army aviator and commander for the federal Defense Contract Management Agency, exited a distance learning, predominantly online Ph.D. program in aviation science several years ago. He realized he could advance in the military and thrive as an entrepreneur and investor without a doctorate.

"You don't need Ph.D. behind your name to show the world your self-worth and the value that you bring," he adds. "I wish I'd understood that sooner in the process."

Solano, who was a part-time Ph.D. student with a full-time military career and military scholarships, had acquired around $15,000 of debt to finance his Ph.D. studies, he says.

"One of my biggest deciding factors was that I felt like the dissertation process didn't allow me to be creative and pursue research that was going to be really meaningful and impactful in my career and my life," Solano says, adding that he submitted three dissertation research proposals that were rejected. "I could not imagine doing that for the next two to four years of my life, struggling with a dissertation board, and I think that was really the biggest factor for me."

When Your Well-Being Is at Risk

Experts say it's worth considering pausing or ending your studies if they are significantly interfering with other important aspects of your life, such as your family, health and relationships.

For Solano, the volume of Ph.D. reading and writing assignments he had to complete often felt overwhelming when combined with his professional duties. "I was declining in happiness and declining in health," he says.

Solano also worried that time spent on doctoral studies would take away from time with the woman who later became his wife, he says.

"If I could have done one thing differently, it would have been paying closer attention to that and not sacrificing those two things - my happiness and health," he says.

When You Find Another Way

Sometimes Ph.D. students receive job offers for their dream positions during their Ph.D. studies. In those cases, "they might choose to leave because they have already achieved their goals," Firth says.

Another valid reason to leave a Ph.D. program, she says, is if a student discovers that the actual experience of obtaining a Ph.D. "is not what they signed up for, and it doesn’t suit them after all."

What to Do if You're Considering Quitting

Ask for advice from someone other than your thesis adviser.

Certain problems with Ph.D. programs, such as disagreements and misunderstandings with advisers, may be addressed by seeking help from various faculty members or administrators at your grad school and outside experts who aren't on your thesis committee, experts say.

"There are other folks that (students) can go to for help and perspective, on and off campus," says Jennifer Polk, a Ph.D. recipient who provides career consulting to Ph.D. students and alumni via her consulting firm, "From Ph.D. to Life."

Ph.D. students often feel disempowered and isolated, Polk says, but "if the decision is whether to quit or not, that actually gives you power."

"If you're willing to walk away, you have power, so you can go and talk to other professors," she adds. "You can go and talk to the chair of the department. ... You can escalate to the graduate dean. There might be other offices you can go to before you burn it all down."

Firth notes that sometimes changes to a Ph.D. program – such as a switch from one adviser to another or a change to a thesis committee – can address a Ph.D. student's concerns and negate the desire to quit. Transitioning to part-time study or taking a leave of absence could make sense, and so could shifting between locations if a university has multiple campuses, she adds.

"Sometimes people think they have to quit, but they could seek out other adjustments," Firth wrote. It's also important for Ph.D. students in distress to evaluate whether their "current problems might go away with time or are here to stay," she says.

Consider Whether You Are Being Too Self-Critical

It is common for Ph.D. students to have a crisis of confidence in the middle of their studies, but Ruben cautions that doubts about personal competence may simply be impostor syndrome in disguise.

Though skepticism is frequently beneficial when conducting academic research, it can become destructive if it compromises someone's faith in themselves, he says.

"The problem is if you apply that skepticism to your own abilities and you apply it too harshly and say, 'I'm no good. I'm the worst person here. I don't deserve to be here,'" Ruben says. "You're going to feel terrible and you may also make some decisions that you wouldn't necessarily have made if you had a better sense of your own abilities and interests."

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Three questions to ask yourself before quitting your PhD

It’s normal for PhD candidates to consider abandoning their studies. Here’s how to take emotions out of the decision.

Gemma Conroy

Credit: Jacobs Stock Photography/Getty

28 July 2020

Jacobs Stock Photography/Getty

Amid lab shutdowns and cancelled fieldwork, many PhD students are facing tough choices regarding the future of their research career.

Roughly 45% of PhD students expect to disengage with their studies within the next six months due to financial hardship related to the pandemic, according to a new survey of 1,020 doctoral candidates in Australia.

While walking away without a doctorate will be the right choice for some – and perhaps the only choice for those with inadequate financial support - it’s important to ask the right questions before making a decision.

“Students need to separate the fake and real reasons for leaving,” says Shane Huntington, deputy director of strategy and partnerships at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences in Australia.

“Some of the most common reasons students quit have nothing to do with their ability to do a PhD.”

Below are three questions that can help a candidate decide whether to quit or continue with their doctoral studies.

1. Are your problems solvable?

Kate Kenfield

Shane Huntington

A disengaged supervisor, toxic lab culture, or a string of failed experiments might feel like reason enough to quit your PhD, but these are not insurmountable problems.

Huntington suggests switching labs if poor supervision or an overly competitive environment are causing you distress.

“I try to get students to determine whether their reasons for wanting to quit are really about them, and not just due to systemic problems. My advice is to map out what the problems are and explore how they can be solved.”

Struggling with specific tasks, such as writing, isn’t a sign to start drafting a withdrawal letter, says Inger Mewburn, director of research training at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“This is a fixable problem,” says Mewburn, who edits a popular blog called The Thesis Whisperer .

“But if you just aren’t enjoying what you’re doing each day, then those feelings need to be critically examined.”

2. Have you talked to someone about it?

It can be difficult for students to admit that they’re struggling, but reaching out to supervisors and other lab members can offer some much-needed perspective, says Frey Fyfe.

“There is a lot of pressure to only convey the positive,” says Fyfe, who quit their PhD in volcanology at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom in 2018, and has not returned to academia.

“I wish I had spoken to someone in my research group, as pretty much every PhD student wants to quit at some point.”

Huntington recalls that a quick chat with his PhD supervisor saved him from quitting his own PhD in physics in the late 1990s. The discussion led to weekly meetings where other lab members could help him find solutions to his experimental problems.

“My supervisor told me that most students want to quit at least three times, which sort of gave me permission to feel the way I did,” says Huntington.

He says the weekly meeting helped him feel supported. “We were able to work through the low points.”

Fyfe says that viewing a supervisor as a fellow collaborator, rather than someone to win approval from, can make it easier to communicate more openly.

“It’s not a one-way street,” says Fyfe. “You need to be able to communicate what’s going right and what isn’t.”

3. Does your PhD fit with your long-term goals?

Inger Mewburn

Embarking on a PhD is a major career milestone for many students, but it’s important to consider how it will further your aspirations in the long-run, says Mewburn.

For example, if a candidate wants to end up in a research-focussed job that doesn’t involve teaching, gaining experience from an industry placement could be a more strategic investment than spending years on a PhD.

It’s also important for candidates to make a realistic assessment of the job prospects in their field, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related hiring freezes and job losses .

“You’ve got to explore your options,” says Mewburn. “Is there even going to be a job in your field when you finish your PhD?”

A common mistake students make when deciding whether to quit or continue is focussing on the sacrifices they have made, instead of considering where they want to head next.

“People often think of the past, rather than the future. There’s a lot of guilt about what they’re giving up [if they quit],” says Huntington. “But it’s a myth, because you are not giving up on all the hard work, you’re just taking it in a different direction.”

Whether choosing to quit or stay, it ultimately comes down to feeling confident about your underlying reasons, says Huntington.

“Students should have some power over their destiny. Make the right decision on the right basis, and feel good about the choice you’ve made.”

Thinking about quitting your PhD? Maybe that’s the right decision

Sometimes not completing a PhD is the rational choice, and having open conversations around it helps stop people feeling isolated and uncertain, says Katherine Firth

Katherine Firth

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We know that 30 to 50 per cent of PhD candidates don’t complete globally. Countries such as the UK and Australia, where about a quarter of students don’t finish their PhD, actually congratulate themselves on their efficient completions. While my day job involves trying to help more people finish on time, I also know that choosing to stop can sometimes be the right decision.

People stop their PhD for a variety of reasons, including to pursue job opportunities, to focus on external life priorities or simply because they lose interest. Over the past two years, there have been even more disruptions than usual: researchers haven’t been able to travel or do fieldwork; they have had to give up in-person conferences and avoid busy labs and libraries; they got sick or the pandemic exacerbated existing health conditions; or their priorities changed.

Supervisors, candidates and universities need to be more open to having conversations about quitting. Why do candidates choose to quit, how many people do so and what happens to them afterwards? It’s almost impossible to get detailed, accurate data about completion rates. People who quit leave the university and, therefore, we often don’t see what they do next. If we don’t talk openly about stopping, people who are considering it feel isolated and uncertain. But it isn’t rare, and supervisors are in a privileged position to recognise the signs early – and then, as appropriate, support their candidates as they successfully navigate away from the PhD.    

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Academics don’t always like to acknowledge it, but your health, family, career and community are more important than any scholarly accolade. People generally think about quitting for reasons including family responsibilities, mental health or their financial situation. Or they choose to leave because other opportunities come up. These can be rational, practical choices with sensible long-term outcomes.

After all, graduating with a doctorate is not the only pathway towards contributing to knowledge, discovering new information or being recognised as an expert. That incomplete doctorate might be suitable for a patent or to spin out into an industry application. Perhaps it makes sense to publish your findings in an academic article – or a public-facing book. Similarly, the skills that candidates have already developed in pursuing their research might be an asset in their job beyond academia.

It’s important for candidates to know that not finishing a PhD doesn’t make you a failure, and it doesn’t mean you’ll never have the opportunity to do a research degree in the future. Sometimes, now is not the right time or you’re not in the right field. You wouldn’t be the first person to return to academia after a decade in industry, or when your circumstances changed, or when your research project was safe to pursue again. The past two years have been particularly challenging for researchers who had to totally change their planned research projects. When it is just not possible to pursue the PhD you signed up for, it can be a valid decision to do something else instead.

However, I wouldn’t want to suggest that the only two options are gritting your teeth or leaving. Universities increasingly have opportunities for flexibility or support, which candidates should explore. Some adjustments are quite common if you ask around. It’s often possible to press pause on your candidature, take a leave of absence or change to part-time study. Work with the equity team or researcher development team to improve accessibility or get support. It might also be helpful to negotiate changes in the supervision team – realigning it to better support your methods, specialisation or preferences.

There are more drastic options, too. It’s possible to convert your PhD to a master’s by research. Candidates might even explore taking their project to another faculty, another university or another country where it fits better. Leaving your current situation might mean losing out on your funding or burning bridges or hurting feelings. It tends to require a lot of extra time, effort and work. It’s an extreme option, but if you’re already thinking about leaving, you are already considering radical action.

I recently wrote a book with Liam Connell and Peta Freestone, Your PhD Survival Guide , based on Thesis Boot Camp , our award-winning programme for helping get people over the thesis finish line. In our experience working with thousands of doctoral candidates around the world, having non-judgemental conversations about quitting frees people from having to pretend that everything is fine.

Supervisors, peers and mentors can also help identify what changes are possible to make or support candidates to weigh up their options and make a considered decision about whether to carry on or put down the doctorate, for now or for good, and pursue other priorities. PhD researchers are smart, resilient, persistent problem-solvers, and they contribute in so many ways to our world, whether or not they gain the title “doctor”.

Katherine Firth is lecturer in research education and development at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, and a founding member of the Thesis Boot Camp team. Her most recent book on doctoral success is Your PhD Survival Guide: Planning, Writing and Succeeding in your Final Year with Liam Connell and Peta Freestone.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go? Part II: How to Gracefully Exit a Graduate School Program

If you’re wondering if you should quit graduate school and are looking for some advice, you’ve come to the right place. Following on from Part I of our “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” series, which focused on how to evaluate whether staying in graduate school is a good idea for you, Part II discusses the logistical aspects of exiting a graduate program if you’ve decided to leave.

Have You Considered Leaving Grad School? You’re Not Alone

If you are or have ever been a graduate student, at some point you have likely asked yourself the following question: “Do I really want to be in graduate school, or would I be better off pursuing a career that doesn’t require this degree?”

I really struggled with this question throughout my time as a grad student. I’d find the question bubbling up inside me every time I  stayed late to finish experiments , when I couldn’t get consistent results, and as I plowed through seemingly endless literature.

In retrospect, I had a killer case of  imposter syndrome . This, combined with a new marriage, rising uncertainty about maintaining  work–life balance , and mounting  pressure to publish,  resulted in my decision to take a Master’s degree as a fifth-year PhD candidate.

But fear not, dear reader! Many people find themselves partway through graduate school when they decide they want to  take their career in a different direction . Immediately after leaving grad school, I took a biotech job in industry and am now happier than ever!

If you’re a grad student and you’ve made the decision to quit graduate school, take the following steps to ensure that the decision is a good one and that the transition is as graceful and painless as possible.

Step 1: Acknowledge That Your Decision to Quit Graduate School Is A-OK and Get Support

Emotions can play a huge role in the decision to quit graduate school, but know that you are not alone ! Grad school is one of the toughest endeavors a scientist can take on.

Think of how many smart people you know—do they all have PhDs? Of course not! You can  still  be a scientist (and a good one, at that!) even if you don’t get a terminal degree.

Before telling your advisor you want out, though, discuss your decision with as many people as you are comfortable with. There are several reasons for this: not only will you  get support  from those who care about you, but you also might find alternative solutions or opportunities you may not have been aware of.

Step 2: Get as Many Outsiders’ Perspectives as You Can

Reach out to family, friends, careers counselors, counseling center therapists, and, in some cases, even your grad student peers. These are people who want you to succeed regardless of your scientific rigor or degree aspirations.

When considering my exit, I spoke frankly with my family, friends, and counselors about the possibility of leaving. They gave me great advice and ideas for exiting gracefully, including ideas for having difficult conversations and  navigating the job market .

Tread lightly when you speak to program administrators, your committee, or your advisor about leaving grad school. While they can provide further support or even solutions to grad school woes, they may also unintentionally sway your decision.

Gradually let your advisor/committee know that grad school isn’t right for you through several conversations. This is the best way to broach the subject and avoid abrupt surprises.

As I was making my decision, I initiated many conversations regarding concerns about publishing and advancing beyond the PhD, but I always kept these discussions primarily professional in nature.

I spoke with my advisor about what I needed to do to be successful in the lab and what  resources I was lacking . When I ended up taking a job and leaving the lab, it wasn’t a huge surprise.

Step 3: Keep as Many Doors Open as You Can Throughout the Process!

This is, perhaps, the most important step. If you change your mind or work out a solution to stay, you need to be professional with colleagues. Furthermore, they will likely influence your ability to find work beyond leaving graduate school (see below).

You’ll also probably want to start networking; these contacts could prove invaluable once you’ve left your program.

Step 4: The Nitty Gritty – Graduate School Exit Logistics

There are a plethora of logistical considerations when you quit graduate school, or any other job for that matter. While it might seem enticing to leave immediately,  you  must  consider factors such as your financial situation, health insurance, and future work prospects .

You might have an emergency fund available and won’t need to immediately get a job after leaving grad school. But if you’re in debt or sustaining yourself on a stipend or loans, try to find employment before leaving!

Ideally, this means finding your dream job straight out of grad school.

However, that is unlikely—even for the luckiest of us. If you don’t find something in your ideal field of work, consider other options, even if that means finding temporary work at a daycare, in retail, or at __________ (insert your favorite fast food joint).

You can always  keep in the loop  after you quit graduate school by reading relevant literature and networking, but you can’t easily undo going into debt!

In the USA, another benefit of seeking full-time employment before exiting is that you can  obtain health insurance . Even if you are healthy, an emergency or sudden diagnosis could leave you reeling with big bills.

If you’re in the States, keep health insurance in mind as you transition out of grad school. Some plans allow you to take  COBRA —your student health office may have more information.

Finally, take some time to  evaluate how your career trajectory has changed since deciding to leave . Consider  making a concrete plan  for professional development and reaching new career goals.

If you’ve found work in your desired post-grad school field, congratulations! How will you advance in that field?

If you take a temporary job, how will you take steps to get into the career you want to be in? This is often very challenging but will influence your odds of success on leaving grad school.

(Don’t forget about careers counselors! At some institutions, careers services and advising is available to alumni for several months beyond graduation.)

Step 5: Follow Up After You’ve Quit Graduate School

Remember Step 3? I’ll repeat it here: keep as many doors open as you can throughout the process! Guess what? That’s still true after you leave!

As painful or awkward as it might be, you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you  keep in contact  with your former committee and colleagues. You never know when you might want to get a reference letter, use your old grad school network to find employment later on, or ask for science advice.

Just because you’ve quit graduate school, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay in touch.

Whenever I contact an old supervisor or mentor, I try to include a short word of thanks for teaching me a technique or skill that I currently use.

Never underestimate the power of thanking someone for what you learned from them, even if the experience was challenging!

Navigating the waters of leaving graduate school is never easy but the tips above can get you started on the right track when you’re in the process.

What top tips and advice do you have for those deciding to quit graduate school? Let us know in the comments.

Useful Resources

Leaving Academia Blogspot

The Professor Is In

Originally published March 20, 2017. Reviewed and updated July 2021.

Love what you shared. I think there is too much advice that blindly (and perhaps unintentionally) leads graduate students towards over-saturated markets and impending mental health issues.

The only advice that I would add is to consider finding a career/life coach. Many grad students are good about meeting the expectations of others but not good about setting up a life for themselves that they can appreciate (me included!). Find someone who can truly care about the direction that you want to go in without any benefit to themselves (you pay them to listen/provide feedback… they don’t benefit from you doing anything specific with you life – unlike you major professor). Take time to practically consider your options. Then move.

Dropping out of grad school or leaving academia isn’t the end of your life. It’s just a experiment that has come to an end. Learn, adapt, move on – there is no other way.

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When should you quit your PhD? Advice for students

Deciding whether you should finish your PhD or leave academia altogether is a very tough decision to make. It shouldn’t be taken lightly, and many PhD students want to quit their PhD at many points throughout the process. I know that I wanted to quit my PhD in the second year but I’m pleased that I stuck it out.

Quitting your PhD may make sense if you have a complete breakdown of your supervisor relationship, you are working with a poorly designed project, mental health issues are getting in the way, or you simply do not want to continue in academia after your first year.

The constant presence of failure and criticism throughout a PhD can make PhD candidates feel like they will never be smart enough and can cause feelings of being an imposter.

This article will go through everything you need to know about when you should quit your PhD and help you make one of the toughest decisions that any PhD can make.

It is important to note that people who quit are not failures.

There is a narrative in academia that can cause people to feel really anxious about quitting. However, failing to quit when it is the best decision for you is much more of a failing.

I talk about this more in my YouTube video below.

Read more to find out the insider secrets to quitting your PhD.

When should a PhD student quit?

There is no one size fits all answer to when a PhD student should quit.

However, there are some general guidelines that may be helpful in deciding whether or not to quit a PhD program.

If you are facing significant personal or health problems that are impacting your ability to complete your studies, it may be time to consider quitting.

Additionally, if a student feels they are not making progress and are not enjoying the program, it may be time to reassess their goals and consider whether or not continuing with the PhD is the right decision.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to quit a PhD program should be made after careful consideration of all factors involved.

But you are not alone in this decision!

Here are some other people who have quit their PhD and are talking about on YouTube that you may find interesting to watch:

Here are some important aspects that you can consider if you are considering giving up your PhD.

After your first year

Before you decide to quit your PhD, you should at least see if it isn’t poor for you. Spend at least six months in your doctorate before asking yourself whether academia is the right career choice for you.

Having tried a PhD and realising that it is not for you is certainly not a failure.

The first year will show you pretty much all of the important aspects of having a career in academia. Therefore, you can base your decision on how much you have really enjoyed your first year and whether or not it is something that you want to continue for another two – five years.

Breakdown of the supervisor relationship

Your PhD will be heavily dictated by your academic supervisor.

It’s important that you maintain a healthy supervisor relationship. However, sometimes that is easier said than done.

If your PhD supervisor relationship has completely broken down and is toxic, I would recommend looking for an alternative supervisor or leaving the project altogether and looking for other opportunities in academia and outside of academia elsewhere.

I highly recommend that you have a co-supervisor during your PhD so that if one of the supervisor relationships breaks down you always have a backup.

The project is poorly designed

Sometimes the best plans can go badly.

It is worth quitting your PhD if you have got nowhere with your research after two years. Sometimes research does not reward you for hard work and it can be a very frustrating time.

Look at the progress of your research and focus on stuff that is working. Ultimately, at the end of your PhD you are expected to write up a dissertation or a number of peer-reviewed papers to show that you have contributed enough novel work to be admitted into your doctorate.

If you are unable to satisfy this, you will simply fail to obtain your PhD.

A good project is one that is relatively flexible and can pivot to other areas if one section of the plan is not working.

Mental health issues

Mental health issues are also another reason why you should consider quitting your PhD or, at least putting it on hold.

Your PhD is only as good as your mental health. You will be the one responsible for pushing the project forward when things are going badly and this takes a fair amount of resilience and persistence.

Resilience and persistence are at their best when your mental health is too.

Financial issues

Many people want to quit their PhD due to financial stress.

Earning a student stipend for multiple years can be a very stressful and miserable time for those who have got expenses and debts. Some people get a job alongside their PhD but this is not realistic for most.

Quitting your PhD in saving up money in a job may help you return to academia with a financial safety net that can make your PhD much less stressful.

The best way to quit your PhD

There is no one best way to quit your PhD as every situation is unique, and you will need to find an approach that works best for you.

However, there are some general tips that may be helpful.

First, it is important to have a clear plan and reason for leaving your PhD program. This will make it easier to stay focused and motivated as you go through the process of quitting.

Second, try to give yourself plenty of time to make the transition. This includes both mentally and emotionally preparing for the change, as well as taking care of any practical details like finding a new place to live or transferring your health insurance and all of the boring admin stuff that may occur.

Finally, be sure to reach out for support from family and friends during this time. Quitting a PhD can be a difficult and stressful experience but having a strong support network can make it much easier.

Here are some steps you can take to ease the transition.

Take some time off – Pause your studies

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to take a break.

Step away from your research and give yourself some time to relax. You may be able to give yourself up to a year off from your research. I have spoken with PhD students have done this and they are able to re-enter their PhD with much more focus and motivation.

Try to come back to your research with fresh eyes and a clear mind.

Leave your PhD amicably

If you decide to leave your PhD program, it is important to do so amicably.

This means that you should try to maintain a good relationship with your advisor and committee members. You should also let them know about your decision as soon as possible. A committee member may be able to help you find a new advisor.

Finally, it is also a good idea to write a letter of resignation. This will help you to state your intentions in a professional manner and it will also give your supervisor time to adjust or find a replacement PhD student for the project.

A letter of resignation can be an extremely difficult thing to write. However, it is important that you take the time to write one so that your supervisor and the University know that you are leaving.

What are your next career plans?

Before leaving your PhD you need to ask yourself what is next for your career.

What excites you? What job would you be excited to turn up to every day?

Most people will need to find work as soon as they leave their PhD in order to live comfortably. Think about what you’d like to do and your plans for after you quit.

This will help you consider whether or not quitting is the right decision for you and help ease the transition as you will be excited for your next adventure.

Wrapping up

If you decide to quit a PhD it can be a very daunting experience and many people wonder if they will regret it.

There are many people that quit a PhD for a variety of reasons. Ensuring that you are comfortable with your decision and that you’re excited about the next stage in your life will help ease the transition.

You can also take eight couple of months off to settle on your decision without the pressures of academia muddying your thoughts.

For many people a PhD is not the right choice and quitting is the best decision they can make. Good luck with your decision!

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Kshitij Tiwari Ph.D.

Knowing when to quit PhD: Signs to look for and what to do next

Not many know of the harsh realities of the PhD program when they first start out and many struggle to be fully convinced that PhD is indeed the right career choice for them.

So, somewhere along the journey they start feeling stuck with no real progress being made and start questioning whether or not to continue . It is at this time, they need to make the tough call and often they lack the know how to be able to decide how to proceed thereon.

In this article, we will look into the signs that indicate it’s time to quit your PhD program, what to do after quitting, and alternative career paths to consider. We’ll also discuss managing finances and prioritizing mental health during this difficult time, as well as the importance of a healthy relationship with your PhD supervisor.

Finally, we’ll explore how a change in personal goals can affect your decision to leave the program and provide resources for those considering leaving their PhD program. Contrary to the other blogs that touch base on this topic, we will also look into how you can resume your PhD journey after a brief hiatus if you decide so instead of quitting.

Table of Contents

Signs it’s time to quit PhD

Making the decision to quit PhD

Next steps after quitting phd, alternative career routes after quitting phd, resume your phd journey, key takeaways, signs it's time to quit phd.

There are some tell tale signs that you can look out for to know if it’s time to quit your PhD.

Lack of Passion

Your passion for your research should be what drives you to continue your PhD. If you find yourself lacking excitement or interest in your work, it may be time to re-evaluate your goals and consider quitting.

Emotional and mental health issues

The stress of a PhD program can take a toll on your mental health. If you find yourself constantly anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed, it may be a sign that the program is not worth sacrificing your health.

Financial Hardship

PhD programs can be expensive and do not always offer enough funding or job opportunities to support your lifestyle. If you are struggling financially and cannot see a way out, it may be time to consider other options.

Lack of Support

A strong support system is crucial during a PhD program. If you feel isolated or unsupported by your colleagues or mentor, it can make the program even more challenging.

If you recognize any of these signs, it may be time to take a step back and evaluate your options. It’s important to remember that quitting your PhD program does not mean you have failed. Here are some steps to take next:

Speak with a trusted mentor or advisor to discuss your options.

Consider taking some time off to re-evaluate your goals and explore other interests.

Look into alternative career paths or programs that align with your interests and values.

Connect with a therapist or mental health professional for support during this transition.

Poor relationship with supervisor or lab members

If you’re experiencing conflicts with your supervisor or lab members, it can create a toxic work environment that affects your ability to perform. This can be especially challenging in a PhD program that is often heavily reliant on the relationship with your supervisor. If attempts to resolve conflicts have been unsuccessful, it may be time to consider moving on to a different program or workplace. Remember that your well-being should be a priority and it’s okay to make changes that support that.

Change in personal goals or circumstances

As we grow and change, our goals and circumstances can shift. If you find yourself no longer interested in pursuing a career in academia or if personal circumstances make continuing the program difficult, it’s important to consider whether the PhD is still the best path for you. Keep in mind that it’s never too late to make a change and pursue a different career path that aligns better with your current goals and needs. Remember to seek support and guidance from trusted advisors and professionals as you make these decisions.

The decision to quit your PhD is a difficult one, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about your needs and goals. Remember that quitting does not mean failure, and it’s never too late to make a change. Here are some steps to help you make this decision

Weighing the pros and cons

When making the decision to quit your PhD program, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Some pros of continuing may include a strong passion for your research, a supportive advisor, and opportunities for career advancement. However, some cons may include financial strain, mental and emotional exhaustion, and a lack of interest in your work.

Reflecting on your goals and values

Reflect on your goals and values and how they align with your current situation. Are you still passionate about your research? Is the PhD program aligning with your personal values and goals? Reflecting on these questions can help provide clarity when making the decision to continue or quit the program.

Seeking advice and support

Speak with trusted mentors, advisors, and professionals to discuss your options and gather information. It’s important to seek advice and support from people who understand the demands of a PhD program and can help you make an informed decision.

Trusting your intuition

Ultimately, the decision to quit your PhD should come from a place of intuition and self-awareness. Trust your instincts and listen to your body and mind. If you feel that continuing the program will have a negative impact on your well-being and happiness, it may be time to consider other options.

Remember that quitting your PhD program does not mean you have failed. It takes courage to acknowledge when something is not working and make a change. Trust yourself and do what is best for you and your future.

If you have decided to quit your PhD program, it’s important to have a plan for what comes next. Here are some steps to consider:

Take time for self-care

Leaving a PhD program can be a major life change that can have an emotional impact. It’s important to take time to reflect, process your feelings, and engage in self-care activities that help you feel grounded and supported.

Re-evaluate your career goals

Reflect on your interests and career goals and explore alternative career paths that align with your passions and values. Consider taking courses or workshops to develop new skills and broaden your options.

Network and build new connections

Connect with professionals in your field of interest and attend industry events to expand your network and gain insight into new career opportunities. Building new connections can help you find new opportunities and grow your professional circle.

Seek support and guidance

It’s important to connect with a mentor, advisor, or therapist who can offer support and guidance as you navigate this transition. They can help you overcome any obstacles or self-doubt you may have and provide valuable insights and resources.

Consider further education or training

If you are interested in pursuing a different academic path, consider further education or training in a new field. This can open up new opportunities and help you gain new skills and knowledge.

Embrace the change and stay positive

Leaving a PhD program can be challenging, but it’s important to embrace the change and stay positive. Remember that this decision is an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Focus on the positives of your decision and stay open to new opportunities that come your way. With time and persistence, you can forge a new path that aligns with your passions and goals.

If you decide to leave your PhD program, there are many alternative career routes to consider. Here are a few options to explore:

Consider exploring career opportunities in industry that relate to your research interests. Industry jobs can offer more stability and a faster career trajectory than academia.

If you enjoy teaching, consider pursuing a career as a high school or community college teacher. You can also consider teaching positions in non-academic settings, such as museums or community centers.

Entrepreneurship

Starting your own business or consulting firm can be a rewarding career path that allows you to apply your research skills in new ways. Be prepared to invest time and energy into building your business.

Non-profit work

Non-profit organizations offer a variety of career opportunities that align with your values and interests. Consider working for a non-profit in a role that utilizes your research skills or knowledge.

Government work

Working for the government can provide stable employment and opportunities to make a difference in your field of interest. Consider working in a government agency related to your research area or in science policy.

Freelancing

Freelancing or consulting can offer flexibility and the opportunity to work on a range of projects related to your research or interests. Be prepared for the challenges of self-employment and building a client base.

Remember that there are many alternative career paths to consider after leaving your PhD program. Take time to explore your interests and goals, and seek advice and support from trusted professionals as you navigate this transition.

Consider your options carefully and make a decision that aligns with your values and goals. Remember that it’s okay to change your mind and pursue a different path. Take time for self-care, re-evaluate your career goals, network and build connections, seek support and guidance, consider further education, and stay positive.

As opposed to quitting, if you give it a second thought and decide to resume with your PhD, here are some steps to help you through it and your approach from the past. Don’t worry if you’re feeling unsure; this is a normal phase for many.

Reconnect with your advisor and lab members

It’s important to reconnect with your advisor and lab members after a hiatus. Schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss your plans moving forward and any necessary steps to re-integrate into the program.

Review and update your research plan

Take time to review and update your research plan to ensure that it aligns with your current goals and interests. Consider any changes that may have occurred during your hiatus and discuss any necessary adjustments with your advisor.

Re-establish your routine

Returning to a PhD program may require adjusting your routine to ensure that you have enough time and energy to dedicate to your research and coursework. Make a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Create a plan for managing your time, including scheduling regular breaks and self-care activities.

Connect with your peers

Connecting with your peers can help you stay motivated and engaged in your program. Attend department events, join a study group, or participate in student clubs to meet new people and build relationships.

Seek additional support and resources

If you are struggling to get back into the swing of things, consider seeking additional support and resources. This may include working with a tutor, attending office hours, or accessing mental health services.

Keep your long-term goals in mind

Remember your long-term goals and why you started your PhD in the first place. Keeping your goals in mind can help you stay motivated and focused as you resume your PhD journey. Celebrate your successes and milestones along the way and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

Whether you decide to quit your PhD program or continue on, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and your values. Take the time to reflect and seek advice and support from trusted mentors, advisors, and professionals. Remember that there are always options and opportunities to pursue your passions and goals. Whatever you choose – to quit or to resume your PhD after a brief hiatus , trust yourself and take pride in the journey ahead.

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How To Tell Your Advisor You’re Quitting Your Ph.D. Program.

by Gertrude Nonterah PhD | May 16, 2023

“How do I communicate to my advisor that I want to quit my Ph.D. program?”

Someone asked me this question on YouTube and I had to think long and hard about it before responding.

I’m a champion for Ph.D. students and I often want people to finish their Ph.D.s. This is true especially if they are an under-represented minority like me.

But I also realize that a Ph.D. is not the right path for everyone. And it goes without saying that there are lots of successful people who don’t have a Ph.D. Some don’t have a university degree at all.

In any case, telling your advisor you’re quitting your Ph.D. program is a difficult conversation no matter how you slice it. It’s common to feel guilty about letting your advisor down. You might experience guilt for letting down the people who have invested in you in various ways. However, it is important to remember that this is YOUR life and you need to do what’s best for you. Even if it means leaving academia.

Watch the video below as I answer this question.

Quitting your Ph.D. might feel like a nerve-racking decision for you. But thinking through your future career goals, and if a Ph.D. fits in that future can help you come to a satisfactory conclusion.

If you’re thinking of quitting your Ph.D. program, take a step back to reflect. Reflect on what you truly want for your life. Consider your goals and whether a Ph.D. aligns with those future plans. If you have the opportunity, take some time away from the Ph.D. program to see how that feels. Write down your thoughts and reasons. The pros and cons.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings before the conversation will help you to stay organized and on track. When you do have the conversation, use those thoughts you’ve written down as your guideposts when you finally discuss it with your advisor. Be prepared for your advisor to be disappointed. But don’t be guilted into staying if you have done your evaluations and realized a Ph.D. is just not the path for you.

Join 2000+ PhDs and academics who receive my weekly newsletter full of career development tips designed for academics & receive 34 non-academic career ideas. Click here to join: theboldphd.com/careerslist

Related posts:

• Disillusioned by your PhD program? Here are 3 things you can do.
• Should you quit your PhD program? Why I didn’t quit mine.

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Leaving a PhD Program

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“We support whatever decision you make, honey.”

I hung up the phone with my mom, grateful for the support, but absolutely quaking inside. Was I really thinking of leaving my PhD program? At a prestigious university? Something I had worked long and hard for, something I *thought* that I had wanted?

Yes, I was thinking about it. And, in the end, I did leave. 

I’m writing this to let people out there who were just like me know that it all turned out OK. I thought I was the only human being in the world who had ever ended a PhD program early, and I wish I had had a story like this to provide some semblance of comfort. So here it is.  

The first few months, things were great. I loved moving to a new place, being on a gorgeous campus, taking part in orientation, meeting my cohort, and starting classes. I felt that I was being challenged, academically and socially, and was so proud of everything I had done to be a part of it.

But that initial honeymoon feeling only took me so far. By the end of the first year, I knew something wasn’t right. I hadn’t clicked well with the faculty, I felt overlooked by my peers, and I was unsatisfied with the work and research I was doing. Keep going. I told myself. It’s supposed to be hard. You’re dedicating five years of your life to this, after all. 

Five years. I couldn’t bear the thought. 

Slowly, I started to lose weight. First a few pounds here and there, and then, by the end of the second year, more. My stomach always ached, I was nervous, anxious, and not sleeping well. I was lucky to have a supportive partner, but things were still hard.

People, in casual chit chat, would ask why I was getting a PhD, and what I hoped to do with it. When it came down to it, I didn’t have a good answer. I’d stumble and say something like “I want to help influence policy at a higher level.” They’d look at me and say— you need a PhD for that? They were sort of right. Did I need a PhD for that? Not really. And, at the rate that I was going, physically and emotionally, I wouldn’t be well equipped for any sort of job.  

So, I took stock, thought long and hard, and read a million blogs on Grad Cafe and Reddit. Posts like, “ Leaving a Stats PhD Program with a Master’s, Then Re-Applying ”, “What looks better on a CV: 2nd Masters or Incomplete PhD (ABD)? ”, or “[C] Unsure whether to quit/stay on PhD program” . Clearly other people were worried about it, just like me. Was this choice going to ruin our lives?

It turns out, it didn’t ruin my life. Things worked out OK. 

In fact, nearly half of students leave their PhD program . Lots of factors influence this : financial burden , dissatisfaction, mental health struggles , program or advisor mismatch , or the reality of an academic career , just to name a few. An Atlantic article quoted Karen Kelsky, a former tenured professor and academic career coach, who explained that “it isn’t usually a snap so much as a gradual disintegration.”  

This disintegration, unfortunately, will happen to a lot of students in PhD programs. Roughly 40% of Ph.D. students have sought help for depression or anxiety caused by their course of study, according to Nature, and almost 45% said their satisfaction level had decreased since the start of graduate school. A University of Texas at Austin study, “Stress and Relief for American Graduate Students” , found that 45% of participants reported experiencing more stress than they could handle and—you guessed it—PhD students expressed feeling the greatest amounts of stress.

I will say–for lots of people, their PhD programs can be a great experience. Some of my closest family and friends, in fact, loved their time in graduate school. But for some of us (whether it be the program, the location, the work itself, or internal factors) it was just not the right fit.

When I left school, as scary and uncertain as it was, things started to turn around. I moved to be near my family, and found a wonderful job with co-workers I adore, doing work I am truly interested in. It didn’t happen overnight, mind you, but the post-PhD months and years taught me a lot about myself, the workplace, and how OK it is to walk away from something you once dreamed about.  

So, if you decide to stay on in your program, more power to you. And if you know it’s time to leave, then that is OK too. Like my mom said, we—the collective we— support and honor whatever decision that you make.

Annika Olson is the assistant director of policy research at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis at the University of Texas at Austin and a Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project.

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

• Academic Policies & Procedures
• Leaves and Withdrawals

Leaves, Withdrawals, and Readmission

Leaves of absence are defined as a temporary separation from the University. Students who need to interrupt their progress towards degree may petition to withdraw for a leave of absence. There are various types of leaves:

• Medical Leave of Absence : For students who must temporarily interrupt progress toward degree due to a physical or mental health condition.
• Parental Leave of Absence : For students who become new parents (whether by childbirth or adoption).
• General Leave of Absence : For students who elect to temporarily interrupt their progress and are not eligible for a medical or parental leave.

Stipulations

All leaves of absence must be approved by the appropriate University offices/programs. The procedure for requesting a leave and the specific approvals required depend on the type of leave. The general policies are:

• Mid-quarter leaves of absence with an "Effective Date" through the end of the sixth week of classes will result in an entry on the transcript documenting the withdrawal date. Leaves of absence with an "Effective Date" after the end of the sixth week will result in withdrawn courses, with grades of "W" being posted on the transcript along with the withdrawal date.
• Medical leaves of absence must be requested by the   deadlines established by the Dean of Students office .
• During a leave of absence, students are not permitted to enroll at the University, are not to make degree progress, and are not considered active students. Students on a leave of absence are not to fulfill degree requirements during the time on leave. If a student plans to be away from the University to work on a thesis, a dissertation, or other degree requirements, this would not constitute a leave of absence and would require enrollment.
• International students who apply for a leave of absence must consult with the   Office of International Student and Scholar Services   regarding how the leave will impact their immigration status.
• There may be financial implications of withdrawing to take a leave of absence, including for those receiving student loans. Depending on the effective date of the leave of absence (withdrawal from the quarter), it may be the case that only a portion of tuition will be refunded and/or that student loan recipients must return a portion of their funds/assistance. Before requesting to withdraw for a leave of absence, students must review the Student Finance   withdrawal policy , The Graduate School's withdrawal policy, and information on withdrawals and financial aid and follow up with the relevant offices with any questions. Students on an approved leave of absence are not eligible for federal financial aid, including Federal Direct Loans. In some cases, student loans may not be deferred for the entirety of a leave. Students should contact   Graduate Financial Aid   with questions.
• Approved general and medical leaves of absence automatically extend future TGS milestone deadlines by the length of the leave. Parental leaves provide a four-quarter extension. This includes the qualifying exam deadline and prospectus deadline for PhD students, and the degree deadline for master’s and PhD students. Leaves of absence do not extend deadlines that have passed as of the date the leave goes into effect, nor exempt students from meeting degree requirements.

A student on a leave of absence has limited access to University facilities normally available to enrolled students, including:

• NetID: The NetID is deactivated after a period following the start of the leave of absence, following the   NUIT NetID Expiration schedule .
• Library: Students on a leave of absence may request a   Borrower's Card  to access the University Library.
• Health Insurance: Students who are on an approved leave of absence are permitted to remain enrolled in NU-SHIP for the year in which they start on a leave and may elect to re-enroll for one subsequent year. Students may apply for coverage in the fall quarter through the  Health Insurance Office . Students who elect to re-enroll for a subsequent year may not be eligible for the health insurance   subsidy .
• University Housing: Students planning to take a leave of absence who reside in University Housing must contact the   Graduate Housing Office   as soon as possible to make arrangements.
• Students on a leave of absence must request return in advance of the quarter in which they wish to return. Instructions and the timeline for requesting a return from leave are detailed below.

Medical Leave of Absence

A student who must temporarily interrupt their progress toward degree due to a physical or mental health need may request a medical leave of absence through the   Dean of Students Office . Additional information about medical leaves of absence, including the process for a student to request a medical leave of absence and reinstatement from medical leave, is outlined on the   Dean of Students, Medical Leave of Absence website .

Funded PhD and MFA students who are scheduled to be funded during the quarter(s) in which they are taking approved medical leave are eligible to receive   paid medical leave   for   up to   the first six months of the medical leave period.

Parental Leave of Absence

Parental leaves are available to active students of all gender identities and gender expressions in The Graduate School who experience the birth or adoption of a child for whom they have parental responsibilities.

• Those adopting children over the age of 18 or a spouse’s or partner’s child are not eligible for parental leave. Those residing in localities where legal adoption is not an option but who are assuming parental responsibilities and otherwise meet the eligibility criteria are eligible for parental leave.
• Individual students may request one leave per childbirth or adoption event.
• Students are eligible who have not utilized a parental leave during the previous 12 months before the requested leave start date. Students who have had a prior parental leave within the past 12 months may not request another parental leave but may request a medical or general leave of absence.

Funded graduate students (graduate assistants, research assistants, teaching assistants, fellows) who are eligible to receive tuition and stipend from the University during the leave period may request paid leave from their duties for a 12 week leave period. Funding will be provided by The Graduate School during the 12 week leave period.  Graduate students who are funded from an external sponsor are obliged to inform their funding agency and should consult with   TGS Student Funding . If a student is not receiving funding as of the start date of the parental leave, none will be provided by this leave. Unfunded graduate students (those who are not receiving funding as of the start date of the parental leave) may request unpaid leave from their studies for up to a 12 week leave period.

Students on approved parental leave will receive a four-quarter extension of future TGS milestone deadlines (qualifying exam, prospectus, degree deadline). Programs must extend future, program-specific deadlines by the same length. Students, Directors of Graduate Studies (DGSes) and advisers are expected to discuss a timeline for meeting requirements well in advance of the start of the leave period.

Students must begin the leave period within the first 90 days of the birth or adoption, or prior to the birth/adoption if medically necessary. The period of leave applies to calendar weeks. If a parental leave overlaps with an academic break, the break period will still count toward the 12-week period of leave.

Students using a parental leave for all or most of a quarter will not enroll for that quarter and will be placed in "leave" status. Students who are enrolled in classes as of the start date of a parental leave must work with their instructors to determine whether incomplete grades are possible and to arrange a timeline for completion of coursework upon return from the leave period. If a student anticipates taking parental leave for a partial quarter, it is recommended that the student not enroll in coursework for that quarter. Students should consult   TGS Student Services   to determine whether registration in a quarter surrounding a parental leave is appropriate and if so, the exact registration status.

The process to petition for a Parental Leave of Absence is as follows:

• Student must submit the “Petition for Absence” form via TGS Forms in   GSTS   and select the parental leave option at least 60 days prior to the leave start date (or as soon as possible in unforeseen circumstances).
• At the end of the 12-week period, students will resume their studies. If additional time away is needed, students must petition for the appropriate leave of absence.

General Leave of Absence

A student who wishes to temporarily interrupt their progress toward degree and who is not eligible for a medical or parental leave may petition to withdraw for a general leave of absence. General leaves of absence must be approved by the student’s program of study and The Graduate School. The process to petition for a general leave of absence is as follows:

• Student must submit the “Petition for Absence” form via TGS Forms in  GSTS . The program’s Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or DGS designate will review the form, after which The Graduate School will review. The Graduate School will notify the student (and the program) of the approval status.
• A general leave of absence may be requested in the current quarter before the course withdrawal deadline for that quarter (as published in the   University's academic calendar ), but not after the due date has been reached for the final assessment for any one course in which a student is enrolled.

General leaves are approved for a minimum of one quarter and a maximum of one year. Funded PhD and MFA students may not receive funding (stipend/tuition) during the leave period.  In most cases, regular funding will resume after the approved leave period ends. Students must petition for reinstatement by contacting  TGS student services  via email at least 6 weeks before the start of the quarter in which they plan to return. In certain exceptional cases, students may   petition   to extend the general leave period with approval from the student's program (Director of Graduate Studies or DGS designate) and The Graduate School. Students who fail to petition for reinstatement from general leave or petition for an extension by the originally-approved leave of absence end date will be discontinued from The Graduate School and need to   apply for readmission   in order to return.

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Program Leave

You can apply for program leave if you want to:.

• Take a leave of absence from your program of up to 1 year and come back to your studies after taking leave.

If you want to discontinue your studies completely, and not resume them at a later date, please instead see Program Discontinuation .

Please Note:

When you take a break from studying by taking program leave, it's important to plan your enrolment for your expected return date. Some programs have specific requirements about the order in which courses can be taken and not all courses are offered every term. Therefore, it may take you longer to finish your program and to graduate if the courses you need aren't available in the term of your return to study.

For help with your progression planning and enrolment, contact The Nucleus: Student Hub before you take program leave.

Who can take program leave?

Program leave is for enrolled domestic undergraduate or postgraduate students. It is available to International students with certain conditions. See below for further information.

Domestic students

A domestic undergraduate or postgraduate student enrolled in their second or later semester/term of a program may apply for program leave. (A new student enrolled in their first semester/term would apply for a deferment , no later than the relevant census date.)

You can apply for program leave no later than the relevant census date . Program leave sought after census date will be subject to UNSW's rules for course withdrawal and may result in failures being listed on your academic record.

Postgrads: If you are on a scholarship  (e.g. APA), check that it is deferrable. Also, check that your chosen supervisor is available during your return semester/term.

International students on student visas can apply for program leave; however, certain conditions may apply.

Important advice for student visa holders

Notification of program leave/cancellation

Under Commonwealth Legislation, the University is required to notify  the Australian Government Office of changes in the enrolment of student visa holders. Cancellation and leave of absence (program leave) will in most cases lead to the cancellation of your student visa, and you will be required to depart Australia, or transfer to another visa type. Provided that you report to  the Australian Government Office as required, your visa cancellation should be 'without prejudice', and should not prevent you from reapplying in the future. 

Granting of program leave to student visa holders

As required by Commonwealth Law, student visa holders will be granted Leave by UNSW, conditional on complying with immigration requirements. In all but exceptional circumstances (e.g. Serious personal/health problems requiring you to remain in Australia), student visa holders granted leave will be required to depart Australia for the duration of their leave. If you believe your circumstances are exceptional, please provide documentation to support this claim. In all cases, student visa holders granted leave by the University must report to Immigration authorities to clarify their visa status. 

Reapplying for your student visa

You may find it easier to apply for a new student visa before leaving Australia. Whether you choose to apply in Australia or overseas, you need to fill in a New Confirmation of Enrolment Request .

How long can I take program leave for?

Program leave is generally restricted to no more than 1 year of your enrolment in a program. Applications for leave of more than 1 year will be approved only in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Program Authority .

How to apply

Please complete the following online form:

Apply for Program Leave

Once your request has been processed, you'll be notified of the outcome by email to your UNSW email account. You'll also be able to view and print your approved leave letter online.

Are you under 18 years of age? If you are under 18 years of age, you must complete this form (PDF, 189kb)  and your parent or guardian must also sign the form. The form should be returned to Student Lifecycle, The Nucleus: Student Hub, Level 2 Library or submitted via email to  [email protected]

Can I apply for program leave after the census date has passed?

If you are enrolled in the current term:.

• If you are still enrolled in a term after the  census date   and you no longer want to continue studying, then you do not need to apply for program leave for the term. You can drop courses via myUNSW up until the end of the teaching period, but depending on when you drop there are implications for your enrolment status, academic record and/or fee or contribution liability. You can view the impacts here:  https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/enrol/deadlines 
• Because you are still enrolled after the census date, you retain an enrolment record for the term and therefore program leave is not required to hold your place in the program.

If you are not enrolled in the current term:

• If you are not enrolled in a term after the  census date   then you must apply for program leave to hold your place in the program. See  How to Apply  above for further instructions. 

How can I cancel a program leave request?

If you have applied for program leave and decided to return early, you can submit a request to cancel your program leave below. 

You will need to include the term you wish to return to studies in your request  (e.g. Term 2 2024).

Cancel program leave request

Re-admission and cross-institutional study

Program leave and re-admission.

• If you aren't enrolled at the relevant census date, and you haven't applied for and been granted approved program leave for that semester/term, you will be discontinued from your program. You'll have to formally apply for re-admission if you want to enrol in a future semester/term.
• If you withdraw from courses with or without failure after the census date , you retain an enrolment record for that semester/term and are subject to the rules of re-enrolment.
• If your application for leave is rejected, or you don't resume study at the end of the approved leave period, you must formally apply for re-admission to the program.

Cross-institutional study

If you want to undertake study at another institution while you're on program leave from UNSW, you must obtain permission from your Program Authority   before you commence your studies at the other institution.

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College of Arts and Sciences

Department of political science, spring 2024 capstone presentations.

• April 26, 2024

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