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Explore our comprehensive resources for Parental and Sick Leave, designed to provide guidance and support for managing family needs and addressing health challenges.
Parental Leave
- Explore UCL’s comprehensive parental leave policy, covering maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- To initiate parental leave, contact your Departmental/Divisional PGR administrator to arrange it.
- You'll also need to request an Interruption of Studies, and your administrator can also help with this.
Leave Duration
Initially, you can apply for an interruption of up to one year, with a maximum of two years allowed. During your leave, essential services like email and library access, along with training opportunities, will remain available.
Funded Students
If you're a funded student, reach out to your funding source to discuss available support during your leave. You can also discuss this with you PGR administrator who should be able to advise on this.
Paternity Leave
Two weeks of paternity leave are available to all parents or adoptive parents, regardless of gender.
Contact your programme administrator to arrange this.
Support Upon Return
Returning to your studies is crucial, and support is available:
Join the Students' Union's Parents and Carers network
PGR students can connect with the staff carers network, Parents and Carers Together (PACT)
Consider switching to part-time study if needed but be aware that this may impact stipend funding; consult your PGR administrator initially
Parental Leave on a Student Visa
If you're on a student visa, note that extended interruptions may necessitate leaving the UK and returning when you're ready to resume your studies.
Explore Visa and Immigration Requirements for Interrupting Students and reach out to the Immigration and Visas team through askUCL for any enquiries.
Sick Leave
Reporting Illness to Your Supervisor
When illness strikes, we hope for your swift recovery, and that it won't disrupt your studies.
However, it's essential to keep your supervisor or PGR administrator informed about your whereabouts, as they may have concerns about your well-being.
Prolonged Illness and Interruption of Studies
In cases of prolonged illness, whether physical or mental, you might consider applying for an Interruption of Studies. This effectively pauses the clock on your degree progress, as well as any pending tuition fees.
However, if you receive a stipend, it's crucial to discuss stipend payments during sick leave with your funder or department. Stipend payments typically pause unless specific arrangements have been made with your department or funder.
Your PGR administrator can provide guidance on the policies of different funders, many of which cover up to 13 weeks.
Student Visa Considerations
If you're on a student visa and your interruption extends beyond a certain duration, it may be necessary to temporarily leave the UK and return when you're ready to resume your studies.
For comprehensive guidance on this matter, please consult the Visa and Immigration Requirements for Interrupting Students page and the Immigration and Visas team page.
For any specific inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out through askUCL.