If you require time away from your thesis study, you can request a deferral (temporary withdrawal) after consultation with your supervisor or head of department.
If you have a deferral or are planning to defer for some part of a calendar year, you will still need to start re-enrolment before 1 December. This also applies if you will only need a semester 2 enrolment. An approved deferral from 1 January to 31 December on your record means you do not need to re-enrol for study in the re-enrolment year.
You will lose access to University of Otago resources while on deferral.
How do I defer master's or PhD study
To request a deferral:
- Speak with your supervisor or head of department first to discuss your options. You will need to consider how withdrawal will affect your academic record, any financial assistance you receive, and your visa if you are an international student.
- Log in to eVision.
- Click on the My Research window.
- Click Deferral request, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Further information
Request for deferral from research component
Graduate Research School – Change to Admission Details