We’ve tried to explain everything here but if there is anything you don’t understand please contact the Student Centre for help.

How long is a period of abeyance?
Talk to your department if you expect to be absent for two weeks or more. They will help you decide if you need a formal period of abeyance or if you can make up a short period of absence across the rest of the academic year.
Do you have to get approval for abeyance?
Yes. Your department must approve your period of absence including the date you leave and return to your studies. If they don't you may not be able to resume your studies at Brunel and your fees won’t be adjusted if you have to repeat part or all of the year.
When do you come back?
Your department will agree the return date with you. You will be asked either to return at the same time in the following academic year or you might be expected to repeat a period of study. This depends on the structure of your course and when you decide to take the leave of absence. For example, if you leave in term one, you might need to repeat term one at the start of the next academic year when you return.
Will your tuition fees be affected?
Possibly. You pay a full year's tuition fees for each academic year you complete. When you take abeyance, the tuition fees are split across the two years either side of the temporary leave of absence. How the fees are divided either side depends on the date you leave and the date you return.
If you have to repeat a period of study, your tuition fees could increase unless there are mitigating circumstances your department would need to approve.
Will your funding be affected?
Student Loans Company tuition fee loans and maintenance funding might be affected, depending on the time of year you go into abeyance. Brunel is obliged to notify the Student Loans Company of the change. It’s important that you also let your loan provider know as soon as possible.
Scholarship and bursary payments will be suspended during a period of temporary leave and other statutory funding is likely to be affected. As you won’t be studying in abeyance, your entitlement to student funding is usually reduced.
Can you still access Brunel’s student services?
Absolutely. You won’t be expected to study but you will continue to have access to all student support services.
Do you need to move out of Halls?
Yes, it’s usual for students on abeyance to leave their on-campus accommodation. Talk to the Accommodation Centre as soon as possible to find out what your commitments will be.
If you live in off-campus housing leased through the Accommodation Centre, you may be liable for the duration of your licence agreement unless you can find a replacement student to take on the remainder of your contract.
What if you are an international student?
The university may be required to notify UK Visas and Immigration that you have suspended your studies. This may affect your visa status and might mean making arrangements to return home during your period of abeyance. Please check with the Student Centre immigration team immigration@brunel.ac.uk to find out how this will affect you.
You’ll also find help at the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
What do you do if you are on placement?
If you are on a work placement as part of your course, you should notify the Professional Development Centre placements@brunel.ac.uk. They will be able to explain how your placement will be affected and if you might be able to find a future placement.
Will your student benefits be affected?
While you are in abeyance and no longer physically attending Brunel, you may not be eligible for student benefits including council tax exemption and discounted railcards.

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