Article - Change of Status (Transferring, Suspending, Withdrawing) - what I need to know

This article provides details about what you need to know if you are thinking of transferring, suspending or withdrawing from your course.

Please see the relevant sections below for what you would like to do i.e. transfer, suspend or withdraw:

 

Transfer

What does Transfer mean?

Transfer is where a student of the University of Portsmouth changes to another course within the University of Portsmouth. If you have achieved credit, all or part of this credit may be transferred to the new course if agreed with the department. Transfer is NOT a student right and must be agreed by the University.

 

How do I transfer?

First, contact your current Course Leader, and also the Course Leader of the course you want to change to. Make sure that both course leaders agree that the transfer is the right move academically and that you can transfer to the new course at that time. Once you have spoken with your Personal Tutor or Course Leader, you can make your request via your Student View.

 

What the implications for my Student Visa?

• Your visa conditions may not allow you to make the change you request;
• To find out whether your change of course is allowed for your Student Visa, email registration@port.ac.uk;
• You must seek guidance on your visa conditions from the International Student Advice team at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk, or visit them at University     House;
• Depending on your change of course request, if it is approved, you may be required to leave the UK to make a new visa application before you can start the              course and you may need to suspend your studies to do this;
• If your request is approved for your visa and by the departments, we will report the change to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).

 

What fee implications are there if I transfer?

If you transfer to a course with a different tuition fee, you will be billed accordingly:
• For the previous course up to the liability point that applies to the time of the change;
• Plus the tuition fee for the new course from the liability point that applies to the time of the change.

You will find full information on liability periods in our Tuition Fee Policy.

If you receive a tuition fees or maintenance loan from the Student Loans Company, you will need to tell them if your request is approved. The University will inform the Student Loans Company once your student record has been updated.

 

Additional information I should know?

If you have been excluded from the University of Portsmouth, or have left, you will need to reapply through Admissions.

If the department you are joining wants to credit modules you have already achieved, the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process will be initiated.

 

Suspension

What does Suspension mean?

Suspension is a temporary break in study. It is sometimes referred to as interrupting. When you suspend your studies, you will agree a date of return with your Head of Department - this date will usually be the start of a relevant study period such as an academic year or teaching block. Suspension is NOT a student's right and must be agreed by the University. You may not undertake second attempt assessment or deferred first attempt assessment while suspended.

 

How do I suspend my studies?

You must notify the University of your intention to suspend your studies at least two weeks before the date you want to suspend your studies. Your return date will usually be the start of an academic year or teaching block. Your request to suspend will need to be approved by the University.

Once you have spoken with your Personal Tutor or Course Leader, you can make your request via your Student View.

Your course team will consider your request and if there are any issues with your suspension being approved, they will contact you.

What are the implications for my Student Visa?

If you are studying on a Student Visa you should consider the following points:
• If your suspension is approved, you will need to leave the UK whilst you are on your study break;
• We will report to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) that you are on a study break which will cancel your visa;
• Before you return to study, you will need to request a new CAS and make a new visa application outside the UK to return from your study break.

You must contact the International Student Advice Team for further information about how suspending your studies will affect your visa. You can email them at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk or visit them in person at University House.

 

What fee implications are there if I suspend?

You'll be charged a tuition fee instalment after two weeks of the course start date. This includes induction week. If you're a new student, you're not able to suspend your studies in the first two weeks of the course start date. A break in studies at this point will be treated as a withdrawal or deferral of study to the next academic year.

Tuition fees are based on the date of suspension and liability periods, as explained in our Tuition Fee Policy. When you return to your studies, you will be charged a fee based upon the number of outstanding modules you need to take.

Tuition fees are not normally refunded to students on suspension. They are usually carried forward for when you return. If you require a refund of these fees for any reason, contact feeenquiries@port.ac.uk.

If you receive a tuition fee or maintenance loan from the Student Loans Company, you will need to tell them you are suspending your studies. The University will inform the Student Loans Company once your student record has been updated.

For more information on what happens to your student loan when suspending studies please read our Suspension of studies - student loan information article and speak with the Student Finance Team at University House
 

What happens when I return from a suspension?

There is no need to reapply to the University following an approved period of suspension.

A date for returning to your studies will have been confirmed by the University and will usually be the start of an academic year or teaching block. A suspension period will normally be for a period of one year.

Your student record will be reactivated and you will need to complete Registration on your return (online registration, tuition fee payment and ID check (for international students)).

If you are studying on a Student Visa, you will need to request a new CAS and make a new student visa application to return. For further guidance please contact international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk.

 

Additional information I should know?

You may not undertake second attempt assessment or deferred first attempt assessment while suspended. While suspended you will not have access to any University resources such as the Library or your computer account. Students will however have access to their University email account, and should regularly check for updates from the University.

 

Withdrawal

What does Withdrawal mean?

Withdrawal is the complete closure of your student record at the University, ending your studies with us. You can withdraw from your studies at any time during the academic year. If you want to return in the future you must reapply to the University and there is no guarantee of re-admittance.

 

How do I withdraw?

If you are considering leaving the University, contact your Personal Tutor, Course Leader or another member of staff to discuss your options. If you are on a Student Visa you should seek advice from the International Student Advice team by contacting international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk.

Once you’ve spoken to a member of staff, if you decide to proceed with your withdrawal, please use the form on your Student View.

 

What happens to my Student Visa?

• If you withdraw from your studies, you will need to leave the UK;
• We will report to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) that you are no longer studying at the University and they will cancel your visa.

You should contact the International Student Advice Team for further information about how withdrawing from your studies will affect your visa. You can email them at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk or visit them in person at University House.
 

What happens to my Student Visa?

• If you withdraw from your studies, you will need to leave the UK;
• We will report to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) that you are no longer studying at the University and they will cancel your visa.

You should contact the International Student Advice Team for further information about how withdrawing from your studies will affect your visa. You can email them at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk or visit them in person at University House.

 

What fee implications are there if I withdraw?

Your tuition fee liability will be based on the date of withdrawal and liability periods. The withdrawal date is the 'date of last attendance' and this will be the date the withdrawal form is submitted by you. The liability periods are explained in our Tuition Fee Policy.

If you are receiving tuition fee or maintenance loans from the Student Loans Company, you should inform Student Finance that you have withdrawn from your studies. We will also inform them. If you are leaving the University of Portsmouth to go to another University to continue your studies please select the reason 'Moving to another Institution' when completing the Withdrawal Request Form and we will inform them of this.

 

Additional information I should know?

Withdrawal is sometimes the first option students will consider when facing difficulties with their course. There are other options in how the University may be able to help you overcome such difficulties without the need for you to leave. You could also explore the possibility of temporarily suspending your studies or changing your course.

If you are considering leaving the University, changing courses, or suspending your studies please use the following University services that can provide you with support and advice.

ASDAC- Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre

The Chaplaincy – confidential support for students or all or no faith

MyPort Information hub – Academic/Course advice and guidance

International Student Advisers (ISA) - support international students

Careers and Employability Service- the University of Portsmouth's employability service

Student Finance Centre - financial guidance for a change of status