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Leave of Absence from Studies.

Sometimes things don't always go as planned and you may find yourself having to take a short (or longer) leave of absence from your studies. If you find yourself in this position, you do not have to dis-enroll from the university; you can apply to take a leave of absence.

In accordance with § 67 of the 2002 Austrian Universities Act, students may apply for a leave of absence from studies for specific reasons. Students must provide the reasons for wishing to take a leave of absence directly on the form.

 

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Johannes Kepler University
Altenberger Straße 69
4040 Linz

Location

Bank Building, ground floor, opens a file

E-Mail

beurlaubung(at)jku.at

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You may submit an application to take a leave providing one of the following reasons applies (§ 67 (1) Austrian Universities Act):

  • mandatory military service, training service, or alternative military service, or
  • longer periods of illness (verifiable) that impede academic progress, or
  • pregnancy, or
  • childcare responsibilities, or caring for an immediate family member, or
  • taking an optional, voluntary year of social service, or
  • temporary hindrance from studies on account of a disability.

Additional reasons to take an academic leave of absence (§ 41 (1) Statutes on Study Regulations for the JKU) include:

  • a temporary absence from the location of studies on account of gainful employment or an internship that is causally related to the degree program but in which no ECTS credits can be earned, thereby interfering with successful continuation of the degree program, and
  • an [other] unusual and unforeseen life circumstance or occurrence resulting in temporarily being unable to continue the degree program as it is considered infeasible or unreasonable to do so.

The form, plus all required documentation*, must be submitted to MyAdmission, opens an external URL in a new window. To log in, please use your JKU Account information.

You submit an application for a leave of absence for a maximum of two consecutive semesters.



** in the event of illness/pregnancy the following documents are required along with your application in MyAdmission, opens an external URL in a new window::

In the event of childcare or other care responsibilities, an affidavit, opens a file is required with your application in MyAdmission.

The deadline to submit a new application to take a leave of absence begins for the 2024 Winter Semester begins on July 8 and ends on October 1, 2024.

In order to take an academic leave of absence in lieu of an unforeseen and/or unavoidable occurrence (in accordance with § 1 subparas 2 to 4 and 6 of the Austrian Universities Act), you may apply during the semester.
Reasons include:

  • longer periods of illness
  • pregnancy
  • childcare responsibilities, or caring for an immediate family member
  • temporary impairment associated with a disability

Approval for a leave of absence is valid to the end of the grace period (WS: February 28, SS: September 30),

Approval and authorization for a student's leave of absence will be noted on the student’s record sheet.

During the student’s leave of absence, the student’s admission to studies will be sustained however, students are not permitted to take any university courses, examinations, or transfer examination credit, or submit and/or receive a grade for academic papers (Statute § 41 Johannes Kepler University Linz)

Any academic accomplishments earned up to the time of academic leave (in particular successfully completed courses and examinations) shall remain valid.

Students must pay the Austrian Student Union fee after the leave of absence has been officially approved, by no later than March 31 (SS) or October 31 (WS).

If you are required to pay full tuition and you apply for a leave of absence after November 30 (WS) or April 30, (SS) tuition fees will not be reimbursed. 

Your Studies and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or have childcare responsibilities, you can apply for a leave of absence from your studies.

If you wish to continue your studies, please be aware that in exercising its general responsibility to exercise due diligence, the JKU must adhere to the maternity protection principles as outlined in the 1979 Maternity Protection Act (MSchG). Please notify your course instructor.

In principle, students who are pregnant may not work in the laboratory. There may also be potential hazards in other areas of instruction (such as internships and excursions).

In this regard, students who are pregnant should consult a physician to ascertain any potential medical issues and, if necessary, refrain from (further) course participation or other activities related to the course. If you are pregnant, please discuss the following steps with your course instructor; your coursework may already be sufficient to receive a positive grade, or you may be able to substitute coursework.

We are committed to helping students balance their studies with pregnancy or childcare responsibilities as best we can. Please also see: "Studying as a Parent" to learn more.

Please note, however, that any delays in your academic progress - particularly resulting the aforementioned rules and regulations - cannot be held against the JKU.

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Johannes Kepler University Linz

Altenberger Straße 69

4040 Linz, Austria

Telephone +43 732 2468 0
Fax +43 732 2468 4929
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