Leave of Absence

Students who wish to be out of attendance from the Tisch School of the Arts for one semester or one academic year may apply for an official leave of absence. Because a leave interrupts progress toward the degree and may interrupt professional training, it is granted only for a good cause. A leave of absence maintains a student’s status as accepted and matriculated toward the degree. There two kinds of leaves: medical leave of absence, and leave of absence for personal or financial reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leaves of Absence

How do I apply for a personal or financial leave of absence?

The first step is to have a conversation with your academic advisor. Your advisor can explain the pros and cons of taking a leave. Then, you should apply for a leave of absence in Albert by selecting “leave of absence” under the academics tab, indicating that your leave is for personal or financial reasons. You will receive an email and link to a Google form. Fill out this form in order for your leave to be processed. Once your leave has been approved, you will receive a formal letter of acknowledgment.

How do I apply for a medical leave of absence?

There are several steps to requesting a medical leave of absence. 

1. You should apply for a leave of absence in Albert by selecting “leave of absence” under the academics tab and indicating that your leave is for health-related reasons. 

2. After your request is entered in Albert, you receive an email and link to a Google form. Fill out this form in order for your leave to be processed. If you are requesting a medical leave for the current semester after the first two weeks of classes, you should submit instead the Medical Withdrawal Request form.

3. For a medical leave of absence for psychological reasons, you must have an assessment by a counselor in Counseling & Wellness Services. You can make an appointment for an assessment by calling 212-998-4780 or emailing health.cwsfrontdesk@nyu.edu. For a leave of absence for physical reasons, please refer to this form for further instructions or contact the SHC at 212-443-1000.

4. Once your leave has been approved, you will receive a formal letter of acknowledgment.

How do I return from a leave of absence?

Six weeks before the registration period for your intended semester of return, you should complete and submit the Return from Leave of Absence Google form. Students returning from medical leaves for psychological reasons must also contact Counseling & Wellness Services for an evaluation or assessment and submit a CWS Certificate of Readiness to Return. Students returning from a medical leave of absence for physical reasons must contact the Student Health Center and submit an SHC Certificate of Readiness to Return.

 

How does a leave of absence affect my eligibility for NYU housing?

Students taking a personal/financial leave of absence lose their housing renewability and must apply to be housed off the housing waitlist. Students taking a medical leave of absence maintain their housing renewability.  The reason is that personal/financial leaves are considered to be voluntary, while medical leaves are taken for reasons beyond the student’s control.

How does a leave of absence affect my NYU financial aid?

A leave of absence does not affect the financial aid of undergraduates. Your normal financial aid package will be reinstated upon your return from your leave.  The situation is different for graduate students (except PhD students).  Since graduate funding is awarded on a cohort basis, graduate students going on a leave of absence are not guaranteed renewed funding upon their return; thus it is extremely important for graduate students to discuss fully the implications of taking a leave of absence with their advisor and/or department chair.

Will I have to begin paying back student loans if I take a leave of absence?

Students borrowing Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans receive a six-month grace period from repayment after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time status. Students who re-enroll for at least half-time status before their six-month grace period has ended will resume in-school deferment where a payment is not required and will be eligible for their full six-month grace period after they have graduated or drop below half-time enrollment.  The Subsidized Loan does not accrue interest during the grace period or when a student is enrolled at least half-time.  The Unsubsidized Loan will accrue interest during enrollment and in the grace period.  Please consult with the Office of Financial Aid before making a final decision about taking a leave.  

Students borrowing a Graduate Plus Loan do not receive a grace period, but will automatically receive a six-month deferment period after they graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time status where a payment is not required (though interest will continue to accrue). Parent Plus Loan borrowers may request a deferment period where interest will continue to accrue after their student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment.  Please consult with the Office of Financial Aid before making a final decision about taking a leave.

For students who have taken out private student loans: Every private lender has different repayment requirements that are disclosed at the time that you accept the loan.  Please check with your lender to review the terms for taking a leave of absence. 

Can I maintain my NYU Health Insurance during my leave of absence?

In short, yes. To avoid a lapse in your insurance, you may enroll in the NYU health insurance plan for up to one (1) year while on a school-sanctioned Leave of Absence. To apply for the NYU sponsored insurance plan, please contact the NYU Student Health Insurance Department at (212) 443-1020 or health.insurance@nyu.edu. A team member will contact you and provide next steps. Please consult this page for more information.