Leave of absence

A leave of absence is only possible due to several well-defined reasons. It cannot be granted for an individual degree programme but affects all of your studies at the University of Vienna. 

First, read which consequences a leave of absence has, then decide if you want to submit your application. 

What do you have to keep in mind?

• During your leave of absence, you have to pay the Students' Union fee on time each semester. Whether or not you have to pay the tuition fee depends on the time of submitting your application for leave of absence. 
• If your application for leave of absence has been denied, you have to pay the prescribed tuition fee including the Students’ Union fee. The same applies if you withdraw an application for leave of absence that has already been granted.
• If want to take an additional leave of absence at another university, you need to apply separately at that university.
• A leave of absence due to child care is possible until the child reaches the age of majority. Both parents can be on leave of absence at the same time.
• After the leave of absence ends, you may take exams (even those of the semester you were on leave).
• Your enrolment remains intact and you may still use the u:account services and the university library. 
• You only receive a student record sheet (“Studienblatt”), but no confirmation of enrolment (“Studienbestätigung”). The u:card cannot be validated or used as a student ID while you are on a leave of absence.
• Having been granted a leave of absence does not mean that your residence permit is going to be granted or renewed. The MA 35 has its own procedure. Please contact the MA 35 for any questions regarding your residence permit before you apply for a leave of absence.
• It is possible to take a leave of absence while you participate in the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities (VWU). Make sure to contact the MA35 for any question regarding possible effects on your visa/residence permit! 
• You might not get a semester ticket at the Vienna Transport Authority (Wiener Linien). 
• You might not be entitled to family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) or federal study grant (Studienbeihilfe). 
• Your co-insurance with relatives or student self-insurance may be cancelled (ask your insurance company).
• A leave of absence does not prevent the automatic change to a new curriculum. 
• If you are admitted to a doctoral/PhD-programme and want to take a leave of absence, please contact the Center for Doctoral Studies.
• If you are admitted to a postgraduate programme and want to take a leave of absence, please contact the Service Center of the Postgraduate Center.

What is not allowed?

If your leave of absence was granted, you are not allowed to do the following during a specific period:

• attend lectures/classes
• hand in academic papers 
• take examinations

In winter semester: from 1 November to 28/29 February
In summer semester: from 1 April to 30 September

Application for leave of absence in October/March

If you were admitted at the University of Vienna in the preceding semester and apply for leave of absence from 1 to 31 October (for the winter semester) or from 1 to 31 March (for the summer semester) you may: 

• attend lectures/classes
• hand in academic papers 
• take examinations (study achievements – especially classes/exams remain valid if completed before the submission of the application for leave of absence remain valid)

After the following deadline the aforementioned things are no longer possible: 

• leave of absence in winter semester: from 1 November to 28/29 February
• leave of absence in summer semester: from 1 April to 30 September 

Application for leave of absence from November/April

If you apply for leave of absence during the semester after 31 October (for the winter semester) or 31 March (for the summer semester), you are not allowed to do the following after submitting your application: 

• attend lectures/classes
• hand in academic papers
• take examinations (study achievements – especially classes/exams remain valid if completed before the submission of the application for leave of absence remain valid)

These rules apply for the following periods: 

• in winter semester: from the time of application until 28/29 February
• in summer semester: from the time of application until 30 September

 Further information

• Information regarding the payment and amount of the tuition fee/Students' Union fee

 Legal basis

• § 21 Study Law of the Statutes of the University of Vienna
• § 67 Universities Act 2002