Question:

Can I take a leave for a semester?

Yes,

All SFU graduate students are required to register for all three terms; if you do not, you are considered as withdrawn from the program.  If you have extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from registering in courses for a term you can apply for On Leave status.

On Leave is a registration just like any other and as such it falls into the normal registration deadlines.  On Leave status is only valid for one term at a time so if you are currently On Leave and wish to extend your On Leave status to the next semester you will need to complete a new On Leave application form before the deadline.  As well as the On Leave application form you must also provide electronic proof that your account is in a positive $100.00 balance in order for the Dean's office to approve your request.

Please visit the Dean of Graduate Studies Leaves & Withdrawals page which provides a guide to students who wish to interrupt their graduate studies, and to students who wish to withdraw from a course part way through a term. It also provides a guide on how we will deal with requests for retroactive change of status.