Withdrawing from your Course

What does “withdrawal” mean?

Withdrawal is when you choose to formally leave your course before completing it. It’s different from:

• Intermission– where you take an agreed break from your course but plan to return.
• Discontinuation – when a students course ends due to academic failure.
• Transfer – where you move to another ARU course or to a different university.

If you withdraw, you are no longer an ARU student from the official date of withdrawal.

When might I need to withdraw?

Students consider withdrawing for different reasons, such as:

• Personal or family circumstances.
• Health or wellbeing issues.
• Financial pressures.
• Deciding the course or university isn’t the right fit.
• Moving to a different type of study or institution.

What should I do before deciding?

• Speak to University Advice Service, your Course Leader or Union Advice. There may be other options you can explore such as intermitting.
• Think about funding – withdrawal may affect your tuition fee liability, maintenance loan, bursaries, accommodation contract and funding for future courses. Details available at Financial implications of changes to study.
• Speak to the university money advice team for any financial queries.
• Check deadlines – the date you withdraw matters for your fees and transcript.

How do I withdraw?

• Meet with your Course Leader or University Student Adviser to discuss your decision – this will be normally required before the form is approved.
• Complete the withdrawal form.

Timeframe

1. Students can withdraw at any point of the academic year
2. Tuition fee liability is usually calculated based on the date of withdrawal (e.g. up to week 3, weeks 4 – 12 Tri 1, weeks 1 – 12 tri 2. Fees are charged proportionally).
3. If you later decide to return, you would need to apply again through admissions.

What happens after I withdraw?

• You will receive confirmation of your withdrawal.
• If you’ve completed enough credits, you may be awarded a lower qualification (e.g. Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education).
• Student Finance and funding bodies are informed of your withdrawal.
• Access to ARU facilities (email, library, campus) will be removed.

Where can I get help?

• UNION Advice – independent advice on your options.
• Student Services – wellbeing, counselling, and disability support if health is part of your decision.
• ARU Money Advice Service – guidance on loans, bursaries, and financial impact.

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