Leave of absence entitles you to take time off from your studies for a limited period and is usually granted for one year at a time. Leave of absence applications must be documented. As a general rule, you must have completed at least one semester before you can apply for leave of absence. This does not apply in the case of childbirth/adoption.

As a general rule, you can be granted leave of absence for the following reasons:

• • Childbirth/adoption
  • Caring for a child
  • Military service under section 17 of the Armed Forces Act
  • Positions in student political organisations
  • Illness
  • Other specific reasons

The study period is extended by the same duration as the leave period, but this is not considered extra study time.

Fees

• • No tuition or semester fees are payable for the leave period.
  • If you choose to sit examinations during the leave period, you must pay the semester fee. You must also pay an examination fee of NOK 1000 per exam in the semester in which you take the exam if this is not your first attempt.
  • If you want to try to improve your grade, you must pay the semester fee and exam fee for grade improvement. Refer to the overview of fees for grade improvement: Improving grades
  • If you want to follow the curriculum, carry out mandatory activities and/or receive supervision, you must also pay the tuition fee for the relevant semester.

If you do not have documented grounds to apply for leave of absence, you can apply for an extended study period. Taking an extended study period means that your studies are behind schedule and will take longer to complete. Before you apply, contact the Division for Academic and Student Affairs via the Service Portal.

Study progression requirements

To retain the right to continue your studies, you must normally follow the study progression that is set for your study programme. As a general rule, you can retain the right to study for up to 50% longer than the nominal study period or the organized study progression. However, you can also apply to VID if you need to change the study progression or extend the study period.

Common reasons for changing the study progression or extending the study period:

• • Interruption in the course of study due to failing an exam, and being unable to continue with the study programme until the exam has been passed
  • Employment situation (e.g. new job, increased workload, new workplace)
  • Relocation
  • Other specific reasons

Fees

• • Tuition and semester fees are payable when you follow the nominal length of study.
  • Only the semester fee is payable for extended study periods.
  • If you are going to repeat a failed exam or work placement during an extended study period, you must pay the exam fee per exam/placement period in the semesters where you only pay the semester fee.
  • If you have valid grounds for absence from an exam or work placement, you only pay the semester fee during the extended period of study.
  • If you want to try to improve your grade, you must pay the exam fee for grade improvement. Refer to the overview of fees for grade improvement: Improving grades.
  • If you want to follow the curriculum, carry out mandatory activities and/or receive supervision, you must also pay the tuition fee for the relevant semester.

Note that during leave of absence or extended study periods, changes may be made to programmes and courses that may result in your study programme no longer being the same as when you were originally admitted. You must check that the leave of absence and extended study period do not prevent you from taking mandatory courses and thus prevent you from completing the programme. You can contact your faculty if there are any changes to your study programme.

The application form must be printed, signed and submitted along with any attachments to:

VID Specialized University
PO Box 184 Vinderen
NO-0319 Oslo

NORWAY

• Act relating to Universities and University Colleges (LOV-2024-03-08-9)
• Regulations relating to degrees, admissions, studies and examinations at VID Specialized University (FOR-2024-06-04-1483)