Academic leave – 2026: how to take, apply and recover
Expulsion is not the only way out for a student who is faced with serious changes in life circumstances. Russian legislation provides an opportunity to take a temporary break from studying, officially retaining a place at a university or college. This tool, known as academic leave, allows you to solve health problems, financial difficulties or other issues without sacrificing education. For more information on how to take an academic leave in 2026, see the Izvestia article.
Academic leave: what it is and the main reasons
Academic leave is a state—guaranteed break in studies that is provided to a student for medical reasons, family reasons, or other valid reasons. The right to it is enshrined in the Federal Law "On Education in the Russian Federation" No. 273-FZ. During the vacation, the student retains his place in the educational organization, and upon graduation he can recover to continue his studies.
Leave may be granted an unlimited number of times, but its total duration should not exceed two consecutive years. The grounds for obtaining academic leave are strictly regulated. The main ones include medical indications, conscription, natural disasters in the student's family's place of residence, as well as exceptional cases such as the need to care for a critically ill close relative.
How to take an academic leave: step-by-step instructions for applying to a university and college
The procedure for applying for academic leave begins with the preparation of a personal statement by the student addressed to the rector of the university or the director of the college. The application must clearly indicate the reason and the desired length of the vacation. A package of documents must be attached to it, which serves as confirmation of the specified circumstances. You can apply through the dean's office or the academic department.
The set of documents varies depending on the reason for the vacation. For medical indications, the conclusion of the clinical expert commission of the medical organization is required. A disability certificate is required for maternity leave. In case of conscription, a summons from the military enlistment office is attached. Each educational institution has the right to request additional information in the form prescribed by it.
Consideration of the application usually takes up to ten working days from the date of submission of the full package of documents. The decision is made in the form of an order for the educational institution, which the student must be familiar with under the signature. From this day on, academic leave is considered officially valid. It is important for the student to keep a copy of the order, as this document will be required during recovery.
Academic leave documents: a complete list of references and applications
An exhaustive package of documents confirming the reason must be attached to the application for academic leave. The main list includes:
student's statement addressed to the head of the educational institution;
identification document (passport);
The document is the basis: the conclusion of the medical commission (for medical reasons), the summons from the military enlistment office, the birth certificate of the child (for parental leave), etc.
The educational institution has the right to request additional information in the prescribed form. It is recommended to check the exact list in advance with the dean's office or the academic department, as the requirements may vary slightly from university to college. Providing a complete and properly executed package of documents is a key condition for a positive decision.
How long academic leave lasts: maximum duration and extension
The standard duration of one academic leave is up to two years. However, in practice, it is most often provided for one academic year or for a shorter period, depending on the circumstances. The specific duration is determined based on the submitted documents. For example, maternity leave has a clearly defined framework, and child care has up to three years.
If the circumstances that caused the vacation have not changed, the student has the right to apply for an extension. The extension procedure is similar to the initial registration: you need to write an application and attach updated documents confirming the need to continue the break in studies. The total period of leave may not exceed two consecutive years, except in cases expressly provided for by law (for example, parental leave).
Coming out of academic leave: how to recover and eliminate debt
Withdrawal from academic leave is carried out on the basis of a student's application for early termination of leave or automatically upon expiration of its term. If a student plans to recover before the deadline, he must submit an application to the academic department. If the vacation ends, the student simply starts classes in accordance with the curriculum of his group.
After leaving the vacation, the student continues his studies according to the same educational program. He is provided with an individual curriculum that allows him to eliminate the academic difference caused by skipping classes. The schedule of debt repayment is coordinated with the dean's office. This process is standard practice and helps the student to reintegrate into the learning process without unnecessary stress.
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