Postgraduate extensions and suspensions supporting evidence

If you’re experiencing exceptional circumstances affecting your ability to complete your postgraduate studies, you may be able to apply for either an extension or a suspension of your studies.

Exceptional circumstances may include:

• Physical or mental health
• Bereavement
• Serious personal or family issue
• Unforeseen work-related issue
• Academic issue
• National or international sporting commitment

There are some reasons which are not acceptable to be able to apply for an extension of time for your programme:

• Imprisonment or legal action
• Financial issues*
• General lack of motivation
• Chosen to focus time elsewhere
• Other University-related work

*If you’re experiencing financial issues, you may be able to access the financial support offered by the University. For more information, please see Financial support.

More detail regarding the evidence requirements for the exceptional circumstances categories can be found in the tables shown below under 'Extensions' and Suspensions'.

There are a range of supporting evidence that you must provide as part of your application to the extend the time to complete your postgraduate programme. Generally, these include:

• A cover letter: your cover letter must include the full details of the reasons for your request. Part of your cover letter must explain how your supporting evidence supports your request
• A completion timeline: your completion timeline must include how you will complete your postgraduate programme within the requested extension timeframe. This is to show that you can complete your programme in time
• A statement from your supervisor. This statement must provide confirmation that supervision is available for the requested extension timeframe. It must also confirm that the work can be completed in the timeframe requested
• Evidence confirming your exceptional circumstances

We understand that providing evidence can be difficult in some circumstances. If you have any concerns about providing evidence, please email us. 

If you need additional help or advice, you can contact Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care.

This is a safe, confidential, and free service to support your health, wellbeing, and safety during your time at the University.

There are a range of supporting evidence that you must provide as part of your application to the suspend your postgraduate programme. Generally, these include:

• A cover letter: your cover letter must include the full details of the reasons for your request. Part of your cover letter must explain how your supporting evidence supports your request
• If you are enrolled in a research component, you will need to provide a statement from your supervisor confirming that your research will remain feasible despite the suspension. This includes confirmation that you will be able to recommence your work at the end of your suspension
• Evidence confirming your exceptional circumstances

We understand that providing evidence can be difficult in some circumstances. If you have any concerns about providing evidence, please by emailing us.

If you need additional help or advice, you can contact Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care.

This is a safe, confidential, and free service to support your health, wellbeing, and safety during your time at the University.