Advising and Support

Students wishing to transfer program should speak with their Graduate Program Staff, their supervisors (if applicable) and the Graduate Program Director.

G.D.4 Graduate Program Transfers

Students who are unable to remain academically active or productive for a period of time should apply for a Leave of Absence (LOA). Leaves may be granted for circumstances such as bereavement, caregiving or parental responsibilities, medical or wellbeing needs, military service, or political service.

Leaves are generally approved for a minimum of one term and up to one year.

Faculty of Graduate Studies Leave of Absence

The Faculty of Science is committed to supporting graduate students in completing their degrees successfully while also balancing personal, financial, health, and caregiving responsibilities.

Should a student no longer be able to attend full-time, the student may request to move to part-time status. Part-time status is designed to provide flexibility in circumstances where full-time study is not possible or not in the student's best interest.

Learn more:

• Academic Calendar: Regulation: G.D.3.1 Thesis-Based Programs
• Academic Calendar: Regulation: Part-time Study in Faculty of Science Thesis-Based Programs
• Guidelines: Faculty of Science Guidelines on Part-Time for Thesis-based Students  

Before you apply:

• Review Academic Calendar Regulations
• Review Faculty of Science Guidelines on Part-Time for Thesis-based Students
• If you are an International Student, you must confirm your eligibility with UCalgary International Student Services
• Important information to remember:
  • Graduate Assistantships (Teaching Assistantships, or GATs) are not normally available to part-time students.
  • Funding commitments from the Faculty and program are typically structured for full-time students. Moving to part-time status may have implications for funding and assistantships, which can vary by program and individual circumstances. Students are encouraged to review these implications and connect with their Graduate Program Administrator for guidance. While part-time status is more commonly used by students beyond their guaranteed funding period (e.g., MSc students beyond year 2, PhD students beyond year 4) or in the final stages of their program, requests are considered based on individual circumstances.
  • Tuition remains at the full-time rate.
  • Student service fees are reduced (with no UPass or automatic health/dental insurance).Part-time students may opt into health and dental coverage at their own cost. gsa.ucalgary.ca/health-dental-services-2
  • Students who enter part-time status may request a return to full-time status later; however, approval is not guaranteed and depends on program capacity and funding availability.
  • If you are planning a leave of absence, and intend to return part-time, this form should be completed before the leave begins or at least two months prior to your return.

To Apply:

Step 1: Set a meeting with your supervisor to discuss this request.

We encourage open and supportive discussion when discussing this request. The goal is to ensure that part-time status serves the best interests of the student and that they continue to have equitable access to opportunities and resources. If you are unsure how to approach this conversation or would like additional support, please connect with your Graduate Program Administrator.

Step 2: Submitting your request and supporting documentation

• Change of Registration Status Part-Time Status Change Request 

Annual Review:

• You will remain in part-time status, unless otherwise agreed upon.
• You are expected to check in with your supervisor at least once per year to review your progress and confirm that part-time status continues to support your academic goals.
• At the time of registration initialization, the Science Student Centre team will work with Faculty of Graduate Studies to ensure your status remains part-time.

Remember! Communication is critical!

If there is a change to your needs/student status, please contact your Graduate Program Administrator for support sci.grad@ucalgary.ca

Students may voluntarily withdraw from their program, or they may be required to withdraw by their program. In both cases, students must read and be familiar with all relevant policies found in the Academic Calendar. For more information visit Withdrawals.