Returning from medical intermission

If you are required to provide proof of your fitness to resume study, you will need to complete a return to study application form and submit this with your medical evidence (see below) to your College who will forward it to Student Registry (studentregistry@offices.admin.ac.uk.) If appropriate, you should indicate on the form your intention to undertake a phased return (see section on 'phased return' below). 

When the Student Registry receives your application, your medical evidence will be sent to the Medical Advisors for confirmation that your supporting documents are sufficient to allow for your return to study. It is important to submit your application as early as possible before your period of intermission is due to end, as the approval process can take up to three weeks. 

If your intermission approval email confirmed that you are not required to provide proof of your fitness to resume study, and you do not require a phased return, you need to submit the self-certify fitness to return to study application form to Student Registry [studentregistry@offices.admin.ac.uk], copying in your College Tutor. Please note that if you need a phased return, you will be required to provide proof of fitness to study.

If you are required to provide medical evidence that you are fit to resume study, the University provides guidance to medical practitioners which may help when requesting medical evidence.

The medical evidence you submit:

• should include sufficient detail including a clear indication of when you are likely to be able to resume study
• should be from a medical practitioner who has seen you recently to assess your fitness to study
• must be in English. If the documents are not originally in English, they must be translated by a professional translating service. In some cases, it is acceptable for documents to be translated by a member of your College;
• should be on headed paper which includes full address and role title of the practitioner, recently dated and signed by the practitioner (or other appropriate professional).

The University is not able to cover the cost of medical documents submitted in support of an application for intermission or the cost of translation of documents if this is required.

Your medical evidence will be forwarded to medical advisors.

If your application to return to study is approved, the Student Registry will write to inform you and copy your College, Department, Degree Committee, and, if applicable, the the Disability Resource Centre and the International Student Office for information.

If you are required to provide medical evidence to show that you are fit to return to study and you are not able to do so by the end of your period of intermission, you may be withdrawn from study. More information about withdrawal is available on the Cambridge Students website.

When your period of medical intermission is due to end you will need to prepare to return to study. 

Once you return to study, support is available to you through your College Postgraduate Tutor and College Nurse (or equivalent).  The University’s Wellbeing Service also has various resources to support you (Postgraduate wellbeing service | Student Support).  Depending on your circumstances you might find it beneficial to take a phased return to study.

Upon your return, you should arrange to meet with your Supervisor and your College Tutor to discuss any additional support or adjustments needed following your intermission. 

You might also find the Equality & Diversity website helpful. 

If you are returning to study after a period of medical intermission, you may be eligible for a Phased Return. This arrangement allows you to gradually increase your study hours over several weeks, helping you transition back into research in a way that supports both your recovery and academic progress. Students on taught courses are not eligible for a phased return.

What Is a Phased Return?

A Phased Return is a structured, time-limited arrangement that enables you to re-engage with your studies at a reduced intensity, building up to your normal study pattern. You remain in your current mode of study (full-time or part-time), and full-time students must be actively engaged with research in person, in Cambridge.

This option is currently available only to home research students. International students are not eligible due to Student Visa requirements.

Why choose a Phased Return?

• Ease back into study gradually, with a reduced workload
• Support your recovery while staying engaged with your research
• Tailor your return to suit your personal circumstances
• Maintain your current study mode (full-time or part-time)

Recommended structure

A typical Phased Return lasts up to four weeks, with study hours increasing weekly:

• Week 1: 25% of normal study hours
• Week 2: 50%
• Week 3: 75%
• Week 4: Full return to normal study mode

This structure can be adapted in consultation with your supervisor. The maximum duration is eight weeks. If you need a longer adjustment period, further intermission or switching to part-time study may be more appropriate.

How to apply

You should submit your application to return to study (see above under 'How to Apply') and indicate on your form your intention to undertake a Phased Return.

You are advised to discuss your plans with your supervisor and College Tutor. You may also wish to consult medical professionals and the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC). However, you should not delay submitting your application as the details of the phased return can be finalised later.

​​Recording your Phased Return

Use the Phased Return Calculator to record your weekly study hours. This helps:

• Track time not engaged in study
• Support future applications for a thesis submission extension
• Provide documentation for your funder (if applicable)

You should review the calculator with your supervisor at the start and end of your Phased Return.

Requesting an extension

If needed, you can apply for an extension to your thesis submission deadline via CamSIS. Use the Phased Return Calculator as supporting evidence. You can apply:

• At the end of your Phased Return
• Or within 6 months of your submission deadline

Funding during Phased Return

Funding policies vary. You should check with your funder to confirm:

• Whether you can draw a full stipend during your Phased Return
• Whether time not engaged in study can be used to extend your studentship

If you're not receiving funding and face financial hardship, support may be available:

• Speak to your College Tutor about hardship funds
• Check eligibility for the Postgraduate Financial Assistance Fund
• Contact the Students’ Union Advice Service or visit Turn2Us for additional resources

Need support?

If you're experiencing difficulties affecting your wellbeing, you should speak to your College Postgraduate Tutor.  The following resources may help:

• University Counselling Service
• Student Wellbeing Site