Returning from Medical Intermission
When your period of medical intermission is due to end you will need to prepare to return to study. If you are not fit to resume study you will either need to apply for a further period of intermission or to withdraw. If applying for a further period of intermission, you must submit your application as soon as possible. If you are uncertain about how long you will need to intermit for, you should not delay applying as the dates can subsequently be revised - you can indicate your uncertainty in your comments on the application form. Also, you should not wait until you have supporting medical evidence as this can be forwarded later.
When your application for medical intermission is approved, the confirmation email Student Registry send you will make clear whether or not you will need to provide proof of your fitness to resume study before you can continue your studies. If you are not sure whether or not you are required to provide proof of fitness to resume study please submit a query here: University of Cambridge Student Registry Office (zendesk.com)
If you are not required to provide proof of your fitness to resume study (this is quite rare): You do not need to apply for permission to return, and can resume study once your period of intermission has ended. You should contact your Supervisor and Department ahead of returning to discuss your plans and to ensure they are aware of your intentions.
If you are required to provide proof of your fitness to resume study: Please see below for guidance.
If you have any questions about returning from medical intermission, please submit a query here: University of Cambridge Student Registry Office (zendesk.com)
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. To apply for return to study, you will need to complete a return to study application form and submit with your medical evidence (see below) to your College who will forward it to Student Registry (at recordsandexams@offices.admin.cam.ac.uk.)
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.
Medical evidence that you are fit to resume study
The University provides guidance for 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 not able to provide medical evidence to show that you are fit to return to study 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.
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.
If you have a health condition or disability or are experiencing difficulties which are impacting on your well-being there are a number of sources of support available. Information about some of these can be found here:
https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/selfhelp/other
You might also find the Student Wellbeing and Equality & Diversity websites helpful.