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.
If you are not well enough to resume study you should apply for a further period of intermission and submit this 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: student-registry-help.admin.cam.ac.uk
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 and the application form.
If you have any questions about returning from medical intermission, please submit a query here: student-registry-help.admin.cam.ac.uk.
If you are not well enough to return from study and do not anticipate being well enough for some time, it may be better for you to apply to withdraw.
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.) 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.
Medical evidence that you are fit to resume study
The University provides of guidance to medical practitioners of 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.
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.
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 students returning from medical intermission. 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
- 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).
- Complete the Return to Study Form (see above under 'How to Apply' and indicate your intention to undertake a Phased Return.
- Submit medical evidence to support your application.
- Your College will forward the form to Student Registry for review by medical advisors.
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 Hardship 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: