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Withdrawing from your studies is a big decision and it is important that you carefully consider the impact of it before submitting your withdrawal request. Once you have withdrawn, it will not be possible to re-register on the same programme at UCL except in exceptional circumstances.
Use the checklist provided on our before you withdraw webpage to help you think through key factors.
This page covers:
- How to submit your Programme Withdrawal request
- What happens next?
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How to submit your Programme Withdrawal request
Before you submit a Programme Withdrawal request, you should complete the actions listed on the before you withdraw webpage.
If you still want to withdraw, you will need submit a Programme Withdrawal request as follows:
Log in to Portico and complete a Programme Withdrawal request (navigate to the MyStudies tab and click Withdraw from your programme in the Change of Circumstances section to launch the request form). Step by step guidance is provided in our Student guidance for Programme Withdrawal requests on Portico.
Once submitted you can check the status of your request at any time on your Programme Withdrawal homepage (accessible via the MyStudies area on Portico). Your request will show in the “In Progress Request” section of this page.
You will receive an email confirmation when your request has been submitted and when your application has been processed.
If you decide to cancel your request, you should contact your Department who can do this on your behalf.
What happens next?
Your Department will review your request and then it will be processed by the Student Lifecycle Services team. Any outstanding marks will be entered on to your record and the Fees, Funding and Student Immigration Compliance teams will be notified if applicable.
Once your withdrawal is approved, your UCL record will be closed, and you will no longer be registered as a student at UCL.
You may be eligible for an interim qualification if you meet certain criteria and if interim qualifications are available on your programme of study. Contact your department for more information.
The Board of Examiners will confirm your module results if applicable. You will receive a transcript for the credits which you have completed at UCL.
Student visa holders: If you hold a Student visa, UCL is required to inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if you withdraw from your programme. Once your withdrawal has been processed, you will receive an email to confirm that sponsorship has been withdrawn and it is advised that you should leave the UK within 60 days of UCL’s report to UKVI. Further information can also be found on the UCL Immigration & Visa website or you can log an enquiry for the Student Immigration and Compliance Team via askUCL.
If you have a query about withdrawing, you can contact the UCL Student Records team by logging an enquiry through Log an enquiry via askUCL
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- What is a Programme Withdrawal?
A Programme Withdrawal is your decision to stop studying at UCL with no intention of returning to continue your programme of study in the future. This decision can have a number of implications including for your finances and visa status - use the checklist provided on our before you withdraw webpage to help you think through key factors.
If you are considering withdrawing from your programme, it is important to talk to a member of staff from your department and / or the Student Support and Wellbeing Services. They will help you to explore your options and make sure that withdrawing is the right choice for you.
- How do I withdraw from my programme?
Withdrawing from your studies is a big decision and it is important that you carefully consider the impact of it before submitting your withdrawal request. Once you have withdrawn, it will not be possible to re-register on the same programme at UCL except in exceptional circumstances.
Before making a final decision, visit our before you withdraw webpage for a checklist of actions to take and factors to consider.
If you still want to withdraw, you should follow the process outlined below:
Log in to Portico and complete a Programme Withdrawal request as outlined in our Student guidance for Programme Withdrawal requests on Portico.
- What happens once I have submitted my Programme Withdrawal request?
Your Department will review your request and then it will be processed by the Student Lifecycle Services team. Any outstanding marks will be entered on to your record and the Fees, Funding and Student Immigration Compliance teams will be notified if applicable.
Once your withdrawal is approved, your UCL record will be closed, and you will no longer be registered as a student at UCL.
You may be eligible for an interim qualification if you meet certain criteria and if interim qualifications are available on your programme of study. Contact your department for more information.
The Board of Examiners will confirm your module results. You will receive a transcript for the credits which you have completed at UCL.
If you hold a Student visa, UCL is required to inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if you withdraw from your programme. Once your withdrawal has been processed, you will receive an email to confirm that sponsorship has been withdrawn and it is advised that you should leave the UK within 60 days of UCL’s report to UKVI.
- Can I withdraw from my programme of study at any time?
Yes, you can submit a withdrawal request at any time in the academic year.
Withdrawing from your studies is a big decision and it is important that you carefully consider the impact of it before submitting your withdrawal request. Once you have withdrawn, it will not be possible to re-register on the same programme at UCL except in exceptional circumstances.
Before making a final decision, visit our before you withdraw webpage for a checklist of actions to take and factors to consider. This includes discussing your withdrawal with a member of staff from your department and / or the Student Support and Wellbeing Services. They will help you to explore your options and make sure that withdrawing is the right choice for you.
- Can my last date of attendance be modified after I’ve submitted my application?
Your last date of attendance is the latest dates that you engaged with your Programme (e.g. attended a lecture or submitted an assignment).
Your last date of attendance will be reviewed by your Department when reviewing your application. This date may be amended to ensure that it reflects that latest date that you you engaged with your Programme (e.g. attended a lecture or submitted an assignment).
Once your request has been processed, this date cannot be altered.
- Will I receive any qualification if I withdraw from my programme?
Once your withdrawal is approved, your UCL record will be closed, and you will no longer be registered as a student at UCL.
You may be eligible for an interim qualification if you meet certain criteria and if interim qualifications are available on your programme of study. Contact your Department for more information.
The Board of Examiners will confirm your module results where applicable. You will receive a transcript for the credits which you have completed at UCL.
- Can I cancel my Programme Withdrawal request if I change my mind?
If you decide to cancel your request whilst it is still in progress, you should contact your Department who can do this on your behalf.
Once your withdrawal request has been processed, it will not be possible to re-register on the same programme at UCL except in exceptional circumstances.
- How do I check the status of my request (for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Programme Withdrawal requests submitted in Portico)?
You can check the status of your request at any time on your Programme Withdrawal Homepage. Go to Portico, click on MyStudies tab and then click Programme Withdrawals in the Change of Circumstances section.
- How long does it take for my Programme Withdrawal request to be processed?
We aim to process Programme Withdrawal requests within 10 working days and you will be notified by email once this is complete. Please contact your Department if you have not received an update after this period.
- Who should I discuss my withdrawal request with?
Before making a final decision, we recommend reaching out to UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services. They can provide support to help you continue your studies, including making reasonable adjustments for health issues or disabilities, and exploring options like Disabled Student Allowances. The team is here to offer a safe, confidential space to discuss any challenges you may be facing and help you explore all possible options before making a decision. Should you have a query about withdrawing, you can contact our student enquiry system and self-help centre by logging an enquiry through askUCL.
You should also discuss the withdrawal with your Personal Tutor / Postgraduate Tutor or Supervisor in your department - they will discuss your options with you and help you make the right decision. Check your Portico homepage if you are unsure who your Personal Tutor is.
Please read the regulations on Withdrawing from your programme before making an application.