Leaves of Absence and Reinstatement

A person carrying a RISD tote bag is walking through downtown Providence.

If you need to take a leave of absence from RISD, request reinstatement, or withdraw permanently, see below to learn the process.

Leaves of absence and withdrawals

You may take a leave of absence from your studies at RISD for personal, medical and financial reasons, or for military service. A leave of absence is temporary; you are expected to return after a set period of time.

You may apply for a leave of absence for a period of up to one year, or up to two years for military service. If you do not return after your leave, you will be officially withdrawn. You can also request a withdrawal through the form below to leave RISD permanently. For more information about leaves, refer to the leave of absence policy. 

To begin your leave, submit the request form. If you are an international student, you must also complete a leave of absence request in Terra Dotta in addition to the form below.

Request a leave of absence

Request a leave EXTENSION

Withdraw from RISD

Apply for reinstatement

When you are ready to return from a leave of absence, submit a reinstatement application by the following deadlines:

  • Fall semester return: February 15 for graduate students, April 1 for undergraduate students
  • Wintersession/spring semester return: October 1

We encourage you to speak with your department head before applying for reinstatement. Made on a case-by-case basis, reinstatement decisions depend upon space availability in your program and require clearance from institutional approving parties.

See below for more considerations. 

Apply for reinstatement

Get to know RISD

A person with long brown hair wearing a jacket printed with many faces is carrying a RISD tote down a street.
Tuition refunds for leaves of absence

How much tuition you owe varies depending on when you start your leave of absence. Learn what to do if you are entitled to a refund or have an outstanding balance on your account.

Street view of Carr House, where Disability Support Services are located at RISD.
Disability Support Services (DSS)

DSS partners with students, faculty and staff to ensure that all aspects of the RISD community are accessible, equitable and inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

A group of people are walking outside of the RISD auditorium in downtown Providence, RI.
Financial Aid

Our Financial Aid team is here to help you understand the aid process and explore options for financing your RISD education.