Withdrawal & Leave of Absence

Withdrawal & Leave of Absence

All GSDM students in good standing and in compliance with the University’s requirements for registration are automatically administratively registered due to the continuous nature of GSDM’s academic programs. Students who do not plan to continue their studies must formally request either a leave of absence or a withdrawal using the online Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form below.

Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form

A withdrawal indicates that a student intends to permanently leave the University.

A leave of absence indicates that a student intends to step away temporarily with the intention of returning in a future term. Leaves of absence are typically approved for one or two terms. Students planning to return must notify the School in writing by the deadline set forth by Academic Affairs prior to the start of their intended return.

Process & Approvals

Upon submission of the online Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form, students must obtain the following approvals:

• Predoctoral students
  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
  • Office of the Registrar
• Postdoctoral students
  • Program Director or Department Chairperson
    • Note: You will be required to submit their email address via the online form.
  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
  • Office of the Registrar
• International students (F-1 or J-1 visa holders) must also consult with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
• Students receiving financial aid must contact the BUMC Student Financial Support and Housing Resources to review how their status change may impact aid eligibility

Once approved and processed, you will receive an email confirmation from the Registrar’s Office with the final signed copy of your form for your records, and any additional pertinent information.

Additional Information

Leaves of Absence for Medical Reasons

GSDM follows Boston University policy regarding medical leaves of absence. Withdrawal and leaves taken for medical reasons are not exceptions to University refund policies.

Student medical leave must be cleared by Student Health Services before they are eligible to re-enroll.

Medical Insurance

A leave of absence or withdrawal may impact health insurance coverage for students enrolled in the Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

Students who wish to remain enrolled in SHIP during a leave of absence should contact insmed@bu.edu to determine eligibility.

Financial Matters

A withdrawal or leave of absence may result in a tuition refund, depending on the effective date of the status change. If a refund is issued, students may request a refund payment through MyBU Student.

If you received loans, part or all of your loans may be returned to your lender based on your last date of attendance. Contact OSFS-SDM@bu.edu to schedule an appointment.

Refund Table

* GSDM 2026-27 Start Dates:

Additional Financial & Academic Policies

There is no provision for tuition refunds in cases of involuntary separation, including disciplinary suspension or expulsion from the University. Any exception to this policy is made solely at the University’s discretion, and refunds, if granted, may be authorized only by senior University leadership (President, Provost, Executive Vice President, or Vice President for Enrollment).

Please Note: Mere absence from classes does not reduce a student’s financial obligation or prevent a final grade from being recorded.

Tuition and fee adjustments are based only on the official submission of the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form to the GSDM Office of the Registrar. Any applicable account changes will be calculated according to the effective date of the approved leave or withdrawal.