Withdrawal from programme of study

Information on how to withdraw from your programme

Left hand column for Authorcard, pullquotes etc.

If you want to withdraw from your programme, you should complete the online application.  Please note that your department (your lead supervisor, Doctoral Programme Director and PhD manager) will be able to view your form.

 

Q1. I am a visa holder. What do I need to consider and do before applying?

Please contact the Student Advice and Engagement Team for advice on how the withdrawal will impact your visa, namely the impact of the cancellation of the sponsorship of your visa by the School.

Q2. What happens if students who are in receipt of School administered funding withdraw from their programme?

You will need to contact the Financial Support Office before you submit your application to establish how the terms and conditions attached to your funding will be impacted by you withdrawing from your programme of study

Q4. Can I draft my application in the application system? 

The School’s online application portal will not allow you to submit a draft application. Accordingly, we recommend that you save drafts of your application elsewhere before submitting. 

 

Q5. What does the online application form consist of?

The form will ask you to provide/confirm the following:

1.    Your funding status.

2.    Your visa status and whether you have contacted the Student Advice and Engagement Team for advice about this.

3.    Whether you have discussed your application with your supervisor or department contact, and if so, who you’ve discussed your application with.

4.    The date you wish to withdraw from

5.    The main reason for your request

Q6. How can I submit an application?

The withdrawal application form is an online portal that can be accessed here.

Q7.What happens after I submit my application?

  • The PhD Academy will aim to process the withdrawal application within 5 working days.
  • The Fees office will be notified of your withdrawal and will amend your fee accordingly.  Fees are charged pro-rata up to the week that you notify the PhD Academy of your withdrawal.
  • Your LSE ID card will be cancelled within two weeks of the withdrawal request being processed.
  • If you have a Student/Tier 4 visa, the Student Engagement and Advice team will be informed to cancel your visa.
  • If you are receiving funding administered by the Financial Support Office, the team will be informed of your withdrawal.

 Last updated: 22 Aug 2025

Right hand column for useful information, pullquotes, promo boxes, etc.