Interruption and Termination of Studies

Interruption of Studies

Doctoral studies may be interrupted for a maximum total period of two years. In most cases, studies are interrupted for entire semesters, but in exceptional situations it is possible to request a different duration.

Doctoral students have a guaranteed right to interrupt their studies only in the case of parental leave. Requests for interruption for other reasons are assessed individually and may not necessarily be approved. Such reasons may include health, study-related, family, or other personal circumstances.

Interruption due to parental leave is possible until the child reaches three years of age, which must be documented by a copy of the birth certificate. If another child is born, the interruption may be extended again under the same conditions. This type of interruption is not counted toward the maximum two-year interruption limit.

Applications for interruption must be submitted through the Contact Centre form.

During the interruption period, the doctoral candidate is not formally registered as a student. Therefore, they cannot:

  • take examinations,
  • participate in colloquia,
  • report study or research activities (e.g., international research stays) as part of their doctoral studies.

In the case of full-time study, the doctoral student is not entitled to the doctoral scholarship during the interruption period.

At the same time, the university aims to ensure that doctoral candidates do not lose contact with the academic environment and research community during their interruption. Within the OP JAK Návraty project, the university is working to allow doctoral candidates on maternity or parental leave to retain access to selected university services (such as the library) and maintain contact with their research topic and department.

A newsletter for doctoral candidates on maternity leave is also being prepared, providing updates about university events, opportunities for engagement, and available support activities.

Interruption of Studies and Residence Status for International Students

International students should carefully consider the impact of interrupting their studies on their residence status in the Czech Republic before submitting a request for study interruption. By interrupting their studies, the purpose for which the visa or residence permit was granted ceases to exist. During the interruption period, the university can no longer confirm the student’s active enrolment status, which may result in the loss of the validity of the visa or residence permit.

An interruption of studies may also affect the calculation of the student’s period of residence in the Czech Republic. If the student later returns and continues their studies, the previous period of residence may no longer count toward the total period required for certain future residence permits or applications.

We therefore strongly recommend that all international students consult their situation with the relevant university office before applying for an interruption of studies and verify the current conditions with the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

Re-enrolment After Interruption

Doctoral students will receive an automatic notification from InSIS when the end of the interruption period is approaching.

Before the interruption ends, it is necessary to apply for re-enrolment in the study programme. Students are not automatically re-enrolled after the interruption.

If the doctoral student does not apply for re-enrolment within five working days after the end of the interruption period, and the Dean does not grant an extension, the study will be terminated in accordance with Article 30(2) of the Study and Examination Regulations.

Change of Study Mode

If a doctoral student decides that the current study mode (full-time or part-time/combined) does not suit them, they may submit a request to change to the other form of study.

This request can be submitted at any time during the studies, but it should generally be considered a one-time change.

The application form can be found in the Contact Centre, and the final decision is made by the Dean. The request is submitted through the Contact Centre to the doctoral studies coordinator.

Withdrawal from Studies

If a doctoral student decides that they do not wish or are unable to continue their studies, and interruption is not an appropriate solution, they may voluntarily withdraw from the programme.

In such a case, the student should contact the doctoral studies coordinator via the Contact Centre and submit a request using the General Application form.

Once studies are terminated in this way, it is not possible to return to the programme. If the individual later wishes to pursue doctoral studies again, they must:

  • submit a new application,
  • go through the admission process again,
  • request recognition of previously completed courses, if allowed under the relevant Dean’s regulation.