Taking time off as a parent
Get the information you need to plan a temporary leave from your studies to focus on family life.
You have options when it comes to taking time off from your academic studies due to parental responsibilities. Keep in mind the factors and steps to take vary and are dependant on whether you are in undergraduate or graduate studies.
If you are an international student, taking a break from your studies will likely have implications for your medical coverage and your status in Canada. Please speak with your International Students Office advisor for guidance.
Undergraduate studies
You have the option of taking time off from your studies to a maximum six (6) consecutive academic terms. Simply refrain from adding courses (or drop them if you have already registered) in the term(s) you plan to be off. If you do exceed the maximum duration and fall into lapsed standing, contact your faculty to look into getting unlapsed.
Once you are ready to resume your studies, it is recommended to meet with your academic advisor to talk about your plans. If applicable, you can discuss any changes that may affect your degree requirements.
Graduate studies
Parental leave
On the occasion of the birth or adoption of a child, grad students are entitled to parental leave of up to three (3) consecutive academic terms. You will need to submit proof of birth or a doctor's note with your request for parental leave.
You will not pay any fees during your leave and you will retain access to library and student services. If you are the holder of a Concordia fellowship, you will receive a deferral of the fellowship for duration of your parental leave. For other fellowships, the regulations of the granting agency apply.
If you have questions about parental leave, contact student affairs advisor Raja Bhattacharya. If you are interested in returning to your program part-time, get in touch with your graduate program director to discuss that option.
General leave
If your situation does not meet the criteria for parental leave, but you need to take time off to focus on your family, you may wish to request a general leave of absence. The timeframe of your leave should coincide with the beginning and end of an academic term. In highly exceptional circumstances, such as an unforeseen medical emergency, the School of Graduate Studies may consider a leave request submitted after the DNE deadline.
Leave with access
Leave with access allows you to retain access to library and student services. You will continue to pay fees during your leave. Keep in mind leave with access is typically granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Leave without access
Leave without access means you will not retain access to library and student services, nor will you continue to pay fees during your leave.
Before you submit your leave request, speak to your graduate program director and supervisor to confirm all required components of your degree programs will be available when you return.
Funding
If you are an international student, look into the parental leave supplement award. Recipients receive a supplement up to 55% of their current internal funding.
If you are an invigilator, teaching assistant or research assistant, consult the collective agreement that applies to you to understand how leaves work.
Resources for student parents at Concordia
Academic accommodations during pregnancy
If you find youself needing accommodations due to your pregnancy, register with the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD), which works to promote equal access and reduce barriers to academic success, and speak with an advisor about your situation. For general questions about accommodations, you can email the ACSD.
Student parent centre
The Concordia University Student Parent Centre (CUSP) provides support and services to help student parents achieve their goals.
Daycare
Financial Aid and Awards Office
Health and wellness
Understand the healthcare resources open to you as a Concordia student.
Government benefits and other support
You may be eligible for benefits under the Quebec parental insurance plan if you worked in Quebec prior to your pregnancy.
If you are receiving Aide financière aux études (student loans from the government of Quebec), look into the option of being considered full-time for student loan purposes, even though you are studying part-time as a parent. You may also be eligible to keep your loan interest-free or defer your payments while you take time off.
If you are receiving financial aid from another province or territory, check with your local student aid office to find out how taking time off as a parent could affect your grant or loan status.
Other resources from the government of Quebec:
- Ma Grossesse, to help you access professionals and the info you need during your pregnancy. Available in many languages.
- Becoming a parent, an overview of programs and services for new and future parents.