What Is Deferred Enrollment?
Deferred enrollment, or deferral, means postponing the start of your studies after you have been admitted to a college or university, usually for one year. It is often used for a gap year, and it lets you keep your place while you work, volunteer, travel or deal with personal circumstances.
How it works
Rules differ by institution and country. Typically you:
- Accept the offer of admission and pay any deposit by the deadline.
- Submit a deferral request in writing, explaining your reasons and your plans.
- Receive a decision, which may approve or deny the request. Some colleges only grant deferrals for specific reasons such as military service, health or an opportunity unavailable later.
- Meet conditions, which may include not enrolling elsewhere, sending updates or confirming your intent to attend by a later date.
- Enroll the following term or year.
Some colleges handle financial aid and scholarships differently for deferred students, so ask whether the award is guaranteed or must be reapplied for.
In the UK
UCAS applicants may choose to defer entry when applying, or ask after receiving an offer. Many universities accept deferrals, though some courses, such as medicine in certain years, may have restrictions. Check the policy of each university.
Why students defer
- Gap year experiences, such as volunteering, travel, work or language study.
- Health or family circumstances.
- Military or national service.
- Financial reasons, such as earning money before beginning.
- Preparation, such as improving skills or retaking exams.
Making it useful
Plan the year, set goals and stay in touch with the college. Consider how you will explain the time on your application or resume. Keep track of deadlines for housing, aid and enrollment forms.
Deferral versus waitlist and other terms
Deferral can also refer to an early decision or early action applicant whose application is moved to the regular round. This is different from postponing enrollment after admission, so read the wording.
Related terms
See gap year, regular decision, matriculation, mature applicant and acceptance rate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I request a deferral?
After you accept your offer, write to the admissions office explaining your plan, such as work, service or travel, and follow its process and deadline. Approval is not guaranteed.
Is a deferred place guaranteed?
Colleges that approve deferrals usually hold your place, though you may need to pay a deposit and meet conditions. Get the terms in writing.
Can I apply to other colleges during my deferral?
Often not. Many colleges require you not to apply elsewhere while deferred, and breaking the rule can lead to withdrawing the offer. Read the conditions.