Deferral?

[ucompa2010]

I was fortunate enough to be accepted into two graduate programs with decent financial aid packages. However, I am seriously considering requesting deferral due to a family medical emergency which requires raising funds for health care.

Has anyone had experience with this type of request? Do you lose your funding for the program?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[africanhistoryphd]

Not sure if this helps, but I attempted to defer my acceptance to a funded program and was informed that they are not granting any deferral requests this year for any reason. They were very polite, and understood my reasons for requesting deferral. I do think, though, that you should absolutely try it. Even if they aren't allowed to defer, your situation is certainly not one that is trivial or not legitimate.

My advice would be starting with your potential adviser. Explain your situation and see if they will support your decision. I imagine the DGS would first consult your potential adviser if they are able to consider your request.

Best of luck, very sorry about your family health issues.

[origin415]

Definitely a question for the department, different departments will handle deferrals differently. Your reason is a completely acceptable one, if a deferral is at all possible, so they will understand you asking.

[ucompa2010]

Thank you so much for the advice. I appreciate it!

I will definitely contact the department.