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Having a child while studying

We recommend that you talk to a student advisor, if you become a parent (by birth or adoption) while studying at ITU.

Take leave of absence or study on special terms?

Did you know that there is a difference between taking a leave of absence or studying on special terms? Depending on what you choose, your rights will vary both in terms of your studies and your financial situation.  

If you apply for a leave of absence, please be aware that you cannot be study active in the period of your leave (you cannot attend classes or go to exams). In addition, you will not be eligible to receive SU grants. For more information, go to Leave of absence.  

If you do not want to take a leave of absence, you can apply for an exemption to study on special terms. Please read below for more information.  

Study on special terms

Being a new parent, you can study on special terms which enables you to concentrate on your child while also being an active student.
You can:

  • choose whether you want to be an inactive, partly or fully active student and receive normal SU clips. Please consult the Study and Career Guidance if you have questions concerning these 3 options.
  • receive additional SU clips in connection with the birth. 

As a mother, you can study on special terms for 12 months. The period can start two months before the official due date. 

As a father / co-parent, you can study on special terms for 6 months. The period can start when your child is born and must be completed before the child is 1,5 years old.  

How to apply

In order to apply to study on special terms because of childbirth or adoption, you must send an application for an exemption to sap@itu.dk

Use the form: application for an exemption. Tick of the box "Other".
In the application you must submit a provisional study plan, which shows how you plan to complete your studies.  

Documentation
As a mother, you must attach the medical record (vandrejournal) or birth certificate. 

As a father / co-parent, you must attach a birth certificate or paternity certificate. 

Remember the provisional study plan is only a helping tool for you to have an overview and a plan for the coming semesters. You yourself will have to register for all courses and projects.

Be extra aware of your registrations, so if something looks wrong, contact SAP so your registrations can be corrected in due time. 

SU and childbirth

You can apply for additional SU clips if you become a parent while studying. Read more about additional SU clips here.

Your responsibilities

We expect you to check your ITU-mail regularly while you are studying on special terms.  

You must also remember to register for the courses corresponding to your study plan during or after your period of studying on special terms. 
Please be aware of the registration periods.