Deferring Your Degree

Got accepted, but not ready to attend? Many students can defer acceptance to college or university. Get your education on a timeline that works for you.

The typical story in Canada goes something like this: you graduate high school in the spring, and attend college or university in the fall. Most first-year students are 17 or 18 when they start higher education, which can be a challenge when you're still in high school mode.

What some students don't realize is that you can usually defer your acceptance for a year, to give yourself more time and space to regroup and decide on the right path.

What is a deferral?

To "defer" basically means to delay — you receive an acceptance to a college or university program, but you defer your seat and instead attend next year, knowing you've already got a spot.

Deferrals aren't just for first-years, either. If you've already completed a year or two of post-secondary education, but you need a break, you can defer your return to school, as well. Maybe you want to travel, or work extra hours to save some money without worrying about schoolwork. Deferring your return can make it possible.

How do I defer my acceptance?

Each school will have its own procedure, and specific faculties may have their own instructions too. So, you'll have to do a bit of research, perhaps speaking with an academic advisor or the registrar at your school of choice to lay out your plans and learn what do to. Still, here's the general procedure:

• Apply for college or university as normal, submitting the necessary documents before the application deadline
• Receive an offer of admission to your school: this is usually a congratulatory letter or email containing info on next steps
• Accept your offer of admission and request a deferral, following the instructions in the letter. This may involve filling out a deferral application form and paying a fee

If you're already enrolled, and taking a mid-degree break, you'll want to contact your faculty or department and find out the exact process for taking a year off.

Beware that at most schools, deferrals are reviewed case-by-case, meaning that deferral requests are not automatic! You'll need to meet the criteria, which usually involves the following:

• Meeting all admission requirements
• Paying a small deposit if you're an international student
• Confirming you're not studying anywhere else during the deferral period

Deferrals usually occur in the summer leading up to the start of your degree. For example, at the University of Toronto, deferral application forms are available in July, and are accepted until September. It's usually best to submit your deferral request as soon as you're able.

Assuming your request is accepted, the admissions team will adjust your course enrollment, and refund any tuition you might have already paid (minus any deposit and/or fees, as applicable).

What about entrance scholarships and residence placements?

Many schools offer entrance scholarships to students coming straight out of high school and into college or university — these can be excellent opportunities to fund your education, and sometimes they're even renewable, meaning you'll continue to receive funding in second year and beyond.

Further, some schools guarantee a place in residence for first-year students. Residence can be a great way to meet new friends and experience another side of post-secondary life.

Luckily, schools will usually defer your entrance scholarships and residence guarantees right alongside your program seat! So if you decide to defer, you won't lose access to these valuable perks. That said, some external scholarship admins may have more restrictive requirements about gap years.

Like anything, be sure to touch base with your school to confirm these details, but in general, you'll be safe to defer and still benefit from scholarships and residence placements.

Pros and cons of deferring your degree

Let's take a quick look at some reasons why you might want to defer your acceptance — and some reasons you might not want to!

Pros of deferring

These are some of the most common reasons students defer. You may have your own to add to this list!

• Save money for education next year
• Feel more prepared or mature for higher-level studies
• Build your skills through work experience or online certifications
• Travel or volunteer, bolstering your resumé — learn more about gap years here

Cons of deferring

Deferring has its drawbacks, too. Here are a few reasons you may not want to defer your acceptance. Again, you may have your own reasons.

• Start your education, and thus your career path, later than your peers
• Fall out of step with your friends and end up a year behind
• Some programs and pathways won't allow deferrals
• Could miss out on external scholarship opportunities

Now you know the basic outline of deferring your admission to college or university. Deferring isn't for everyone, but it can be a good way to build some flexibility into your plans as a student. Life changes fast, so having the option to defer — instead of turning down your seat and re-applying next year — is a nice bonus that most schools will offer.

It's deferral season right now for first-year students! Remember, you'll usually defer between July and September, so if you're having second thoughts about studying at college or university this fall, maybe you'd be a good candidate for a deferral.

Be sure to contact your school's admissions department if this is something you're thinking about! Never a bad idea to seek guidance from professionals who've seen it all before.

Whether you decide deferring is right for you or not, have a great summer, and best of luck in the upcoming semester!