Returning Students

Whether you took time away from UNH, are returning after a suspension or leave of absence, or are picking up a graduate program you paused, here's how to come back — for Durham and Manchester undergraduates, CPS Online students, and UNH Graduate School students.

Deadlines

• Fall semester: June 1
• Spring semester: November 1

How you left determines your path back:

If you withdrew, or your degree status was discontinued: Complete the application for readmission.

If you were on academic suspension: Complete the reinstatement form on the Registrar's website. You'll keep access to your UNH email and accounts while suspended, but lose it if you don't return within 6 semesters and your degree status is discontinued. If you're returning after being academically dismissed (a second suspension counts as a dismissal), readmission is granted only under extraordinary circumstances — consult your former college dean before applying.

If you were on disciplinary suspension: Submit a Return from Suspension application. The Director of Community Standards verifies your eligibility and confirms any required conditions have been met before approving reinstatement. Questions: (603) 862-3377 or community.standards@unh.edu.

If you took a Leave of Absence: Contact the Registrar's Office at registrar.records@unh.edu. More detail is on the Registrar's Leave of Absence page.

If you took a Health Leave of Absence (Durham or Manchester undergraduate): Complete the Request Form along with a support letter, and send it to the Dean of Students office by email (dean.students@unh.edu) or fax ((603) 862-3550, attn: Michael Blackman). Graduate, Law, and CPS Online students have their own Health Leave contact information on the Dean of Students website.

Transfer credit: coursework completed elsewhere since you left UNH is evaluated once we receive an official transcript, including grades for any coursework still in progress. Credit isn't awarded for coursework completed the semester immediately following an academic suspension.

Financial aid: the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1. See Financial Aid for details.

Housing: not guaranteed for returning students, but available as space allows — contact the Housing Office at (603) 862-2120.

NH residency: if you were previously an NH resident, you'll need to resubmit your residency statement, as required by state law for in-state tuition.

A few exceptions to the standard readmission path:

• Already earned a UNH bachelor's or associate degree and want a second one? Apply as a transfer student instead — note that a second bachelor's degree isn't available.
• Moving from an associate's program (Thompson School or Manchester) into a bachelor's program? Apply as a two-to-four year transfer.
• Finishing your degree requirements during a summer session, or completing them at another institution? Contact the Registrar's Office at (603) 862-1590 to ask about "Reinstatement for Graduation" procedures.

Once you're readmitted:

• Activate your MyUNH account using the ID number on your acceptance letter
• Submit your FAFSA by March 1 if you're applying for need-based aid (applications after March 1 may still be considered)
• Contact your academic advisor after April 15
• Register for courses through MyUNH
• Apply for on-campus housing or look into off-campus options
• Choose a meal plan
• Pay your tuition bill through MyUNH — see Billing & Payment for details
• Set up your UNH email and sign up for UNH Alerts

You'll be readmitted to a specific major or an undeclared status — your spot is guaranteed as long as you meet departmental standards for continuing in that program. Changing majors after readmission needs approval from the relevant college dean and department chair.

The process for current or returning graduate students is different from a first-time application, and depends on what you're trying to do:

Resuming a paused graduate program (readmission): Readmission is available if you were enrolled in your graduate program for at least one semester. Start by contacting your academic department to confirm your eligibility — this isn't guaranteed, and you may be evaluated alongside current applicants to the program.

1. Pay the $65 readmission fee.
2. Your request will be reviewed — additional documentation, and payment of any continuing enrollment fees accumulated while you were away, may be required.

The $65 fee is waived for students returning to online programs in the College of Professional Studies.

Changing your degree program: Current students can request a change using the Change of Degree Form — there's no cost. If you're switching to a different department, you'll need two letters of recommendation sent to grad.school@unh.edu, and the new program may require additional materials.

Adding a certificate to your current degree: Complete the Graduate Certificate as a Secondary Degree Application. No cost, and typically just a letter of support from your advisor.

Pursuing two degrees at once: If there isn't already a concurrent option for your two programs, you'll need approval from the Graduate School Dean's Office. Email grad.school@unh.edu to set up a meeting, and review the Graduate Catalog's concurrent dual degree policy first.