Exemptions | Students at the Facuty of arts

If you are in a situation where you are unable to comply with the rules that apply to your degree programme, you can apply for an exemption.

The reasons why you cannot follow the rules can be many - you can read about some of them here:

The rules on which you can apply for dispensation may, for example, be the rule on the number of examination attempt, the exam conditions for an examination, the rule on maximum completion time or the automatic registration for teaching and exams, including the thesis.

The university may grant exemptions from the rules in the case of exceptional circumstances.

It is a good idea to contact a student counsellor before applying for an exemption. The student counsellor can help you get an overview of your study situation, so you get the best possible basis for deciding whether you need to apply for an exemption, and which rules you should apply for exemption from.

How to apply

You submit your application via mystudies.au.dk: Application for exemption

  • What are you applying for?
    Under this item on the application form, you must briefly and specifically describe what you are applying for – e.g. an extra examination attempt or to withdraw from classes/exams in a period in which you are on sick leave. It is a good idea to refer to the rules for which you are applying for dispensation.
  • What are your reason for the application? Whic special circumstances apply?
    Under This item, you must describe your situation and briefly explain what exceptional circumstances prevent you from complying with the rules that apply to your degree programme. You must attach documentation, e.g. in the form of a medical certificate. It is important that there is a correlation between what you are applying for and the documentation

Remember to save your receipt

You will receive a receipt on your AU mail. The receipt is your proof that you have submitted your application.

Keep an eye on your AU email

If the university have any questions or need further details, they will contact you via your AU email address. If you don't answer, your application will be treated on the basis of the information you have submitted.

Response to your application

How the board of studies assesses your application

When the study board receives your application and documentation, they make an overall assessment of your case.

They look at the correlation between what you are applying for and your documentation. They will also look at whether the circumstances you have documented in your application constitute exceptional circumstances in relation to the rule from which you have applied for exemption. They assess how the circumstances have affected you, as well as for how long and to what extent.

Where and when will you get a response?

When your application for dispensation has been processed, you will receive a decision on your application via your e-Boks or AU email.

If we need additional information in order to make a decision on your case, you will be contacted via your AU email.

We will process your application as soon as possible, but be aware that it can take up to eight weeks (July not included). So we recommend that you apply well in advance.

What are exceptional circumstances?

Exceptional circumstances:

  • Are typically external in origin and unpredictable, things which are beyond your control
  • Is something individual, i.e. something that affects you alone, and is not frequently occurring or common among students
  • Have a scope and timing that prevents you from complying with a given rule
  • Must be documented

When you apply for dispensation, you must prove that you were unable to comply with the rule in question owing to exceptional circumstances. You must account fully for these exceptional circumstances, and you must enclose relevant documentation to verify your account.

Circumstances which are within your control or which could have been planned for cannot be considered exceptional. Here are some examples of circumstances which cannot be considered exceptional:

  • delays due to public transport
  • delays in uploading an assignment via WISEflow
  • your desire to go on a skiing holiday
  • the offer of an exciting job or an amazing internship

Doctor’s certificates

If you are applying for dispensation because you have a medical condition or illness that affects your ability to complete your study programme on the terms and conditions that are generally applicable, you need a doctor’s certificate.

Paying for the doctor' certificate is your own responsibility.

The purpose of a doctor’s certificate is to demonstrate how, to what extent and for how long your medical condition or illness will affect your ability to study/take exams.

A doctor’s certificate must answer the following questions:

  • How does your medical condition/illness affect you?
    The doctor must describe how your medical condition/illness affects your ability to carry out your study programme, including exams and comply with applicable rules. The doctor is not obliged to mention the medical condition or illness in question, but it is important that he/she describes the way in which it affects you, so that the university can decide whether there are grounds for granting you dispensation.
  • To what extent are you affected?
    The doctor may also provide an assessment of the extent to which your ability to study is affected (e.g. whether you are completely unable to study for a certain period, or whether you can study part time). The prognosis may also be relevant – is there a chance of improvement? In connection with part-time sick leave, the doctor should indicate how many hours per week you are able to study.
  • How long have you had the problem?
    It is also important that the doctor, with specific dates, states the period in which you have been ill, and perhaps how long the illness is expected to last.

These questions must be answered in relation to the rule from which you are applying for dispensation. The doctor must also state which information comes from their own examination, and which information comes from a consultation with you, from a third party, from your medical records, or from other sources.

The following information must also be included:

  • Your name, civil registration number and address.
  • The doctor’s name, official ID, company address and qualifications.
  • Information about who your family doctor is.
  • The date and the doctor’s signature.

The significance of doctor’s certificates

A doctor’s certificate is a medical assessment whose purpose is to give the university grounds for deciding whether you should be granted dispensation. The university are obliged to consider doctor’s certificates, but do not have to follow the doctor’s recommendations (if any are made).

If the university do not feel that they have sufficient evidence to assess your case, they may ask you to send further documentation. The university will not contact your doctor.