Withdrawal and Leave of Absence

Withdrawing from UH Mānoa

Your success is a priority at University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. While the University makes every effort to ensure timely progress towards your degree, we recognize that work towards your degree may be interrupted for various reasons. Should you be in a position where a complete withdrawal is needed, please review the information below and consult with your academic advisor or Graduate Division (for graduate students). A complete withdrawal may have academic and financial implications.

Students who completely withdraw from UH Mānoa will be inactivated and will need to reapply for admission unless they are approved for a Leave of Absence. See more information for eligibility and how to apply a leave on absence.

Time in the Semester With or Without “W” Grade Tuition Refund Fees Refund How to Drop
Before the semester begins No “W” grade 100% 100% STAR GPS
August 26 – September 3 by 11:59 p.m. (HST) No “W” grade 100% 100% – will be reflected
on September 4, 2024
STAR GPS
September 4 -17 by 11:59 p.m. (HST) No “W” grade 50% 0% STAR GPS
September 18 – November 4 by 11:59 p.m. (HST) With “W” grade 0% 0% STAR GPS

After November 4, please see your College or School’s advising office or Graduate Division to completely withdraw.


If you withdraw and plan to return, you have two options:

Option 1: Reapply for Admission

If you do not take a Leave of Absence, you must reapply for admission.  Contact the Undergraduate Office of Admissions for more information.

Option 2: Leave of Absence

If you are a classified undergraduate or graduate student you may apply for a Leave of Absence for a specified period of one or two semesters (summer sessions excluded).

How do I apply?
Please contact your school or college’s Student Academic Services office to request a Leave of Absence.  An academic advisor can review the associated policies and procedures with you.

Inform your advisor if you are:

  • Receiving Financial Aid, Veterans Benefits, and/or scholarships
  • An International student with a F-1 or J-1 Visa
  • Participating in intercollegiate athletics or ROTC
  • Living in campus housing

Am I Eligible?

Condition Eligibility for Leave of Absence
You will not be attending any other institution while on leave (this includes any institution within the UH System) You may apply for a Leave of Absence (PDF)
You will be attending an institution outside of the United States while on leave from UH Mānoa You may apply for an Overseas Study Leave of Absence (PDF)
You will be attending an institution within the United States while on leave from UH Mānoa You may not apply for a Leave of Absence

If you intend to return to UH Mānoa at a later time you must reapply for admission.

You are requesting a leave beyond two semesters (includes all previous leaves of absence) You may not take more than two semesters of leave during your undergraduate career; additional semesters of leave will be granted only under exceptional circumstances (e.g. military deployment).

Return from Leave
Students who do not re-enroll for the approved semester of return must reapply for admission. You will be subject to the newer core, major, and graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission.