Paid parental leave

In order to be eligible for paid parental leave under the Policy on Research Degrees, students must be both 'York-registered' and 'York-funded'. These are defined as follows:

• York-registered: research students who are fully-registered at the University of York on degree-awarding research programmes (Masters by Research, MPhil, PhD, and EngD routes), and visiting PGR students (those on RVISVIS routes). It does not include students with a shadow record at the University (i.e. students receiving funds from a grant held at York, such as a CDT, but who are registered to study elsewhere). Students registered on a Hull York Medical School (HYMS) programme and who are registered at the University of York are covered by this policy. Those registered at the University of Hull are not.
• York-funded: research students in receipt of a stipend directly from (ie central- or departmental-funded scholarships) or via (i.e. from the University as part of a grant, award or contract funded by an external organisation) the University. If in doubt, students should consult their departments about their source of funding.

Students will be eligible only where the date of birth or adoption falls within their funded period, as defined by the terms and conditions of their individual award.

There is no qualifying period for maternity, paternity, adoption or shared parental leave.

The full eligibility criteria are detailed in Appendix 4 of the Policy on Research Degrees, and students should refer to this in full before submitting an application for paid parental leave.

Applying

If you think you are eligible for paid parental leave under Appendix 4 of the Policy on Research Degrees, you need to:

1. Apply in advance for a Leave of Absence for the period of parental leave you are intending to take. See the leave of absence information for details about how to apply.
   1. If you have any questions on the Leave of Absence application process, please contact pgr-special-cases@york.ac.uk. 
2. Once you've submitted your leave of absence application, contact your department administration team to complete a paid parental leave form.

What happens next?

Once your leave of absence has been approved by Special Cases, your department will assess your eligibility for paid parental leave under Appendix 4 of the Policy on Research Degrees. 

You and your supervisor(s), will be notified by email of the outcome of this assessment by your department, and if you are deemed eligible, you will be given a payment schedule - you will be paid in line with the value and timings detailed in this schedule.

Questions?

If you have any questions about your eligibility or the process of applying for paid parental leave, please contact your academic department.