Continuation period

Depending on your programme, you may be permitted to enter a continuation period after ending your formal enrolment at the University.

Your continuation period (where permitted) begins at the end of your normal period of enrolment. You are not formally enrolled at the University during this time; however, you will retain access to the Library and IT facilities. You may only access departmental facilities with the written permission of your Graduate School Board.  More details about the continuation period (including normal periods of enrolment and maximum periods of study) are set out in section 7 of the Policy on Research Degrees.

Continuation fees

If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of your normal period of enrolment, PhD, MPhil and EngD PGRs are liable to pay a continuation fee. MA/MSc by Research PGRs are not charged a continuation fee. 

The continuation fee for 2024/25 is £420. You will be contacted via email to advise when payment should be made (this is usually around the fourth month of your continuation period). Payment is made via the University of York Online Store. 

In exceptional circumstances, you may be permitted to extend your deadline beyond your initial continuation period. In this instance, you will be charged a second continuation fee.

You are personally liable for any continuation fees, regardless of your funding status. Extended scholarships (normally 3.5 years or longer) do not cover continuation fees, although they do continue to pay a stipend beyond your normal registration period.

Computing and library access

The continuation fee includes access to computing and library borrowing facilities. 

Where a further extension to your deadline is approved, access to computing and library facilities is provided for the period of the extension.

Access to computing and library facilities ends after you have submitted your thesis for examination.

Council Tax

Part-time PGRs are not automatically exempt from Council Tax, either during or after their period of part-time enrolment. Full-time PhD PGRs entering a continuation period can, under certain circumstances, claim exemption from Council Tax.