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Deferment

If you’re a newly admitted undergrad wishing to postpone your start date to a later semester, you can apply for an admission deferment. Graduate students who are interested in deferring their start at the university must discuss this with their academic program and obtain their approval.

Applying for Deferment Returning from Deferment

Applying For Deferment

Deferment requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the Office of Admissions will NOT approve deferment requests whose intentions are to:

  • Take coursework at another institution (including but not limited to “post-grad” years, enrolling at another college/university, etc.)
  • Establish residency in the state of Utah
  • Seek admission into a major or program from which you have been denied

If you have confirmed your intent to enroll and paid your enrollment deposit, you can log in to your application status page to complete the deferment request form until the first day of the semester in which you were admitted. However, we recommend you submit your request as soon as possible.

Please submit your deferment application online. For questions regarding deferment please contact admissions_deferment@utah.edu.

An admission deferment may be granted for a maximum of seven consecutive semesters (including summers).

The admission deferment guarantees admission into the university and not necessarily into a particular major or program.

If approved for deferment, you will need to complete new student orientation either before or after your deferment.

Failure to meet any of these terms may result in a revocation of admission, in which case you’ll need to reapply.

Have Questions?

If you have questions regarding the deferment application, please contact:

Todd Taylor
Assistant Director for Undergraduate Admissions Review
(801) 585-9987
todd.taylor@utah.edu

Returning From Deferment

Welcome back to the University of Utah! Follow these steps to get back on track.

  1. Explore Housing Options

    The U has plenty of residence halls for first-year students, making on-campus living a great way to get involved, make friends, and immerse yourself in the college experience.

    Housing Application Dates

    Follow the link to learn more about housing options, view floor plans, and take virtual tours.

    Explore Housing

    Learn about our Living Learning Community housing experience.

    Explore Living Learning Community Housing

  2. Register for Orientation

    All students returning from deferment are required to attend a Utah Bound Orientation session prior to registering for classes.

    The session will allow you to meet fellow students and learn more about programs, activities, and life at the U.

    Register for Utah Bound Orientation

  3. Contact Financial Aid

    The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is your source for all student financial aid info. Click below for information on scholarship options, important deadlines, how-to videos, and more.

    Connect with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

  4. Sign Up for a Meal Plan

    We provide a number of meal plan options and accommodations for special dietary needs.

    Learn more and sign up for a meal plan here.

    Explore Dining

FAQs

  • First time undergraduate students who have been admitted are eligible to apply. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    Non-Degree seeking (non-matriculated) students are not eligible for deferment. Non-Degree seeking students will need to reapply if they wish to attend for a different term from which they were admitted.

  • If you have paid the enrollment deposit you can apply for a deferment until the first day of the semester.

  • Students may defer up to seven consecutive semesters counting the summer. For example, if a student was admitted for the Fall 2024 semester the student can defer up until the Spring 2027 semester if necessary.

  • Students may apply online here. Applicants will be required to describe why they are requesting a deferral, identify the semester they plan to return (up to seven semesters) as well as submit the $300 enrollment deposit.

  • If the $300 Enrollment Deposit is paid, a deferral can be requested until the first day of the semester in which the student was admitted.

  • An approved deferment request means that the offer of admission to the University will be honored. Direct admission to academic majors, programs with advanced standing, or placement by exam or audition will be determined by the individual department/program.  Applicants are advised to contact the department/program prior to requesting a deferment. Please visit utah.edu/academics/colleges.php for department contact information.

  • The Honors College will honor their original offer as long as the deferral is approved by the Office of Admissions.

  • Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University of Utah is limited in the information it can share about students, even to their parents, without consent being given by the student first. Before you start your deferment, be sure to complete the Consent to Release Form to dedicate someone to help you with different steps at the U while you’re away.

  • Scholarships awarded by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (including President’s Scholarship, Utah Flagship Scholarship, Utah Academic Scholarship, Utah Academic Recognition Award, Diversity Scholarship and Leadership Scholarship) will be deferred if the deferment request is approved by the Office of Admissions.  Deferrals of scholarships awarded by departments or other agencies will need to be addressed directly with the appropriate department or agency.  Students that are eligible for need-based financial aid should contact the Office of Financial Aid for information.

  • If you are an international undergraduate student and are unable to obtain a visa appointment, please email admissions_deferment@utah.edu with your UNID for assistance.

  • If your deferral is approved and you decide to attend before your deferral semester, please contact the Office of Admissions for your options.

  • Contact the Office of Admissions at 801-585-9987 or admissions_deferment@utah.edu.

  • Current students may apply for a Leave of Absence. Visit utah.edu/handbook/leave.php for more information.

downtown Salt Lake

Have Questions?

For assistance please contact:

Office of Admissions
801-585-9987
admissions_deferment@utah.edu