Caesuras
What is a gap year?
A gap year is a period of up to one year during which a student enrolled in a higher education program temporarily suspends their studies in order to gain personal experience, either independently or through a host organization in France or abroad.
Please note that taking a gap year is not an alternative to pursuing a degree program.
Request for a gap year
Theleave of absence request form must be submitted to the Registrar's Officeand must be accompanied by:
– a cover letter describing the type of gap year you are planning, the objectives of the project, and the implementation details (supervision by the host organization, tasks, project monitoring, etc.)
– one or more certificates from the host organization confirming its commitment for the duration of the gap year spent with that organization (e.g., universal civic service, training, employment contract, etc.)
– the tentative schedule for your gap year
The student's project must take place during the academic year.
If the UM president’s decision is favorable, a gap-year agreement will be drawn up in duplicate.
Application deadlines for a gap year
The start of the gap year must coincide with the start of one of the academic semesters:
– For a gap year abroad during the first semester or for the entire academic year: starting in July and no later than September 1
– For a gap year in France during the first semester or for the entire year: starting in July and no later than September 15
– For students taking a gap year in the second semester in France or abroad: no later than December 15