Applying for exemption
If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to follow the university rules, you can apply for exemption based on so-called special circumstances. You can apply for exemption from most rules.
E.g., you can apply for exemption regarding:
- Extension of the stipulated time frame to complete your programme
- Alternative examination form
- Extension of examination duration
- More than three examination attempts
You can apply for exemption from all rules in your curriculum, on courses.ku.dk etc. that are set by the university alone. Among others, this is stipulated in the so-called university programme order, section 45, subsection 3 (latest official English translation dated December 2013, section 30, subsection 6). In most cases, you must submit your application to the board of studies for your study programme.
Read more about how to apply for exemption at your faculty on your study information page > Planning your studies > Rules and exemptions (requires login).
You can also apply for exemption from a number of the rules that are set by others than the university. In the so-called acts and ministerial orders, it is stated what rules you can apply for exemption from, and to whom you must send your application.
Exemption application in short:
When applying for an exemption from a rule, you must be able to describe and document the specific reasons why you are requesting a dispensation from the rule and how your situation differs from the situation of your fellow students. Your application is typically processed by the study board, an exemption committee or by the administration. You need to make sure they understand your situation properly so they can make a so-called adequately informed decision.
Please clarify the following before writing your application:
• What do you want to achieve?
• What does the education's guide to applying for an exemption say?
• Are there any requirements regarding documentation?
• Who makes the decision?
See below what your application should contain.
1: Get formalities in place
Read your education's guide to applying for an exemption on your study information page on KUnet under: Plan your study > Rules and dispensations > Dispensation from rules
2: Describe what you want to achieve
Write at the beginning of your application what you would like to achieve. Please clarify before then what it’s possible to apply for. If you are in doubt, you can contact the student counselor or the Student Ambassador.
3: Unfold your reasons
Unfold the specific reasons why you are applying for an exemption. Refer along the way to any documentation you might have.
Does the rules say that you must describe unusual conditions? Read about what can constitute unusual conditions here.
4: Attach documentation
We recommend that the documentation as specifically as possible substantiate your reasons for applying for an exemption (e.g. a detailed medical certificate). Examine the study guide on your study information page to see if there are any requirements for documentation. Attach the documentation in a form as accessible and easy-to-understand as possible.
5: Get help with the application
Contact your student counselor or the Student Ambassador. We are happy to read through your application and provide input for it. You can reach us here.
6: Send the application through a form on KUnet
At most faculties, you will find a form for exemption applications on your study information page. If this does not apply to your faculty, send your application from your KUmail. Find your education's guide to applying for an exemptiom on your study information page under: Plan Your Study > Rules and dispensations > Dispensation from Rules
Whenever you apply for exemption, you must describe and document the conditions preventing you from following the rules.
In order for e.g. the board of studies to approve you application, the board of studies must be able to see, that your situation contains so-called special circumstances, when the board of studies compares your situation to that of other students.
All applications are subject to an individual estimate made by the board of studies. Among others, this means that for most types of exemptions no comprehensive list of special circumstances can be made.
Rather, special circumstances can be defined as an unpredictable situation that applies to an individual and by its extent and occurrence and duration in time prevents the applicant from following a given rule. Special circumstances are usually external and outside the student’s influence.
In the assessment of your application, the board of studies must consider the arguments that you present.
The student ambassador has, among other things, seen applications from students:
- With documented dyslexia or similar, applying for an exemption for extended preparation time for exams due to reduced reading speed, etc.
- With documented mental illness that prevents the student from following her or his studies on an equal footing with her fellow students. These students apply for an exemption from the study activity requirements.
- Who have experienced a death or serious illness in the immediate family, that has affected the student's strength to study and carry out exams. For example, students are applying for an exemption for further exam attempts and extension of the maximum duration of study.
We do not have access to a comprehensive overview of when such applications will be approved at each faculty. However, many of the students from whom we hear from when the application process has ended will have such applications approved.
Read more about how to apply for an exemption on your study information page > Planning your studies > Rules and exemptions