Deferral Info and FAQ
Learn our policies and procedures for first-year and transfer deferrals (including for international students), and find answers to related questions.
Deferral policy and protocol
For first-year students
You may defer your admission for one year pending the approval of the Admissions Office. Deferrals are granted from fall semester to fall semester; it is not possible for first-year students to start in the spring.
You may take college courses during your one-year deferral, but you may not matriculate full-time to an institution and/or complete the equivalent of a full year of college coursework (approximately 24–30 credits). If an admitted student completes more than 21 credits during their deferral they need to re-apply to RISD as a transfer applicant, and their admission is no longer guaranteed.
To request a deferral of admission, you must first submit their non-refundable enrollment deposit by the deposit deadline. Once submitted, you should access your applicant portal and follow the prompts to defer admission. The request must include a brief statement about your plans during the deferral period.
The deferral request can be submitted after May 1, but needs to be received before June 30. Deferral requests made after June 30 will still be considered and should be submitted using the applicant portal. The request will be evaluated by the Admissions Office and the outcome of the review will be emailed to the admitted student.
For transfer students
Transfer admission is predicated on space availability by major. Consequently, the general policy is that admitted transfers are not able to defer their enrollment. This is almost always the case.
In very rare circumstances, however, admitted transfer students may be able to defer their enrollment. All transfer deferral requests should come to Admissions first. Similar to first-year students, you must pay a deposit before the request can be approved. Admitted transfer students should indicate a desired start term (spring or fall) and plans during their deferral.
Two-year deferrals
While we typically only grant one-year deferrals, in the case of extenuating medical circumstances or compulsory military or religious commitments, we may grant a two-year deferral. The maximum deferral for any incoming student is two years. Admissions must review and approve all requests.
For currently deferred students
We cannot approve a second deferral request. Please contact us at admissions@risd.edu if you have questions or need to update your record.
First-year deferral FAQ
How hard is it to have my enrollment deferred?
Nearly all first-year deferral requests will be approved so long as you follow the proper protocol.
Can my parents submit my deferral request?
We’d much rather hear from you, but if they must, okay. We can’t accept deferral requests from anyone other than you or the parents/guardians listed in your application.
What is the latest date I can submit my deposit and deferral request?
Deferral requests should be submitted on or before June 30. If your deposit was not submitted by May 1, you should get Admissions’ approval first and then arrange the deposit payment.
I’ve started classes at RISD and believe a deferral is in my best interest. Can I defer and what should I do?
Once you have started classes you are no longer eligible for deferral. Rather, you must request a leave of absence. More information about leave of absence policies and protocol can be found at policies.risd.edu.
If I am granted a deferral but change my mind and would like to attend RISD in the fall 2022, can I?
Possibly. When we grant a deferral we work promptly so that another student can fill the opening. If there is space available when you request to revise your enrollment plans we will happily offer you a space. Requests should be sent to admissions@risd.edu.
If I end up completing the equivalent of full-time study during my deferral, am I still guaranteed admission?
No. You will need to reapply as a transfer applicant.
How many classes can I take during my deferral?
There is no limit to the number of classes you can take during your deferral. However, if you complete more than 21 credits you would become a transfer candidate at which point you would need to reapply for admission. Please review our transfer credit policies at policies.risd.edu.
If I defer and end up making plans to attend another college instead of RISD, can I get my deposit refunded?
No. Deposits are nonrefundable.
If I defer, will my financial aid carry over?
Financial aid will not automatically carry over. You will need to re-submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the institutional form (found in your student portal) for the new academic year by the posted deadlines. If you were eligible for need-based RISD Scholarship and your financial situation stays similar your RISD Scholarship amount will be maintained.
International deferral FAQ
As an international student, does deferring affect my ability to obtain an I-20?
RISD will not generate an I-20 for an international student who chooses to defer. We will generate and send your I-20 to you prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester, along with detailed instructions on how to obtain your student visa.
As an international student, what happens if I defer after receiving my visa?
If you defer after receiving your I-20 and F-1 student visa, RISD will change your I-20 dates in SEVIS. This means that you will not be able to travel to the U.S. under this I-20 and visa. We will generate and send your new I-20 to you with your update prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester.
You will need to reapply for an F-1 visa since visas automatically expire if you are outside of the US for more than 5 months and not using it. Please note that you cannot defer after entering the US. The deferral process must begin prior to your US-bound travel.
I paid my I-901 SEVIS fee already. Would I need to pay it again?
Yes, you will need to pay your I-901 fee again if you defer after making that payment. RISD does not have control of this policy.
Transfer deferral FAQ
Can I defer my admission?
Transfer admission is predicated on space availability by major. Consequently, the general policy is that admitted transfers are not able to defer their enrollment. This is almost always the case.
In very rare circumstances, however, admitted transfer students may be able to defer their enrollment. All transfer deferral requests should come to Admissions first. Similar to first-year students, a deposit must be paid before the request can be approved. Admitted transfer students should indicate their desired start term (spring or fall) and plans during their deferral.
How do I request a deferral?
All deferral requests should be emailed to admissions@risd.edu. If approved, an enrollment deposit will be required.