A Gap Year: A Break from Your Studies

Would you like to take a year or a semester off from your studies to pursue a project close to your heart? At the Université Grenoble Alpes, this is possible thanks to the gap year program.

What is a caesura?

The caesura is a period of one year or one semester during which you are temporarily putting your studies on hold. The goal is to gain valuable experience, broaden your horizons, or clarify your career plans.

Unlike a simple interruption in your studies, a gap year allows you to remain enrolled at the Université Grenoble Alpes. You will therefore retain your student status and the benefits that come with it.

Why take a break?

A caesura can take many forms. Here are a few examples:

Complete an internship or work at a company under an employment contract.
Complete a civic service assignment.
Volunteer in France or abroad.
Take a course that is not part of your major.
Launch your own business venture.
Or, quite simply, gain some personal experience to better define your career path.

Who can take a break?

The caesura is accessible to all students of the Université Grenoble Alpes, whether you're pursuing a bachelor's degree, a BUT, a professional bachelor's degree, a master's degree, studying at an engineering school, in a health-related program, or working on a Ph.D.

Warning

Each school, college, or institute has its own rules regarding gap years. It is important to check with your registrar's office to find out all the details.

How do I apply for a gap year?

The procedure you need to follow depends on your degree. Let us guide you!

Tree - Caesura What is your situation?
- Are you a current or prospective student in a bachelor's degree program, a BUT program, a professional bachelor's degree program, a master's degree program, a health sciences program, or a doctoral program?
  Step 1: Preparation
  First and foremost, find out about the deadlines and useful contacts:
  - The advisors at Espace OIP can help you with your gap year plans.
    Get in touch
  - Check the timeline for submitting a gap year request and identify your gap year advisor in your academic unit (faculty, school, or institute).
    Download the document "Gap Year 2026–2027: Timeline and Advisors"
  - Please review the UGA’sgap year implementation guidelines to understand all the administrative procedures.
    Download the document “Implementation of the Gap Year”
  Step 2: Compiling the Application Package
  - Download the gap year application form
  - Please fill out the form.
  - Gather the required supporting documents:
    
    A cover letter detailing your project and how you plan to carry it out.
    
    Your transcripts for the current academic year (only if you are transferring from a university other than UGA).
    
    Any additional documents that help explain or clarify the nature of your project.
  Step 3: Submitting the Application
  Once your application is complete:
  - Please visit the registrar's office for the program you will be joining after your gap year.
  - Submit your application in person.
  - Be sure to obtain a receipt dated the day of filing.
  Please note: Your request must be submitted before classes begin. After this deadline, no requests will be accepted.
  Special Considerations for Moving Abroad
  If you are taking a gap year outside of metropolitan France (abroad or in the overseas territories), the safety procedure is mandatory:
  - 15 days before your departure (at the latest): Fill out the "UGA Safety" online form.
  - Verification: This step ensures that your destination is not high-risk and that your health coverage (insurance, repatriation) is adequate.
  - Forwarding: Once you receive the confirmation email, forward it immediately to your gap year advisor.
  Useful Documents to Download
- Are you a current or prospective student at the École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Grenoble (ENSG - UGA)? At ENSAG, gap years are supervised: an agreement is signed between the student, the school administration, and an advisor, specifying the details of the gap year, the student’s connections, the support provided, and the completion of the experience through the submission of an activity report.
  
  For more information:
  Visit the ENSAG websiteat
  
  Contact:
  vie.etudiante@grenoble.archi.fr
- Are you a current or prospective student at Grenoble INP-UGA? At Grenoble INP-UGA, gap years are supported by academic guidance that helps you maintain your connection with the school. Your project must be clearly defined for the entire period.
  
  For more information:
  Visit the websites of the Grenoble INP-UGA schools
- Are you a current or prospective student at Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA? Sciences Po Grenoble offers two types of gap years: with or without academic support.
  
  For more information:
  Visit the Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA website
  
  Contact:
  philippe.teillet@iepg.fr

Published on 18 August 2025
Updated on 23 September 2026

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