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Special Requests for Students
Medical Letters, Sick Notes and Reports
If illness or a health condition has affected your studies, you may need medical evidence to support an absence, an application for special consideration or a request for additional support. Different types of requests require different documentation. Please read the information below to help you determine what you need.
1. Self-Certification for Short Absences
If you have been unwell for seven days or less, you should complete your university's self-certification form.
You can usually obtain this from your university department or download it from your university's website.
University policies generally determine whether self-certification is sufficient for short absences, including when an exam or assessment has been affected. We are unable to provide a separate NHS sick note for these short absences and will direct you back to your university's self-certification process.
2. NHS Fit Notes for Longer Absences
If your illness means you are unable to attend your studies for more than seven days, you may need an NHS fit note (also known as a sick note).
A fit note can be issued following an appropriate clinical assessment when a healthcare professional determines that one is necessary. It provides information about how your health affects your ability to carry out your usual activities.
If you are receiving care in hospital, the hospital team may also be able to provide the relevant documentation.
You can request a fit note via eConsult.
3. Medical Evidence for Special Consideration
If you are applying for special consideration, an extension or other academic support, you may need a medical report confirming a health condition that has affected your studies.
This may be appropriate if you have been experiencing an ongoing illness or health condition, even if you have not needed to take time away from your studies.
To request a report, please complete the medical evidence request form on your university's website.
Please be aware that completing a request does not guarantee that we will be able to provide the report. This will depend on the information available in your medical records and whether we can appropriately support the request.
4. Reports for Student Finance England
If you are applying for support through Student Finance England and need medical evidence to support your application, please complete the relevant form provided by Student Finance England.
If the form requires information or verification from your GP, please submit it to the surgery for consideration.
We can only provide information that is supported by your medical records and the care you have received.
5. Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is financial support available to eligible higher education students in England who have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty that affects their ability to study.
Depending on your circumstances, DSA may help fund additional study-related support, specialist equipment or other assistance.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your condition as part of your application. If you need your GP to complete a report or confirm information about your health, please submit the relevant documentation for consideration.
Please note that eligibility for DSA is determined by Student Finance England, and we cannot guarantee that a particular report will meet its requirements.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance, please visit the GOV.UK website: Disabled Students' Allowance – How to Apply.
6. Confirmation of Appointments
If your university requires confirmation that you attended an appointment at the surgery, please ask at reception.
We can advise you on the available options and whether any charges apply.
Important Information About Medical Reports
Some letters, reports and other forms of medical evidence are classed as private work and may incur a fee.
The cost will depend on the type of request and the work involved. Please contact the surgery for information about charges before submitting your request.
We recommend checking your university's requirements before requesting medical evidence, so you can ensure you are asking for the correct documentation.