Parental Leave

Graduate students may apply for parental leave for one semester for the birth or adoption of a child under the following conditions:

  • Leave must begin within one year of the child’s birth
  • Leave must begin within one year after child enters the home
  • You will be the child’s primary caregiver during the time of the leave

If granted, parental leave will not count toward your time to degree. You can make arrangements to maintain access to university services while on leave.

International students should discuss this type of leave with the International Center to insure that practical training privileges after graduation would not be jeopardized. Please note that practical training requires you to be a full-time student for one academic year preceding Optional Practical Training.

International Students: Please note that all medical and non-medical leaves of absence must also be coordinated with the International Center.

To request a parental leave, please apply online via the Tufts Student Information System (SIS).

Parental Accommodation for AS&E PhD Students

Full-time AS&E PhD students may be eligible for a 12-week paid parental accommodation for new parents (this accommodation is in addition to the parental leave detailed above). GSAS PhD students interested in the paid parental accommodation should reach out to Sarah Herchel, Associate Dean, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, at gsas@tufts.edu, at least 90 days in advance of the expected leave. SOE PhD students should contact enggradstudies@tufts.eduLearn more about the parental accommodation and eligibility for AS&E PhD students.