When Do You Need an Exam Deferral Letter?
An exam deferral letter (also called a medical certificate for deferred examination) is required when you miss a scheduled exam due to:
- Acute illness (flu, COVID, food poisoning, migraine)
- Mental health crisis (severe anxiety, panic attack, depressive episode)
- Chronic condition flare-up (Crohn's, fibromyalgia, MS)
- Injury (concussion, broken bone, surgery recovery)
- Medical emergency (hospitalization, ER visit)
Critical: Most Alberta universities have strict deadlines for submitting deferral documentation (usually 2-5 business days after the missed exam). Don't wait.
Deadlines by Institution
| Institution | Deadline to Submit | Where to Submit | Form Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alberta | Within 2 business days | Faculty office | Yes (Request for Deferred Exam form) |
| University of Calgary | Within 48 hours | Student Success Centre | Yes (online portal) |
| Mount Royal University | Within 3 business days | Department office | Yes (Deferred Exam Request) |
| MacEwan University | Within 3 business days | Faculty office | Yes (medical certificate form) |
| NAIT | Within 2 business days | Program office | Yes (medical documentation form) |
| SAIT | Within 3 business days | Academic advising | Yes (deferral request form) |
| Athabasca University | Within 5 business days | Student services | No (email with documentation) |
| Lethbridge College | Within 3 business days | Student services | Yes (medical note form) |
What Your Deferral Letter Must Include
Alberta universities typically require documentation that confirms:
1. Date of illness/incapacity - Must cover the exam date
2. Nature of condition - General category (not specific diagnosis required)
3. Functional impact - Why you couldn't write the exam
4. Provider information - Name, credentials, contact information
5. Signature and date - From a regulated healthcare provider
Important: You do NOT need to disclose your specific diagnosis. A statement like "This student was medically unable to attend their scheduled examination on [date]" is sufficient.
How to Get an Exam Deferral Letter Fast
Option 1: Walk-In Clinic
- Cost: $20-50 (some charge for forms)
- Timeline: Same day if you can get an appointment
- Limitation: Must be seen on or near the date of illness
- Risk: May not be able to get same-day appointment during busy periods
Option 2: University Health Centre
- Cost: Usually free with student health plan
- Timeline: 1-3 days for appointment
- Limitation: Limited hours, often fully booked during exam periods
- Risk: May not have availability before your deadline
Option 3: Emergency Room
- Cost: Free (covered by AHCIP)
- Timeline: Immediate (but long wait times)
- Limitation: Only appropriate for genuine emergencies
- Risk: ER doctors may not provide exam deferral letters
Option 4: MedLetter (Online)
- Cost: $49 (sick note/exam deferral)
- Timeline: Same day delivery
- Limitation: Must complete online assessment honestly
- Benefit: Available 24/7, no travel required, meets all university requirements
University-Specific Processes
University of Alberta Exam Deferral
1. Complete the "Request for Deferred Final Examination" form
2. Attach medical documentation covering the exam date
3. Submit to your Faculty office within 2 business days
4. Faculty reviews and approves/denies within 5 business days
5. If approved, deferred exam scheduled for next exam period
U of A specific rule: If you miss a midterm, the weight is usually transferred to the final exam. Deferral forms are typically only for final exams.
University of Calgary Exam Deferral
1. Log into your Student Centre
2. Submit deferral request through the online portal
3. Upload medical documentation
4. Submit within 48 hours of the missed exam
5. Deferred exam typically scheduled within 2-3 weeks
UCalgary specific rule: You can defer a maximum of 2 exams per term. More than 2 may require a meeting with your faculty advisor.
Mount Royal University Exam Deferral
1. Contact your department/program office
2. Complete the Deferred Exam Request form
3. Attach medical documentation
4. Submit within 3 business days
5. Deferred exam scheduled by the Registrar
What Happens After You Defer?
- Deferred exam: Usually scheduled 2-4 weeks after the original date
- Same format: The deferred exam covers the same material
- Same weight: Your deferred exam counts the same as the original
- One attempt: You typically get one chance to write the deferred exam
- No penalty: Your grade is not affected by the deferral itself
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Missing the deadline - Submit documentation ASAP, don't wait
2. Insufficient documentation - Ensure your letter covers the exam date specifically
3. Not following up - Confirm your deferral was approved
4. Not preparing - You still need to study for the deferred exam
5. Deferring too many exams - May trigger academic review
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I defer a midterm exam?
A: Policies vary. At U of A, midterm weight usually transfers to the final. At UCalgary, midterm deferrals are possible. Check your course syllabus and faculty policy.
Q: What if I was sick but didn't see a doctor on the day of the exam?
A: Some institutions accept documentation obtained within 24-48 hours of the illness. MedLetter can provide same-day documentation based on your reported symptoms.
Q: Can I defer if I have a mental health crisis?
A: Yes. Mental health conditions are treated the same as physical illness for deferral purposes. Your documentation just needs to confirm you were unable to attend.
Q: What if my deferral is denied?
A: You can appeal through your faculty's academic appeals process. Ensure your documentation clearly states you were medically unable to attend on the specific exam date.
Q: How many times can I defer the same exam?
A: Typically once. If you cannot write the deferred exam either, you may need to withdraw from the course or apply for special consideration.
Q: Will a deferred exam affect my GPA?
A: No. A deferred exam is graded the same as the original. There is no GPA penalty for deferring.