Departing & Returning Missionaries
Use the Departing Missionary Checklist if you are preparing to defer.
Timing
BYU students who want to defer their enrollment while serving a mission must complete the online Mission Deferment. Deferment is for the purpose of completing a mission. Enrollment cannot be deferred for any other purpose. To defer both enrollment and scholarships without having to re-apply for admission, keep in mind the following:
- You must first be admitted to BYU as a degree-seeking student. Applicants are encouraged to apply prior to serving.
- The deferment must be submitted after you receive your mission call, but before the end of the semester in which you are due to enroll. This applies to all students, both newly admitted and those with continuing status.
- If you were admitted for spring or summer term, you have until the end of fall semester to submit the deferment.
- Students on academic suspension or dismissal are not eligible for deferment.
- Continuing students may take leave of absence prior to deferment but must enroll at BYU within a given time period. See the Leave of Absence Checklist for more information
- If you are unsure about the timing of your deferment or experience delays in your mission, contact Enrollment Services.
| Return from Mission | Enroll No Later Than |
| October – April | Fall Semester |
| May – September | Winter Semester |
Registration
Submitting a deferment blocks eligibility to register for classes. Please note:
- If you plan to begin your mission during a semester or term, you should not register for any classes for that semester or term. If you attempt to defer, the system will prohibit you from deferring until your classes have been dropped. You will need to contact Enrollment Services if you wish defer without dropping your classes.
- If you plan to complete a semester or term prior to leaving on your mission.
- It is expected that newly admitted students either register for classes the semester that they are admitted or submit a deferment. If you are not enrolled and do not complete a deferment, you may be asked to re-apply for admission.
- If you are unsure about your deferment, contact Enrollment Services.
Use the Returning Missionary Checklist for the details you need to return to BYU following your mission.
Timing
It is necessary to enroll within a certain amount of time after returning from your mission (see chart below). Failure to enroll by the appropriate semester may result in having to reapply for admission. You will be expected to attend the semester/term indicated on your deferment. Failure to attend may result in the loss of enrollment eligibility and the loss of classes for future enrollment. Please note that it is not possible to take a Leave of Absence directly after a mission.
| Return from Mission | Enroll No Later Than |
| October – April | Fall Semester |
| May – September | Winter Semester |
International
International students on deferment will need to submit financial verification and the International Student Deposit a few months before the semester you are due to return. Registration holds will be put on the account until these requirements are completed.