We understand that sometimes it’s easy to fall behind when life begins to take over. If you find you are unable to study (e.g. illness, family circumstances) please inform us as soon as possible by emailing education@rbge.org.uk.

You can apply to extend or defer your studies until you are able to re-commence. This will depend on your circumstances and our circumstances. Please note that Diplomas do not run every year. There will generally be a fee or admin charge depending on which course you are studying.

Additional fees will be applicable, the amount of which varies depending on your circumstances. You may only apply once for a deferral during a course of study. Please note that some Diploma courses do not have intakes every year so it may not be possible to start in the following year. You may defer for up to one year unless the course does not have an intake for more than a year. RBGE may discontinue courses so please bear this in mind. Please get in touch with your tutor or the Education Office (education@rbge.org.uk) in the first instance. We will endeavour to help you get back on track so please contact us at the earliest opportunity so we can support you.

Extensions

Extension will be the preferred option to help you get back on track. Depending on the reason, there may be a charge for this. Please get in touch with us to discuss the options.

Formal Application for Deferral – RBGE Diplomas

Deferral in Years 1 and 2 to next intake*

If you are unwell and provide a medical letter from a Doctor, a £50 admin fee will be charged for deferral. If you defer for other reasons, the fee will be based on how many modules you have completed e.g. for the RBGE Botanical Illustration Diploma there is a £250 fee for each incomplete module of which there are 4 in Year 1 and 4 in Year 2.

*This may be two years later, as the Online Diplomas usually have a new intake of students every two years

Formal Application for Deferral – RBGE Certificates

Deferral to another intake**

If you are unwell and provide a medical letter from a Doctor, a £50 admin fee will be charged for deferral. If you defer for other reasons, the fee will be based on how many modules you have completed. e.g. for the Certificate in BI, £60 for each incomplete module.

** The online BI Certificate course runs twice a year

Online RHS Certificates and Online Short Courses

If at any time you would like to take a break from your short course or RHS studies, please email us at education@rbge.org.uk. We can freeze your enrolment until you are ready to start again.