Sick on Exam Day? Here’s What to Do and How to Handle It Properly

Written by:  Helene Ausserwöger, 30.10.2025

Your head is pounding, your nose is running, and tomorrow is the exam. A scenario many students know all too well, and it tends to strike at the worst possible moment. Especially after studying for weeks, getting sick right before an exam feels even more unfair.

But being ill isn’t a personal failure; it’s something that can happen to anyone. In this article, you’ll learn when you can still attend despite being sick, when it’s better to stay home, and how to withdraw from an exam correctly.

Table of Contents:

Ill on the Exam Day: What Now?

Your alarm rings, you want to get up and immediately realize that you are completely wiped out. Your throat is scratchy, your head’s pounding and of all days, today (or tomorrow) is your exam. In a situation like this, it is easy to panic. But it is much more important to stay calm and communicate your situation to someone first. 

If you inform people early and honestly, you can avoid unnecessary stress. If you simply stay away without notice, then this can quickly lead to problems. Here, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on what you should do.

Prioritize Your Health

If you genuinely feel sick, you should not force yourself to go to the exam – even if that’s difficult. Your health always comes first, and taking an exam while you’re unable to concentrate won’t benefit you in the long run. It’s usually better to stay home rather than go and end up leaving the exam.

Contact Your Institution

Contact your examiner and your university’s student service via email as early as possible. Some institutions also require you to report your absence through the online system or at the examination office. What matters most: don’t just skip the exam without notifying anyone!

Get a Medical Certificate

Get examined by a doctor on the same day and ask for a medical certificate, ideally one that states you’re unfit to take an exam. You’ll need this certificate as proof that you were unable to attend the exam for health reasons.

Consequences of Being Absent Without Excuse

Find out how withdrawal from an exam is regulated at your institution, because a no-show without notice can have unpleasant consequences. At the University of Vienna, for example, unexcused absence does not count as an exam attempt, but you will be barred from taking the exam at the next scheduled date. 

At FH Campus Wien, however, unexcused absence does count as an attempt, meaning you lose one. So make sure to submit your medical certificate as quickly as possible. Submitting it late may result in your withdrawal not being accepted.

Exam Withdrawal at University: The Most Common Reasons

Sometimes, there’s just no other way and an exam needs to be postponed. However, not every reason is automatically accepted. Universities usually require an important reason that can be verified.

Simple statements like “I did not study enough”, “I didn’t have time” or “I simply could not attend” are not enough. In most cases, you need a medical certificate or another official document to have your withdrawal accepted.

Typical and recognized reasons for withdrawing from an exam are:

  • Acute illness (e.g., flu, stomach flu, COVID-19, or acute psychological strain)
  • Accident or hospitalization
  • Family emergencies, such as a sudden illness or death in the family

When Is an Exam Withdrawal Accepted – and When Not?

Whether your exam withdrawal is accepted depends on whether you can prove that you were unable to take the exam. Usually, your withdrawal will be approved if you submit a doctor’s note or other proof that you were ill on the exam day.

A withdrawal can also be rejected when:

  • no medical certificate is submitted, or it is submitted too late;
  • the certificate is too vague or not credible (e.g., it only states “cold” without noting that you are unfit to take the exam);
  • you took the exam despite being ill and want to withdraw retroactively.

If you feel that your withdrawal was rejected unfairly, then you can turn to the ÖH or your student representatives for help. They can support you in submitting your case correctly and, if necessary, help you file an appeal.

Deadlines and Formalities: How to Properly Withdraw from an Exam

If you are not able to attend an exam due to being sick, then it is crucial for you to act immediately. In most cases, you will have to submit your withdrawal within a week after the exam date. 

This is how to submit your withdrawal correctly: 

  • Send the form or an email to your faculty’s examination office or the program director.
  • Attach a medical certificate or doctor’s note.
  • Include your name, date, exam name, and student ID number.

If you report that you’re sick before the exam, it’s usually not counted as a failed attempt. However, if you only report it afterwards, there’s a risk that your withdrawal will be treated as an exam attempt. So it’s best to send an email right away, even if you don’t have your medical certificate yet. 

Tip: Make sure to check your university’s examination regulations, as each institution has its own deadlines and requirements.

What to Do If Your Exam Withdrawal Request Is Rejected

Sometimes a withdrawal may be rejected despite submitting a medical certificate or other proof. In this case, there are several options to have your situation reviewed again.

  • File an appeal or submit an application for retroactive recognition (retroactive withdrawal for an important reason)
  • Speak with the program director or the ÖH to clarify the situation
  • Collect reasons that justify an appeal, such as:
    • the medical certificate was submitted afterwards,
    • the doctor’s appointment took place on the day of the exam,
    • proof of being unfit for the exam is available

Example email for an appeal:

Dear [name],
I would like to respectfully request a reconsideration of the decision regarding my exam withdrawal from [date]. As confirmed by the medical certificate issued on [date], I was medically unfit to attend the exam. I kindly ask for retroactive approval of my withdrawal.
Thank you very much for your time and understanding.
[Name, student ID number]

It’s worth appealing if you can prove you were ill or if your documents arrived a bit late but still before the deadline. Before taking action, consider whether the effort is worth it for you. At most universities, the worst that can happen is that you have to take the exam on the next date, but you don’t lose an attempt or get a grade. At an FH, the regulations may differ. Therefore, always make sure you know the specific rules that apply at your institution or within your study program.

What Happens After a Successful Exam Withdrawal?

A successful exam withdrawal mainly means that the exam does not count as attempted, and you do not receive a failed attempt. You can register again for the next available date, although some universities may require an official confirmation from the examination board.

Be sure to save all relevant papers, e.g. your doctor’s note, emails, and the official confirmation. This ensures you’re covered in case any questions come up. After withdrawing, take the time to rest and recover, and remember to register in advance for the next exam date.

Studying While Ill: What’s Realistic and What’s Not?

Not every illness automatically forces you to stop studying, but it is important to know your own boundaries. If you have a bit of a blocked nose or other mild symptoms, you can often continue studying as long as your concentration isn’t affected. The moment fever, exhaustion or clear difficulty concentrating comes into play, then taking a break is the smarter choice.

If you decide to study despite mild symptoms, try sticking to shorter study sessions, for example according to the 20-minute rule. Your body is already exhausted, so long study periods are usually less effective, and you’ll only retain very little from what you have studied. Focus on reviewing material you already know rather than learning new content. Sleep and eating well are more important now than any last-minute cramming. Otherwise, you’ll end up feeling even worse on exam day.

From a psychological perspective, it can help to remind yourself that withdrawing from an exam is not failure, but self-care. Your goal is not to overwork yourself, but to stay healthy and focused so you can perform well at the next exam date.

Even when you're sick: Listen to your body - only study as much as you can today! ©Adobe Stock
Even when you're sick: Listen to your body - only study as much as you can today! ©Adobe Stock

Conclusion & Checklist: Your Plan When You’re Unwell

If you get sick on the exam day, don’t panic: just stay calm and inform the university as soon as possible. With clear communication and timely documentation, you can avoid unnecessary stress and prepare all the better for the next exam date.

Your Checklist:

  • Sick on exam day? → Reach out to your examiner and the student services or examination office immediately
  • Visit a doctor and get a medical certificate
  • Send an email or form with your certificate to the examination office or student services
  • Pay attention to deadlines (usually within one week after the exam date)
  • Wait for a response; if there are any issues, contact the student union (ÖH) or your student representatives
  • Rest and then plan your new exam date

Remember that your health always comes first, and being sick is not a failure. Listen to your body, know your limits, and give yourself the time you need to recover. This way, you can return stronger and more focused for your next exam. Your body and your mind will thank you.

FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About Being Ill on the Exam Day

Yes, you can withdraw if you can prove that you are unable to take the exam, for example with a medical certificate or a hospital report. Simply saying “I don’t feel well” is not enough.

Yes. Fever, exhaustion, or strong cold symptoms can impair your concentration and memory.

Stress can weaken the immune system, making illnesses more likely during exam phases. Psychological pressure and lack of sleep can intensify this effect.

That depends on your institution. At many universities, a no-show without notice does not count as an attempt, but you will be barred from the next exam date. At an FH, however, it can count as an attempted exam, meaning you lose one attempt.

Inform your examiner and the examination office or student services via email immediately, visit a doctor on the same day, and get a certificate that confirms your inability to take the exam. Submit everything on time.

Usually, each exam must be offered at least twice per semester. That means there are four exam dates per year. The exact rules depend on your university and degree program.

Submitting a certificate too late may result in your withdrawal getting rejected. In that case, you may be barred from the next exam date, or the attempt may still count. In such situations, filing an appeal or requesting retroactive recognition can be worth it, especially if the medical certificate was issued on the exam day.

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