A: According to Article 65 of the "National Tsing Hua University Academic Regulations" regarding applications for extending a leave of absence after the initial two-year limit:

The regulations for graduate students concerning the preservation of admission eligibility, fee payment, registration, course selection, credit transfer, grade changes, leaves of absence (including suspension and resumption of studies), dual enrollment, dual degrees, and dismissal are handled in accordance with the relevant provisions for undergraduate students.

However, a leave of absence for doctoral students is, in principle, limited to a cumulative total of two academic years. For students suffering from a serious illness (with documentation from a regional hospital or higher contracted by the Bureau of National Health Insurance) or those with special circumstances (with relevant supporting documents), an extension may be granted upon approval by the Department, Institute, or Degree Program Committee and subsequent authorization by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The total cumulative leave of absence period is capped at six academic years. Periods of leave taken due to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare for children under the age of three (with supporting documentation) do not count toward this cumulative limit.

Therefore, if you wish to apply for an extension of your leave of absence, you must provide the following documents:

1. A Personal Statement: Please clearly describe the reasons and necessity for extending your leave.

2. Support Statement from Advisor: A written statement of support signed by your advising professor.

3. Medical Certification: A diagnostic certificate issued by a regional hospital (or higher) contracted by the National Health Insurance Bureau.

Please submit the electronic files of the aforementioned documents so they can be included for discussion in the upcoming Degree Program Committee meeting.