Do Students Need Sick Notes?
Many schools, colleges, and universities require medical evidence for:
● Exam absence
● Deadline extensions
● Attendance monitoring
Policies vary, but evidence is commonly requested for illness lasting longer than a few days.
Are Online Sick Notes Accepted by Educational Institutions?
In most cases, yes.
Institutions generally accept sick notes if they:
● Are issued by a registered UK clinician
● Cover the relevant dates
● Are medically justified
They should not reject a note solely because it was issued online.
What About Short-Term Illness?
For brief illness:
● Self-certification or personal statements are often sufficient
● Medical notes should not be demanded unnecessarily
This aligns with NHS and UK guidance.
Can Students Get Sick Notes Online?
Yes — online assessment is particularly helpful for students who:
● Are away from home
● Cannot access local GP services
● Need timely documentation
Services like Dr Sicks provide legitimate medical assessment without requiring campus GP registration.
Key Takeaways
● Online sick notes are usually accepted
● Institutions must act reasonably
● Short illness often does not require evidence
● Online access improves fairness


