continuous residence towards ILR for spouse Visa

HI,

My partner has been out of country for 9 months continuously due to her studies overseas ! Would this be considered as a valid compassionate reason so we can still apply for ILR ( after two extensions as dependant to make 5 years years in total including 9 months out of country )and her continuity in UK has NOT been broken ?

What category dependent visa exactly does she hold? There are many cateries and routes.

When was the last visa extension granted/approved, the exact date?