Apply for educational leave in North Rhine-Westphalia

State rules

What applies in North Rhine-Westphalia

Entitlement

5 days per year

Notice period

6 weeks before the start

Legal basis

Employee Further Education Act NRW (AWbG)

Who may apply

After six months with the employer. Very small companies may refuse under specific conditions.

How to apply

Step by step to educational leave

In your federal state the application is due 6 weeks before the start.

1. 01

   Check your entitlement

   Confirm whether your federal state has an educational-leave law and whether you have completed the required waiting period with your employer.

2. 02

   Choose a recognised course

   Select a seminar recognised in your federal state — for example a retreat on Gran Canaria.

3. 03

   6 weeks before

   Apply 6 weeks before the start

   In North Rhine-Westphalia, the written application usually needs to reach the employer 6 weeks before the seminar starts.

4. 04

   Wait for release from work

   Your employer reviews the request. Refusal is only possible in narrow statutory exceptions.

5. 05

   Seminar week

   Attend the seminar

   You attend the seminar days. Your salary continues — and the break from stress begins.

6. 06

   Afterwards

   Submit the certificate of attendance

   After the course, submit the certificate to your employer and keep it for your tax return.