Study Leave
Study leave is time off work granted to employees for educational purposes such as attending courses, preparing for exams, or completing professional qualifications.
leave-types
Category
beginner
Difficulty
4 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Study leave is time off work granted to employees for educational purposes such as attending courses, preparing for exams, or completing professional qualifications.
Detailed explanation
Study leave allows employees to take time off for education and professional development. This might include attending training courses, preparing for professional exams, or completing academic programs.
There is no statutory right to paid study leave in the UK, but many employers offer it as part of their learning and development programs. Some professions, like accountancy and law, commonly include study leave provisions.
Study leave benefits both employers and employees: employees gain new skills and qualifications, while employers benefit from a more skilled workforce and improved retention.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employees request study leave for approved training or qualifications. Employer grants leave based on policy and relevance to the role. Leave may be paid or unpaid.
Best practices
Link study leave to approved qualifications
Set clear annual limits
Track return on investment
Frequently asked questions
Am I entitled to paid study leave?
There is no statutory right to paid study leave. It depends on your employer's policy and may be linked to specific qualifications or training programs.
Related glossary terms
Annual Leave
Annual leave is paid time off from work that employees are entitled to take each year for rest, relaxation, and personal activities.
Unpaid Leave
Unpaid leave is time off work where the employee does not receive their regular salary, typically used when paid leave entitlements are exhausted or for specific personal reasons.
Sabbatical
A sabbatical is an extended period of leave from work, typically for personal development, travel, research, or rest, often offered to long-serving employees.