A study leave application letter needs to show your employer why the training benefits the business — not just you. Study leave is not a statutory right for most UK workers (except 16–17 year olds under s.63A of the Employment Rights Act 1996). Your employer can refuse your request unless your study leave is required by a modern award (AU), your employment contract, or a sector-specific entitlement.

Key Takeaways

  • There is no general statutory right to paid study leave for adult workers in the UK. The exception is 16–17 year olds, who have a right to reasonable time off for study or training under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
  • Your best chance of approval is to frame the study as a direct benefit to your employer — new skills, better performance, or professional accreditation for the company’s benefit.
  • Some UK sectors grant study leave by regulation — including NHS staff, trainee solicitors, and apprentices.
  • Australian employees may have study leave rights under their modern award — check your award at fairwork.gov.au.
  • Give at least 4–6 weeks’ notice for exam dates or training commitments.
  • Put your application in writing — even if your employer informally agrees, a written letter creates a clear record of the arrangement.

Template Letter: Study Leave Application (UK)

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Subject: Study Leave Request — [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to request study leave in connection with my ongoing professional development.

**Details of the study:**

I am currently enrolled in [course name / qualification] with [institution or provider]. The course runs from [start date] to [end date] and covers [brief summary of content relevant to your role].

**Leave requested:**

I would like to request study leave for the following dates:
- [Date 1] — [e.g., exam / coursework deadline / training session]
- [Date 2] — [e.g., revision day]
- [Date 3] — [e.g., coursework submission]

I am requesting that this be [paid study leave / unpaid study leave / covered by annual leave / a combination], as per the company's learning and development policy.

**Benefit to the company:**

This qualification will benefit [Company Name] by:
- [Benefit 1 — e.g., developing skills directly relevant to my current role]
- [Benefit 2 — e.g., gaining a recognised qualification that adds credibility to our team]
- [Benefit 3 — e.g., enabling me to take on additional responsibilities in X area]

**Coverage:**

During my absence, I will ensure [Name] has the relevant handover notes and that any urgent matters are covered.

I have discussed this informally with you, and I am now making a formal written request. Please let me know if you require any additional information.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Study Leave Rights by Country

Country Study Leave Entitlement
UK No general statutory right. s.63A Employment Rights Act 1996 — 16–17 year olds have a right to reasonable time off for study or training leading to an accredited qualification. Sector-specific rights for NHS staff, trainee solicitors, teachers, and apprentices.
US No statutory study leave right. Some employers offer tuition assistance or professional development leave as a benefit.
AU Modern awards may include study leave provisions. No NES entitlement to study leave for most employees.
NZ No statutory study leave right. Some sector-specific provisions in employment agreements.

How to Improve Approval Chances

Factor What Helps What Hurts
Relevance Study directly relates to your current role Study is in an unrelated field
Timing Requested during a quiet business period Requested during peak season
Notice 4–6 weeks in advance A few days before the exam
Cost to employer Requesting unpaid leave or using annual leave Expecting paid leave with no policy precedent
Coverage Clear handover plan in place No plan — expects employer to cover
Company policy Studying a qualification the company endorses Studying for a personal interest only

Study Leave for Specific Sectors

NHS Study Leave

NHS employees, particularly doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, have contractual or regulatory study leave entitlements. The NHS Study Leave Policy covers time off for continuing professional development (CPD), mandatory training, and professional exams. NHS study leave is typically paid and does not reduce annual leave entitlement.

Trainee Solicitors (UK)

Solicitors completing their Professional Skills Course (PSC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) may receive study leave as part of their training contract. The SRA requires training firms to provide reasonable time off for study and exams.

Apprentices

Apprentices in the UK are entitled to paid time off for study as part of their apprenticeship agreement. The 20% off-the-job training requirement is a statutory minimum.

Teachers (UK)

Teachers in maintained schools have contractual study leave entitlements. The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) provides for directed time and professional development days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to prove exam dates for study leave?

Most employers accept a copy of your exam timetable, a letter from the course provider, or a training schedule. This is reasonable evidence that the study leave is genuine.

Can I be refused study leave if I am using annual leave for it?

No. If you are using annual leave, you are not requesting study leave — you are requesting annual leave. Your employer can approve or deny the specific dates but cannot refuse because it is for study. Annual leave can be taken for any purpose.

Does study leave include travel time to exams/training?

It depends on your employer’s policy. Some employers count only the exam or training time as study leave and require you to travel outside working hours. Others include reasonable travel time.

Can I take study leave for online courses?

Yes, if your employer recognises the course as relevant to your role. The same rules apply — you request time off to attend the online training session, complete coursework, or sit an online exam.

Is study leave paid or unpaid?

It depends on your employer’s policy and your sector. NHS study leave is typically paid. Many professional services firms offer paid study leave for professional exams. In other sectors, study leave may be unpaid, or you may need to use annual leave.

Track Study Leave and Professional Development

Leave Balance helps employees and managers track study leave requests, CPD days, and exam absences alongside annual leave and sick leave — so nothing falls through the cracks when you are building your skills.

You can take advantage of the free 14 days trial and explore Leave Balance.