Germany recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and most states offer "educational leave" (in German: Bildungsurlaub or Bildungszeit). During this additional time off work (on top of normal vacation leave), employees are able to concentrate exclusively on learning. The duration of educational leave is typically up to five working days in one calendar year, or ten working days over two consecutive years.
The regulation of educational leave is a federal state matter, i.e. each federal state determines policy. Only Bavaria and Saxony have no educational leave regulations.
The federal law applying to you will depend on the location of your employer or where you mainly work. You will therefore need to check if 1. you meet the conditions for being granted educational leave; and 2. if the program you intend to join is eligible. Please check your local regulation while this overview (DE only) summarizes the different federal approaches.
In the state of Berlin, ESMT Berlin is a state-recognized private university. Our programs are therefore automatically recognized under the Berliner Bildungszeitgesetz if they meet the following conditions:
- The program lasts at least one day
- A program day lasts at least 6 hours of 45 minutes each
Check the program schedule to see whether these conditions are met.
ESMT Berlin is also recognized by the following federal states to offer educational leave (however, please check the specific state policies):
Normally a proof of enrollment in the program is sufficient to apply for educational leave with your HR department.
This educational leave provision is primarily applicable for students in our Executive Education open programs, part-time MBA program, Global Online MBA program, and Executive MBA program.
