Skip to content

Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in North Rhine-Westphalia

In North Rhine-Westphalia you are entitled under the Arbeitnehmerweiterbildungsgesetz (AWbG) to 5 working days of Bildungsurlaub per calendar year, paid and on top of your annual leave. The law calls it Arbeitnehmerweiterbildung. You apply to your employer no later than 6 weeks before the course starts.

Compiled by Bildungszeit from the statute · Law read on 20 September 2026 · Last updated 24 October 2026 · Spotted a mistake? Write to us

Your entitlement

5working days per calendar year

Waiting period
6 months
Notice period
6 weeks
No reply
deemed approved

Under the Arbeitnehmerweiterbildungsgesetz (AWbG)

How to get your Bildungsurlaub in North Rhine-Westphalia

  1. from month 7

    You are entitled

    As soon as you have worked for your employer for 6 months. Renewed every calendar year.

    § 3 Abs. 3 AWbG
  2. Course

    A course recognized in North Rhine-Westphalia

    The provider is recognized, not the individual course. You attach the program to your application.

  3. 6 weeks before

    Apply no later than 6 weeks before the start

    If your course starts on 1 March 2027, hand in your application before 18 January 2027.

  4. Reply

    Your employer replies

    If your employer doesn't reject it in writing and state the reasons within 3 weeks, the request is deemed approved.

  5. Course week

    You take part

    On full pay, on top of your annual leave.

When does my application have to be in?

Hand in your application to your employer before 18 January 2027

What else applies in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Who is entitled in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Covered: employees, trainees, home workers, and employee-like persons.

Different for trainees: 5 days for the entire training period (political education only)

Does this apply in small businesses too?

In companies with fewer than 10 employees, the entitlement may not apply pursuant to § 3 Abs. 7 Satz 2 AWbG.

In companies with no more than 50 employees, § 3 Abs. 7 Satz 1 AWbG adds a quota limit. It takes effect only together with the company size: your request can fail on it once the quota named there has also been reached in the company.

Can I save up days or combine them?

  • Combining: two years together, up to 10 days

Recognized courses in North Rhine-Westphalia

All 12 courses for North Rhine-Westphalia →

More questions about Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub in the other states