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Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Saxony-Anhalt

In Saxony-Anhalt you are entitled under the Bildungsfreistellungsgesetz (BfG LSA) to 5 working days of Bildungsurlaub per calendar year, paid and on top of your annual leave. The law calls it Bildungsfreistellung. You apply to your employer as a rule 6 weeks before the course starts.

Compiled by Bildungszeit from the statute · Law read on 1 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
usually 6 weeks
No reply
not approved automatically

Under the Bildungsfreistellungsgesetz (BfG LSA)

How to get your Bildungsurlaub in Saxony-Anhalt

  1. from month 7

    You are entitled

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

    § 2 Abs. 4 BiFreistG ST
  2. Course

    A course recognized in Saxony-Anhalt

    Each course is recognized individually. 5 days per calendar year (vocational training only, including cross-occupational content such as foreign languages or computer skills combined with key skills, plus vocational qualifications and the related examinations)

  3. 6 weeks before

    Apply as a rule 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

    As a rule, your employer notifies you of a rejection no later than 3 weeks before the course starts, but at least 3 working days beforehand.

    § 4 Abs. 2 Satz 2 BiFreistG ST
  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 Saxony-Anhalt?

Who is entitled in Saxony-Anhalt?

Covered: employees, trainees, and home workers.

Not covered: civil servants, soldiers, and judges.

5 days per calendar year (vocational training only, including cross-occupational content such as foreign languages or computer skills combined with key skills, plus vocational qualifications and the related examinations)

Does this apply in small businesses too?

In companies with fewer than 5 employees, the entitlement may not apply pursuant to § 4 Abs. 3 Satz 2 BiFreistG ST. The reference date is April 30.

Can I save up days or combine them?

  • Combining: two years together, up to 10 days

Recognized courses in Saxony-Anhalt

All 16 courses for Saxony-Anhalt →

More questions about Bildungsurlaub

Bildungsurlaub in the other states