Did you know that in Brussels, as in the rest of Belgium, workers are entitled to paid educational leave? Thanks to this invaluable right, all employees can undergo training, further their studies, and develop new skills throughout their careers while continuing to receive their salaries. In this month’s newsletter, the Expat Welcome Desk explains how this leave works, who is eligible, how to apply, and where to find training programmes.

Who is eligible?

All employees working in the Brussels-Capital Region are eligible for paid educational leave. The region responsible for processing the application is determined on the basis of the employer's place of business.

The following categories of employee are entitled to paid educational leave:

• Employees working in the private sector or as contract workers for autonomous public enterprises (such as Proximus or Bpost). Employees of public entities (such as the federal state, communities, regions or municipalities) are excluded, as are teachers.

• Employees working full-time or part-time, provided they work the equivalent of at least 25% of a full-time job. Part-time workers, including those on time credit or parental leave, are entitled to educational leave proportionate to their working hours.
• Employees under a contract of employment (including temporary work contracts, first-job agreements, or student work contracts, etc.), or working under the authority of a person without a formal contract for one or more employers.

When to take educational leave and for how many hours?

Paid educational leave can be requested at any time of the year, depending on course availability. However, some courses have specific start dates, particularly academic courses or professional programmes with a set duration.

A full-time worker may take leave corresponding to the number of course hours actually attended – up to an annual cap of 80, 120, or 180 hours, depending on the type of training and whether it coincides with working hours.

For part-time workers, the duration of paid educational leave is calculated in the same way as for full-time workers, but in proportion to their weekly working hours.

How to apply?

1. Identify an eligible training course

Look for training courses in tune with your professional or personal goals from recognised platforms or accredited schools. There are two types of training courses accredited for educational leave: professional and general.

Professional training courses include:

• University or higher education courses held in the evenings or at weekends;
• Some adult education courses;
• Entrepreneurial training courses (business leadership, refresher and advanced courses, retraining);
• Training shortage occupations, provided by the regional employment services;
• Sector-specific training courses approved by joint committees;
• Professional training programmes approved by regional accreditation bodies.

Accredited “general” courses include in particular courses organised by trade unions and training organisations created or approved by said unions.

There is a vast choice available, from language courses to a master’s degree programme or specialised vocational training!

Please note:

• Workers are not entitled to paid educational leave for training courses given outside of Belgium.
• The training does not have to be related to the worker’s occupation or the employer’s business.
• Online self-study platforms are not accredited.

For more information, go to this webpage from the Brussels-Capital Region authorities.

2. Submit a request to your employer

Inform your employer that you intend to enrol in a training course and request permission to use your paid educational leave hours.

3. Provide supporting documents

You will have to submit a certificate of enrolment for the course and proof of attendance in order for your application to be valid.

4. Comply with attendance requirements

You must attend the classes and provide your employer with proof of attendance (such as a certificate of attendance). This certificate must be submitted to your employer every quarter in order to continue to benefit from paid educational leave. If you accumulate more than 10% unjustified absences, you will lose your entitlement to paid educational leave for a period of six months. 

Where to do your training?

Training courses can be taken:

• At training centres in Belgium: These centres offer a wide range of programmes that include languages, management training, or technical skills.
• Online: Many eligible training courses are available online which can only mean greater flexibility.
• In accredited educational institutions: Universities and higher education institutions in Belgium offer programmes that qualify for paid educational leave.

Duty to inform your employer

To organise paid educational leave in optimal fashion, it is vital to plan it in consultation with your employer. It is moreover important to submit certificates of attendance, as indicated above.

Can the employer refuse a request for paid educational leave? No. Paid educational leave is a worker’s right. If the worker meets all the conditions, the employer cannot refuse the request.

Further information

• Paid educational leave
• Paid educational leave in the Brussels-Capital Region