On this page, you will learn exactly how study leave works in South Africa.
Study Leave works differently for each industry in South Africa, and it is guided by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, sector-specific regulations, and employment contracts. If it is not written in your contract or policy manual, it is not guaranteed.
If your employer grants you a full paid study leave, you should count yourself amongst the lucky ones. Many employees would rather take their normal leave days in order to study and write their exams, as their employers will not offer any additional leave days for academic purposes, no matter how important or relevant the qualification is.
Generally, in South Africa, study leave across all industries works in the following five ways:
- Study leave is not a legal right unless it is part of your contract or sector policy.
- Study leave can be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer and the relevance of the studies.
- You must submit proof such as an exam timetable or registration letter.
- It is granted only if the course is related to your current job or duties.
- Employers can refuse the application if operations are affected or the studies are unrelated.
It is very common that employers refuse study leave even if you are improving yourself academically. If your studies do not benefit your employer, they are not legally required to support you.
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Study Leave for Different Industries in South Africa
Below we look at the different professions from different industries showcases how study leave works:
Study Leave for Teachers
Public school teachers are covered under the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM) policy. They are allowed up to 14 working days per calendar year for approved studies. The leave must be used specifically for writing exams or attending compulsory contact sessions. It must also be approved in advance by the principal and circuit manager.
Private school teachers are not covered by PAM. Their access to study leave depends on the internal school policies. Some private schools grant study leave as part of staff development, while others require you to use your annual leave.
Study Leave for University Lecturers, TVET Lecturers and Private College Lecturers
At public universities, permanent lecturers often qualify for paid study leave if they are pursuing postgraduate degrees or are involved in research activities. In some cases, this includes extended research sabbaticals. The application process is strict and usually goes through HR and academic line managers.
TVET college lecturers are employees of the Department of Higher Education and Training. Study leave is only granted for further studies aligned with curriculum development or improving teaching qualifications such as PGCE, B.Ed Honours or curriculum-relevant diplomas.
Private college lecturers depend entirely on company policy. There is no uniform rule. Most private institutions only allow unpaid leave or require staff to take annual leave for exam purposes.
Study Leave for Nurses
Nurses working in the public health sector may qualify for study leave through arrangements set by the Department of Health and the Public Service Bargaining Council. Study leave is generally approved for courses such as nursing diplomas, advanced clinical courses, or community health training, and must be part of a recognised training programme.
In the private healthcare sector, study leave is not standard. Employers such as private hospitals (e.g. Netcare, Life Healthcare, Mediclinic) have internal training programmes and may fund or support study leave only if the training benefits their operations.
Study Leave for Paramedics
Public sector paramedics employed under Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can apply for study leave for exam purposes or mandatory training updates (e.g. BTech or CPD courses). Leave days are usually capped, and time off is only granted if shifts can be covered without disrupting emergency services.
Private ambulance services do not follow a national policy. Study leave depends on what is agreed between the employee and employer. Some offer unpaid leave or allow flexible shifts during exam weeks.
Study Leave for Police Officials
South African Police Service (SAPS) has an internal policy that allows study leave for employees who are studying approved law enforcement, policing, criminology, or public management courses. The leave must be applied for through HR and will only be granted if:
- The institution is recognised
- The course improves the officer’s ability to serve in SAPS
- Operations will not be disrupted by the absence
Study leave is usually approved for exams only, not for general coursework.
Study Leave for Correctional Services Officials
Correctional Services employees can apply for study leave through the Department of Correctional Services HR policy, particularly if they are enrolled in public administration, criminology, security management, or psychology courses. Each case is considered individually.
If you are studying a non-related course, you will most likely be forced to take unpaid leave or use annual leave.
Study Leave for Social Workers
Social workers in the public sector, especially those employed under Department of Social Development, are allowed to apply for study leave if they are upgrading their qualifications (e.g. Honours in Social Work, Master’s in Clinical Social Work, etc.). The studies must be part of skills development planning. Time off is usually limited to exam days.
Private NGO workers and social workers in the non-profit sector do not automatically qualify for study leave unless it is part of donor-funded projects or written into their contract.
So if you are planning on taking a study leave, you better check first if the organisational or company policy actually allows it, and if so, what the conditions are — like how many days, what proof you must submit, and whether it will be paid or unpaid.
Otherwise, you will have to buy a good chocolate for your manager, or take your normal days and act like it is just another sick day with an exam in between.
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