Educational leave
This information is for public servants (Federal government employees). If you want to continue your education while employed, you may request leave without pay to do so. In special circumstances, you may even receive an allowance to continue your studies.
On this page
- Conditions for leave
- Educational allowance
- Duration of leave
- Record your leave
- Claim employment insurance
Conditions for educational leave
If your manager considers that your education is needed by or relevant to the organization, they may approve your request for leave without pay. Meanwhile, this type of leave is discretionary. That is, the manager may approve or deny your request.
As a condition of approval, you will likely need to provide written notification that you will return to work for a period of not less than the period of authorized leave.
Refer to the relevant authorities such as your collective agreement and/or the various terms and conditions of employment specific to your classification group for more information.
Educational allowance
You may receive an allowance of up to 100% of your salary while on educational leave. The allowance is discretionary (that is, dependent upon your manager’s approval).
If your manager approves an allowance, the amount you receive will depend on how relevant the education is for your organization.
You will be required to repay all or part of your allowance if you:
- do not return to work
- cease to be employed other than in circumstances of your death or lay-off or
- fail to complete the course
Duration of leave
Generally, leave may be approved for varying periods of up to one year and can subsequently be renewed. Refer to the relevant authorities, such as your collective agreement and/or the various terms and conditions of employment specific to your classification group, for the specifics on approving educational leave.
Record your leave
Once your leave is approved and recorded, your manager will notify your departmental human resources section, who will in turn provide the necessary information to the Pay Centre under cover of a pay action request form. The Pay Centre will take the appropriate action to temporarily stop your salary and provide you with detailed information about the effects of your leave without pay on your pay and any related benefits or insurances.
Claim employment insurance
A web-based record of employment will be completed on your behalf and retained at Employment and Social Development Canada. If you wish to make a claim for employment insurance, you will need this record to establish your eligibility and level of benefits. Find out more at Employment Insurance: Regular benefits.