Quick Start: Can I Use Flemish Training Leave?
You may be eligible if:
- You work at least 80% for a private-sector employer in Flanders.
- You are enrolled in an approved course, training programme, or examination.
- Your course meets Flemish government requirements and is included in the approved training database or another qualifying category.
- You actively attend classes and participate in any required assessments.
- You notify your employer and submit the required registration documentation.
Good news for internationals: many Dutch language courses offered by recognized providers in Leuven, such as CVO CLT, CVO Volt, and ILT, are included in the eligible training database.
What Is Flemish Training Leave (VOV)?
Flemish Training Leave (Vlaams Opleidingsverlof or VOV) is a scheme that helps employees combine work and education. It gives eligible employees the opportunity to take leave for approved training while continuing to receive their salary.
The system is designed to encourage lifelong learning, professional development, and language acquisition. It is particularly useful for internationals who want to:
- Improve their Dutch language skills
- Gain Belgian professional qualifications
- Develop new career skills
- Follow job-related training programmes
- Obtain formal educational credentials
If you wish to use VOV, you must coordinate the process with your employer's HR department.
Eligibility Requirements for Flemish Training Leave
To benefit from Flemish Training Leave, both your employment situation and your course must meet specific requirements.
Employment status
This is for employees in the private sector who work at least 80% part-time (before Sept. 2025 it was 50%) in Flanders. To find out more about what is meant by "private sector," you can go here (article in Dutch).
Course conditions
You must be enrolled in a course for at least 32 hours, 3 credits, or a career-oriented training. The course must also be in the training database (more info in Dutch here). You must actively follow the training course, meaning that you are present in class and take the final assessment.
Keeping your employer up to date
You should inform your employer if you were not present in class, do not participate in the final assessment, or if you stop the training. You are entitled to 1 hour of educational leave for every hour of class attended (with a maximum of 125 hours per school year). You are responsible for keeping track of your own attendance.
Which Courses Entitle You to Take Educational Leave?
- Courses in the training database (link in Dutch) = Dutch courses at CVO CLT, CVO Volt, and ILT are included in this database
- Career-oriented courses (link in Dutch)
- Exams with the Flemish Examination Committee for Secondary Education (link in Dutch)
- EVC courses (Dutch required)
Attention Important: Since September 2025, the minimum employment requirement increased from 50% to 80%, making the scheme more restrictive than before.
How to Apply for Flemish Educational Leave
- Check whether you satisfy all the conditions for taking Flemish training leave (VOV).
- Notify the training provider that you wish to make use of VOV.
- Submit the registration certificate to your employer (with the VOV number).
- Calculate with your employer the number of hours of VOV and schedule the leave.
- Follow the training conscientiously.
Your Responsibilities During the Course
To keep your entitlement:
- Attend classes regularly.
- Participate in mandatory evaluations.
- Inform your employer if you stop the course.
- Notify your employer about significant absences.
- Keep records of your attendance.
Why Flemish Training Leave Is Valuable for Internationals
Learning Dutch and understanding the Belgian workplace can significantly improve your integration and career prospects in Flanders.
Flemish Training Leave can help you:
- Improve communication at work
- Increase employability
- Access career advancement opportunities
- Gain recognised qualifications
- Balance professional development with your existing job
For many newcomers, it can make Dutch classes far more accessible because course attendance can be combined with paid working time.
Helpful Dutch Vocabulary
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Vlaams Opleidingsverlof (VOV) | Flemish Training Leave |
| Opleiding | Training / Course |
| Werkgever | Employer |
| Werknemer | Employee |
| Inschrijving | Registration |
| Aanwezigheid | Attendance |
| Eindbeoordeling | Final Assessment |
| Opleidingsdatabank | Training Database |
| Loopbaangerichte opleiding | Career-Oriented Training |
| Human Resources (HR) | Human Resources |
| Verlof | Leave |
| Voltijds | Full-time |
| Deeltijds | Part-time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Flemish Training Leave for Dutch classes?
Yes, many Dutch courses offered by recognised schools are included in the Flemish training database and can qualify for VOV. Always verify the specific course before registering.
Do I need to work full-time?
No. However, you must generally work at least 80% in the private sector to be eligible.
Does every course qualify?
No. Only approved courses and training programmes meeting Flemish government criteria are eligible.
How many hours of leave can I receive?
You may receive one hour of leave per hour attended, up to a maximum of 125 hours per academic year.
What happens if I miss classes?
You should inform your employer and continue to meet attendance requirements. Excessive absences may affect your entitlement.
Can I apply after my course starts?
Deadlines and procedures can vary. Contact your training provider and HR department as early as possible to avoid issues.
Where can I check whether my course is eligible?
The best place to verify eligibility is the official Flemish training database before enrolling.