Who writes it
Students write to a class teacher or principal; employees write to a reporting manager or HR; teachers and professors write to a head of department or principal. The structure is the same — only the level of formality and the details change.
What to include
- Exact dates — the first and last day of leave, and the total number of days.
- The type of leave if your institution uses categories (sick, casual, earned, maternity).
- A short, honest reason. One or two sentences is enough; you don't need to share private medical details.
- How work or studies will be handled: a colleague covering, notes you'll catch up on, a handover.
- Whether you can be reached, and any document you'll attach, such as a medical certificate.
Sample sick leave application from a student
Use this as a reference for structure and tone. Your own application should reflect your real details — the writer above builds one from your situation.
To,
The Principal
Greenfield Public School
Date: 6 October 2026
Subject: Application for sick leave from 6 to 8 October
Respected Madam,
I am Aarav Mehta, a student of Class 9-B. I am writing to request leave from 6 to 8 October 2026, as I have a high fever and the doctor has advised three days of rest.
I will collect the notes and homework I miss from my classmates and complete them as soon as I return. A copy of the doctor's prescription is attached.
I request you to kindly grant me leave for these three days.
Yours obediently,
Aarav Mehta
Class 9-B, Roll No. 14
Tips that help it get approved
- Send it as early as you can. For planned leave, a week's notice is common at workplaces.
- For sudden illness, a short application sent the same day is better than a perfect one sent later — you can attach certificates afterwards.
- If you're writing on behalf of a child, write as the parent or guardian and mention the student's class and roll number.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out the return date — it's the detail managers and teachers need most.
- Over-explaining or over-apologizing. Courteous and brief reads as more confident.
- Copying a template that mentions situations that aren't yours.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a leave application be?
Usually 100–200 words in two to four short paragraphs. Longer leave, such as maternity or study leave, may need more detail about handover and return plans.
Can I send a leave application by email?
Yes. Put the subject line in the email subject, paste the body into the message, and attach any certificates. You can also export a PDF or Word file and attach it if your institution prefers a formal document.
Do I need to give the reason for leave?
A brief reason helps the request get approved, but you can keep personal or medical details general — for example, “for a personal family matter” or “on medical advice.”