What is a Bildungsgutschein?
It is an education voucher (funding commitment) issued by the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter. It covers the costs of a qualification or training program (Weiterbildung/Umschulung) to increase your employment chances or improve your qualifications.
What does a Bildungsgutschein cover?
| Funding item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Full course fees | Paid directly to the approved training provider |
| Study materials | Books, tools, software |
| Official exams | Such as IHK, HWK, certificates |
| Travel costs | For in-person attendance – within certain limits |
| Accommodation (if needed) | When the training location is far from home |
| Childcare support | In certain cases – depending on family situation |
Who can get a Bildungsgutschein?
You can apply if you are:
Unemployed (arbeitslos) or at risk of losing your job.
Seeking a career upgrade to improve your chances.
Unable to find work with your current qualifications.
Want to change your profession (Umschulung).
Working part-time and looking for professional development.
Main requirement: Your advisor at the Agentur für Arbeit must agree that the program is “necessary” to improve your chances in the labor market.
Steps to obtain a Bildungsgutschein
Book a consultation appointment (Beratungstermin)
At the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter.
Prepare your documents: CV, certificates, previous jobs.
Explain your career plan
Clarify why this program will increase your chances.
It helps to come with the course name and training provider in advance.
Check the training provider
Must be recognized under § 81 SGB III
You can search via KURSNET
Receive the Bildungsgutschein
It specifies:
Type of funded qualification
Duration (in weeks)
The geographic area where you can study
The start deadline (usually 3 months)
Register with the approved course
Register using the voucher (Original) directly with the training provider.
Start training on the specified date.
Examples of supported Weiterbildung programs
| Field | Program examples |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | Fachinformatiker, Web development, IT support |
| Healthcare | Pflegehelfer, Betreuungskraft under §43b |
| Logistics & Transport | Forklift license, warehouse logistics |
| Trades & Maintenance | SHK technology, electrical engineering, building services engineering |
| Business Administration | Office management, SAP, project management |
| Digital Marketing | E-commerce, social media manager |
| Full Umschulung | From any profession to a new Ausbildung with an IHK certificate |
Where can I find these programs?
Use KURSNET:
https://kursnet-finden.arbeitsagentur.de
Select: “Mit Bildungsgutschein”
Choose the geographic area or Online study
Read the course description, duration, certificate, and entry requirements
Tips to increase your chances
Don’t go unprepared: have a clear plan of what you want and why.
Collect offers for specific courses (at least 3).
Be honest and convincing with the advisor.
Mention labor shortages in your chosen field (Engpassberufe).
Follow up quickly, as the voucher has a validity period.
ـ* The writers and editors team at the website strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and consulting multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or unconfirmed information may be included. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
