MYTHBUSTING GERMANY’S BILDUNGSGUTSCHEIN IN ENGLISH
Not too long ago, I warned our community about the make-believe digital nomad visa in Germany. The internet is at it again, and lately, I’ve been inundated with social media ads from Berlin-based educational institutions falsely claiming the German government will pay foreigners to take courses for free and in English. As if you can just magically move to Germany from abroad and be paid to go to school right away. I reported the ads as fraud, but they weren’t removed because our new social media “bro-archy” doesn’t care much about truth or quality content these days.
The claims boasted by these educational institutions are only somewhat valid. Unfortunately, their information is misleading and lacking in important details, offering false hope to people thinking about moving to Germany, or to those who have newly arrived.
Bookmark this Germany Life guide and read on for the full picture on how the Bildungsgutschein in English actually works, who genuinely qualifies, and how to find a program worth your time.
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THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BILDUNGSGUTSCHEIN IN ENGLISH
I find this trend of misleading advertising surrounding the Bildungsgutschein particularly troubling because it affects real people who are trying to build their lives in Germany. At The Berlin Life, we’ve built our community on providing you with complete, accurate information – even when the reality is more complex than a social media ad promises.
The Bildungsgutschein is a legitimate offering that helps many people advance their careers, but it comes with specific requirements that matter. Let me explain clearly how the program actually works, who is eligible to apply, and what steps you need to take if you think this might be right for you.
While you’re here, be sure to browse our career guides. You’ll find tips on writing CV’s, preparing for interviews, how to quit your job in Germany, and so much more. If you want help with your job search, check out our career coaching services.
The TL;DR: Bildungsgutschein Eligibility
What it is: A government-funded education voucher that covers approved training courses in Germany.
Who qualifies:
⭐ Registered residents of Germany
⭐ Lived and worked in Germany for 1+ year
⭐ Currently unemployed (registered with Agentur für Arbeit), facing unemployment, or need training to keep your job
What it covers: Government-approved courses from certified institutions (check KURSNET for 400,000+ options)
Important to know:
⭐ You must present a compelling case to the Employment Agency
⭐ Courses should align with Germany’s labor market demands
⭐ Not everyone who applies gets approved
⭐ This is NOT available to people moving to Germany from abroad
Bottom line: The Bildungsgutschein is a valuable opportunity for eligible residents already established in Germany but you need to meet specific requirements and follow the proper application process.
What is a Bildungsgutschein?
Aside from being one of those long, intimidating German words you’re terrified to pronounce in public, Bildungsgutschein simply means “educational voucher” in English.
You can apply for a Bildungsgutschein and, if approved, the German government will pay for you to take a course, be it a German language course, a data science course, or something else.
The idea behind the program is that you become appropriately upskilled to either find new employment or remain gainfully employed, thereby strengthening Germany’s workforce and enabling the country to remain competitive globally.
Can just anyone get a Bildungsgutschein?
Nope. Before you start shopping around for educational offerings or planning a move to Germany, you must understand that much of the online content is misleading.
There are specific requirements that must be met to qualify for a Bildungsgutschein. You must be:
⭐ A registered resident of Germany.
⭐ In one of three situations: unemployed and registered with the Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency), facing unemployment, or needing training to keep your current job.
⭐ Someone who has lived and worked in Germany for over a year, paying taxes and contributing to the social system.
If you cannot meet these basic conditions, you will NOT be eligible for an education voucher.
I meet the conditions. Can I take any course that I want?
Qualifying for the Bildungsgutschein is only the beginning.
The first thing you need to do is present a compelling case to the Employment Agency. You can’t just take any course you want. You need to choose a course offering from a government-approved institution. Check KURSNET for more than 400,000 approved offerings.
Secondly, you should select a subject that is somewhat relevant to your current profession and/or meets Germany’s labor market demands. For example, it’s not unusual for them to approve foreigners taking a German language class. They also approve complete career changes, but you’ll need to build a much stronger case showing your aptitude and willingness to complete the program successfully and, later, find a job.
Not sure which direction to train in? Our guide to the fastest growing jobs in Germany can help you identify where demand is heading before you commit to a program.
Sometimes, the Employment Agency won’t approve requests for more unfortunate reasons – some caseworkers won’t approve courses offered in English. With rising nationalism in Germany, this happens more often than not.
The positive news is that for the foreseeable future (workers’ rights are potentially on the decline), getting further education paid for is certainly doable. If you qualify and present a solid case, your request will most likely be approved, and if it isn’t, you’ll be given further guidance.
Why is there so much false advertising when it comes to the Bildungsgutschein in English?
It’s a win-win situation for Germany and its residents to continue to upskill the workforce and meet labor market demands.
Meanwhile, the Bildungsgutschein program has created a lucrative and competitive business for education providers who all vie to attract new students to sign up for one of their courses. To them, a sale is a sale, regardless of who pays, and the fact is that the bulk of their revenue comes from the German government and not students paying out of their own pockets.
Such a situation tends to encourage “bad actors” who will lure you in with false advertising and other shady tactics. That’s why it’s wise to be skeptical when seeing social media ads or attending a school-sponsored event.
What are some tips about finding a program covered by the Bildungsgutschein?
Shop around for education providers that are officially approved by the German government. Look at their reviews on Google and Trustpilot. See if there are Reddit threads about the school. Look on LinkedIn and connect with some former alumni to get feedback on their experience.
German contracts tend to be long-winded and complicated. Don’t sign one unless you have it translated or reviewed by a lawyer. Ensure you understand all of the conditions before signing, as getting out of that contract later on could be very costly. For this reason, we always recommend having legal insurance.
Don’t blindly trust education providers to run you through the Bildungsgutschein application process; research how it works and be familiar with it so you’re not misled at any given point.
The same research mindset applies to your job search too. Our guide to researching German companies walks you through how to vet employers before you apply.
Are there good schools out there, and who are they?
The quality of schools in Germany is wide-ranging, but some great ones offer top-notch programs and will even help you with your Bildungsgutschein in English and assist you with your application to the Employment Agency.
A few schools I personally recommend are:
⭐ Spiced Academy – A Berlin-based coding and data science school offering intensive bootcamps in web development, data analytics, and data science. Their programs are designed with career changers in mind, with a strong focus on portfolio building and job placement support after graduation. They are Bildungsgutschein-approved and have a solid track record of helping international students in Germany navigate both the application process and the transition into tech roles.
⭐ Le Wagon – One of the most recognized coding bootcamp brands in the world, with a campus in Berlin offering intensive programs in web development and data science. The curriculum is project-based and moves quickly, making it best suited to people who are motivated, self-directed, and ready to commit fully for the duration of the course. Le Wagon is also Bildungsgutschein-approved and has a large alumni network across Europe, which is genuinely useful when you are job hunting in Germany after completing the program
⭐ Ironhack – Offers bootcamps in web development, UX/UI design, data analytics, and cybersecurity, with both full-time and part-time formats available depending on your situation. It is one of the few schools on this list that covers UX and cybersecurity, making it a strong option if you are looking to move into product or security roles rather than pure development. Ironhack is Bildungsgutschein-approved and has campuses across Europe, with strong hiring partner relationships that support job placement after graduation.
Looking to build your professional network while you upskill? LinkUsUp is the free community for internationals building their careers in Germany. Connect with people who are on the same path.
Where can I find some helpful resources?
Visit these sites to find accurate, updated, and helpful information about the Bildungsgutschein in English:
⭐ Federal Employment Agency – The official source for eligibility rules, application guidance, and contact details for your local Agentur für Arbeit office.
⭐ KURSNET – The government’s official database of over 400,000 approved courses. Search here before your consultation appointment so you arrive with specific programs in mind.
⭐ mein NOW – The government’s official national platform for further training, run by the Federal Employment Agency. It bundles funding information, counselling services, career tests, and a searchable database of further education programs in one place. The English page gives you an overview and links to English-speaking counselling services, though the platform itself runs in German, so keep your browser’s translation feature handy.
FAQ
Commonly asked questions about the Bildungsgutschein in English.
How long does the Bildungsgutschein application process actually take?
Once you’ve gathered your documents and submitted your application to the Agentur für Arbeit, the approval process typically takes 2 – 4 weeks, though this can vary depending on your local office’s workload and how complex your case is. Here’s a realistic timeline – you’ll first need to schedule an initial consultation (which can take 1-2 weeks to get an appointment), then present your case, and finally wait for their decision. If approved, your Bildungsgutschein will be issued with a validity period (usually 3 months) during which you must start your course.
Pro tip: start researching approved courses on KURSNET before your appointment so you can show up prepared with specific programs in mind. This speeds things up considerably and shows you’re serious about your career development.
Can I use my Bildungsgutschein to study remotely or does it have to be in-person in Germany?
Great question! The Bildungsgutschein does cover both in-person and online courses, but there’s a catch – the course provider must be officially approved and registered in Germany, and the course must still meet AZAV certification standards. During the pandemic, remote learning became much more accepted, and many approved institutions now offer hybrid or fully online programs.
However, your caseworker at the Agentur für Arbeit will need to approve the specific format. Generally, they prefer programs that include some practical components or networking opportunities, as the goal is to help you integrate into the German job market.
If you’re considering a remote option, make sure it’s listed on KURSNET, and be prepared to explain how it will lead to employment in Germany.
What happens if I start a Bildungsgutschein-funded course but need to drop out or can't complete it?
Life happens, and the German system actually understands this more than you might think. If you need to discontinue your Bildungsgutschein in English funded course, you must immediately inform both your course provider and your Agentur für Arbeit caseworker. The consequences depend on your reason. i.e. If you have a legitimate reason (health issues, family emergency, unsuitable course content), you typically won’t face penalties and may even be able to apply for another voucher later.
However, if you drop out without good cause or simply stop attending, this can affect your unemployment benefits and future Bildungsgutschein applications. The key is communication. Reach out to your caseworker before making any decisions. They can sometimes help you switch to a more suitable program or find solutions you hadn’t considered. Remember, they want you to succeed because that’s better for everyone involved.
Does my salary history in Germany affect my Bildungsgutschein eligibility?
Bildungsgutschein isn’t directly tied to how much you earned, but rather to your employment situation and contribution history. You need to have worked in Germany for at least one year and paid into the social security system (taxes, unemployment insurance, etc.). Whether you earned €30,000 or €80,000 doesn’t matter. What counts is that you were legally employed, registered, and contributing.
That said, your previous salary might influence the courses they approve, as they want to ensure you’re training for roles that match your professional level and Germany’s labor market needs. If you were a senior developer earning €70 K, they’re unlikely to approve a basic coding bootcamp, but they might approve advanced AI or cloud architecture training. The focus is on strategic career development that makes sense for both you and the German economy.
Once your course is complete, our list of Berlin job search websites is a practical next step.
Can international family members living with me in Germany also apply for the Bildungsgutschein?
Absolutely! If your spouse, partner, or adult family members are also registered residents in Germany, meet the basic eligibility requirements (unemployed/registered with Agentur für Arbeit, or facing unemployment, or needing training), and have contributed to the social system for over a year, they can apply independently for their own Bildungsgutschein. Each person’s application is evaluated separately based on their individual employment situation and career goals.
This is actually quite common among international couples where one partner is job-seeking while the other is employed. In fact, having family members upskilling simultaneously can strengthen your household’s integration into the German job market. Just remember that each person needs their own valid residence permit, registration (Anmeldung), and must attend their own consultation appointments at the Agentur für Arbeit. You can’t apply on someone else’s behalf.
Can I get a Bildungsgutschein if I am on a freelance visa in Germany?
It is possible but more complicated than it is for salaried employees. To be eligible, you need to have been registered in Germany, contributing to the social system, and working for at least a year. The challenge for freelancers is that you are not automatically registered with the Agentur für Arbeit the way an unemployed salaried worker is, so you will need to register yourself as job-seeking before you can begin the application process. You will also need to demonstrate that you’re genuinely facing a change in your work situation, either a loss of contracts, a need to retrain, or a pivot into a new field, rather than simply wanting to take a course.
Some caseworkers are less familiar with freelance situations and may push back, so going into your appointment with clear documentation of your work history, tax contributions, and a well-reasoned case for why the training aligns with your career development is essential.
What is the difference between a Bildungsgutschein and an AVGS?
These are two separate vouchers from the Agentur für Arbeit that are often confused. The Bildungsgutschein covers the cost of approved training and education courses, such as a coding bootcamp, a German language course, or a professional certification program. The Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (AVGS), covers job placement and career coaching services rather than education itself. In practical terms, the AVGS pays for things like working with a private job placement agency, career coaching sessions, or interview preparation support.
You can in principle receive both, but they serve different purposes and are applied for separately. If you’re actively job seeking, it’s worth asking your caseworker about both at your consultation appointment, as many people are only told about one or neither.
I was rejected for a Bildungsgutschein. Can I appeal or reapply?
Yes, and a rejection is not necessarily the end of the road. If your application is turned down, your caseworker is required to give you a written explanation of the decision. Read it carefully, because the reason matters. If the rejection is based on something correctable, like an insufficiently specific course choice, a weak case for how the training connects to your employment prospects, or missing documentation, you can address those gaps and reapply.
There is no formal cooling-off period that prevents you from reapplying, though going back too quickly without meaningfully strengthening your case is unlikely to change the outcome. If you believe the decision was made in error or handled unfairly, you have the right to file a formal objection (Widerspruch) within one month of receiving the written decision.
Given the language and bureaucratic complexity involved, this is one situation where getting support from a union, a social counseling service, or an employment lawyer is genuinely worth considering.
We hope this career guide about the Bildungsgutschein in English helps correct the disinformation floating out there on the internet and helps you find a high quality educational provider that will accelerate your career in Germany.
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Cheryl Howard, Founder @ The Berlin Life
Hi, I’m Cheryl. My mission is to help you move to Berlin and find work.
A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, I have the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During my time in Berlin, I’ve had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for numerous Berlin companies. I even managed to find a new job during the pandemic and again in 2023, during Germany’s recession and massive layoffs in tech.
My day job has involved work as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless people, as well as a team coach helping teams and individuals work better and find happiness in their careers. Through my side projects, I’ve also shared my personal experiences by publishing a series of helpful blog posts, creating a thriving community of job seekers, and hosting events to help people find work in Berlin. In 2021, I decided to put my coaching and recruiting talents to use by creating The Berlin Life, bringing my existing content and community together in one spot.
The combination of my personal and professional experience means I know exactly what it takes to move to Berlin and find work.