Top Bildungsgutschein Courses in English (2026)

The Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) is a unique German government program that helps people who are currently unemployed in Germany upskill in their current profession or retrain for a new career. However, most programs are in German, and English speakers struggle to find government-funded Bildungsgutschein courses in English. In this article, we’ll explain how the Bildungsgutschein works, common challenges with English courses, how to search for and choose a Bildungsgutschein program in English, and which English-language programs are worth a look in 2026. Let’s dive in!

Quick answer: Yes, you can use a Bildungsgutschein for a course taught entirely in English, as long as the provider and course are AZAV-certified and your caseworker at the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter agrees the training improves your job prospects. English-language options are concentrated in tech: cybersecurity, applied AI, data analytics, software testing, and digital marketing, plus some business fields like project management. Cybersteps offers two fully remote programs in English: a Cybersecurity Weiterbildung and an AI Weiterbildung.

What is the Bildungsgutschein, and Who Can Get One?

The Bildungsgutschein is a fully funded education voucher provided by the German Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter) that covers the cost of approved training programs (typically Weiterbildung programs). In simple terms, it’s a ticket to free education or vocational training for those who qualify. Here’s what you need to know:

• Purpose: The voucher is intended to help unemployed individuals gain new skills and improve their employment prospects. It’s essentially a form of unemployment benefit for training – allowing you to learn new skills without worrying about tuition fees.
  
• Eligibility: Typically, you must be registered as a job seeker to receive a Bildungsgutschein. This often applies if you are receiving unemployment benefits or your employment is ending soon. You’ll usually discuss your training plans with an Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter counselor, who decides if the course will improve your job chances.
  
• Residency and Language: You don’t have to be German to benefit – many expats and foreign residents use Bildungsgutscheine. However, you do need a valid residence permit and work permit in Germany (if you’re not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen), and you need to be registered as unemployed or as a job seeker with the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter. People receiving Bürgergeld can also get a Bildungsgutschein through the Jobcenter. Most importantly, English speakers can absolutely use the Bildungsgutschein as long as they have at least intermediate English skills to follow a course.
  
• How It Works: Once approved, the Bildungsgutschein will cover 100% of your course tuition (and sometimes related costs like transport or materials) for an approved training provider. It’s essentially government-funded training, so it must be a course that the government recognizes as beneficial for employment, which brings us to AZAV certification.
  
• AZAV Certification: Only training providers accredited under AZAV (Akkreditierungs- und Zulassungsverordnung Arbeitsförderung) can accept Bildungsgutschein funding. This accreditation ensures that the course meets quality standards and is officially recognized for vocational training. For example, Cybersteps is an AZAV-certified training provider, meaning both our cybersecurity and AI programs can be fully funded with a Bildungsgutschein.

To learn more about how to get a Bildungsgutschein, read our complete Bildungsgutschein guide.

Bildungsgutschein Courses in English: Common Challenges

Finding an English Bildungsgutschein Course in Germany can be challenging. The majority of government-funded courses are taught in German, which isn’t ideal if you’re an English speaker still learning the language. However, there’s good news: a growing number of institutions offer Bildungsgutschein courses in English, especially in the tech field, but also in several other fields.

That said, high-quality English programs are still limited. Many regions in Germany might only have a handful of options for English speakers, and not all fields are covered. Here are some of the challenges you might face in your search:

• Getting the Bildungsgutschein without knowing German: To receive the Bildungsgutschein from the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit, your caseworker may want to check if you speak German at a B1 level or higher. It is definitely possible to get the voucher without speaking German, but it’s usually a bit harder.
  
• Limited Number of Programs: English Bildungs​gutschein courses exist, but they are relatively few. You might find courses in tech fields like web development, data analytics, UX design, cybersecurity, and AI because these sectors often work in English and have international demand.
  
• Quality Varies: Ensure the program is well-established or has a strong curriculum. Because English programs are fewer, you want to make sure yours teaches in-demand skills. Check if the provider has industry-experienced instructors, a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum, and good reviews.
  
• Recognized Certification: Strong programs will integrate industry-recognized certifications into their training, as they can be important for finding a job. On the other hand, some certifications can have little to no value. For example, some certificates are free online badges that take only a few hours to complete, and you don’t need a funded training program for those. Research every certification a program offers: who issues it, what the exam involves, and whether employers ask for it in job ads.

How to Find Bildungsgutschein Courses in English

Finding Bildungsgutschein-funded courses in English can be a challenge, especially since most government-funded programs in Germany are taught in German. But with the right tools and tips, you can uncover some great options. Here’s how to start:

1. Use the mein NOW Portal (Nationales Onlineportal für Weiterbildung)

The mein NOW platform is an official tool by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit that helps you find Bildungsgutschein Courses in English, among other further education and training opportunities in Germany. It’s user-friendly and more modern than the older KURSNET portal.

Here’s how to use it:

• Visit mein-now.de
  
• Use the search bar to enter keywords like “Cyber Security”, “IT Security,” or “Software Development.”
  
• Set your location or choose “online” if you want remote learning
  
• Use the filters on the left-hand side to select:
  • Funding type (Förderart) → Bildungsgutschein
  • Delivery Mode → Online, Hybrid, or on-site, based on your preference
    
• Explore the listed results and click into any course to view detailed info
• Scroll down and click “anzeigen” to view the detailed description of the course
• This will bring you to a detailed page, where you can read additional information about the program, often including the language of the program

Tip: If you struggle to navigate Mein-NOW, you can make a list of the top 5-10 results for your search word and go directly to their websites on Google, where you’ll easily see the course language.

2. Use the Official Bundesagentur für Arbeit Weiterbildung Search Tool

The Bundesagentur für Arbeit’s older Weiterbildungssuche (the successor of KURSNET) lists many of the same courses as mein NOW, but with a different search experience. Some people find its filters more convenient, so it can be worth running the same search in both.

The search works much like mein NOW, where you can search by different key terms and different filters and find a list of relevant training providers. Then, you will also need to check which of those offer training in English on the providers’ websites.

3. Ask the Agentur für Arbeit / Jobcenter directly

Speak with your counselor and ask specifically for Bildungsgutschein Courses in English. Many are not well-indexed, so they might be able to find options you missed.

If you have already identified a potential program you want, you can ask them for information to bring to your case worker. For example, if you’re interested in Cybersteps, we can provide you with:

• A course outline
  
• All the documents and information needed for your caseworker at the Agentur für Arbeit to process your request for a Bildungsgutschein

You can take these directly to your counselor to support your funding request.

4. Research Bildungsgutschein Courses in English Online

Many AZAV-certified providers (like us at Cybersteps) list their programs directly on their websites, and some may not appear in all public databases. You can also search directly on Google and in forums like Reddit to find additional providers of Bildungsgutschein Courses in English. Review sites may be biased, so make sure to also speak with each training provider to get a real impression of the level of service and quality of training they provide.

How to Get Your Caseworker to Approve an English-Language Course

Your caseworker at the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter decides whether to issue a Bildungsgutschein, and some will ask why you aren’t choosing a course in German. You improve your chances if you come prepared:

1. Show that your target role works in English. Bring 3–5 current job ads for your target role in your region (or remote roles in Germany) that ask for English rather than German.
2. Bring the provider’s documents. Ask the provider for its course offer (Angebot) with the course number (Maßnahmenummer), dates, and curriculum, and proof that the course is AZAV-certified.
3. Explain why the field fits you. Connect the course to your previous experience, education, or interests, so the caseworker sees a realistic path into work.
4. Show that you’re working on your German. If you’re taking a German course or plan to, mention it. It shows you’re investing in your long-term integration into the German job market.
5. Ask for a written decision. If your request is rejected, ask for the decision and the reasons in writing. You can usually file an objection (Widerspruch) within one month.

You can open the conversation like this:

“I’d like to apply for a Bildungsgutschein for the [course name] with [provider], course number [Maßnahmenummer]. The course is AZAV-certified and taught in English. Most job ads for [target role] in [city] require English rather than German, and I’ve brought some examples. I’m also improving my German in parallel. Can we discuss whether this course fits my plan to get back into work?”

How to Choose the Best Bildungsgutschein Courses in English

Once you’ve found a few possible courses, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here’s a checklist of key criteria to help you compare and make the smartest choice — especially if you want strong job outcomes. For a broader comparison that also includes German-language programs, see The 6 Best Bildungsgutschein Programs in 2026.

1. AZAV Certification

Without AZAV certification, your Bildungsgutschein won’t be accepted. Always make sure the course provider is officially approved.

2. Choose a Field With Strong Employer Demand

Software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI or machine learning are top areas where companies struggle to find talent. But you also need to remember that some fields have a preference for people with academic degrees; for example, AI research and machine learning engineering roles usually go to applicants with a master’s degree or PhD. Applied AI is different: roles like AI consultant, AI automation specialist, or AI operations focus on putting existing tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, n8n, Microsoft 365) to work inside companies, and are realistic targets after a Weiterbildung, especially if you bring experience from another field. Choose a course in an area with high demand that is also realistic to enter after completing a Weiterbildung program.

3. Course Duration

The right duration depends on your starting point and target role. If you are switching into a technical field like cybersecurity with no IT background, short 3-4 month courses often don’t offer enough depth, certification preparation, or practical experience to get hired. If you already have professional experience and want to add AI skills to it, a shorter, focused program can be the better fit. Good providers assess your background and recommend a duration, rather than offering one length for everyone.

4. Provider Reputation & Experience

Check whether the provider has experience in the subject area, qualified instructors, and success stories from past graduates. Don’t be swayed by generic academies that offer “everything” but specialize in nothing.

5. Certifications Included

Look for courses that help you earn industry-recognized certifications (like CompTIA, Microsoft, IHK, etc.). These are critical for standing out in job applications.

6. Language of Instruction

Even if a course claims to be open to English speakers, make sure all instruction and materials are fully in English — not just partially translated or with a bilingual instructor.

7. Job Placement & Career Support

Is there internship support, coaching, and help with applications? A great course doesn’t just train you — it prepares you to enter the job market confidently. This includes resume and LinkedIn workshops, mock interviews, and personal 1:1 sessions throughout the process.

Long Courses vs. Short Bootcamps: Why Training Duration Matters

Wondering if you really need a 12-14-month IT course when 3-month bootcamps are available? As the tech job market tightens, the length of your training can significantly impact your employment prospects. Here’s why longer programs are often the better choice for career changers entering technical fields:

• Deeper Skill Mastery: Modern IT roles—especially in cybersecurity—require knowledge across multiple domains. A longer program allows you to thoroughly master complex topics like network security protocols or threat detection systems, rather than just skimming the surface.
• Meaningful Hands-On Experience: Real expertise comes from extended practice. While short bootcamps offer basic labs, longer programs provide time to complete substantial projects like building secure applications or conducting thorough vulnerability assessments—exactly what employers are looking for.
• Industry Certifications: Valuable credentials like CompTIA Security+ or AWS certifications require significant preparation. Longer programs incorporate this certification prep without sacrificing practical training, giving you marketable qualifications alongside experience.
• Career Transition Support: Extended programs offer comprehensive career coaching, portfolio development, and networking opportunities that are hard to fit into a short bootcamp—and that make a real difference when you apply for jobs.
• Stronger Job-Market Readiness: Graduates of longer programs enter the job market with demonstrable skills, substantial projects, and recognized certifications—making them attractive candidates even in competitive markets.
• Funding Isn’t Limited to Short Courses: The Bildungsgutschein can also fund long, full-time programs, including 12-month-plus Weiterbildungen in specialized fields like cybersecurity, as long as your caseworker agrees the training improves your job prospects.
• When Shorter Programs Make Sense: While technical roles typically benefit from longer training, certain fields may be suitable for shorter programs. Design-focused areas like UI/UX, digital marketing, applied AI for experienced professionals, or specific front-end technologies can sometimes be effectively learned in condensed timeframes, especially for those with relevant background experience or who are updating existing skills rather than making a complete career change.

In today’s competitive landscape, there’s no shortcut to quality IT education for most technical fields. For areas like cybersecurity, software development, and cloud infrastructure, the additional months of training give you more depth, more practice, and more certifications to show employers.

Best Fields for Bildungsgutschein Courses in English in 2026

When considering Bildungsgutschein-funded training in 2026, several tech fields stand out for their exceptional career prospects. Here are the most promising options:

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity remains a high-demand field with compelling advantages:

• Growing Talent Gap: Germany faces a significant cybersecurity skills shortage. ISC2, the international association of cybersecurity professionals, estimates that Germany needs around 120,000 additional cybersecurity professionals. As digital threats multiply, organizations across all sectors are looking for qualified people.
• Clear Growth Paths: Cybersecurity offers clear specialization paths, for example into cloud security, penetration testing, or governance and compliance, which typically bring more responsibility and higher pay as you gain experience. Our cybersecurity salary guide breaks down typical ranges by role.
• Long-Term Demand: Digital protection remains essential across economic cycles, and regulations like NIS2 require many companies to invest in security. Read more on why cybersecurity keeps growing while other tech jobs are cut.

Applied AI

Generative AI has moved from experiment to everyday business tool, and companies need people who can implement it responsibly:

• From Pilots to Production: Many German companies are moving AI from isolated pilots into everyday workflows in Microsoft 365, customer service, and internal processes. They need people who can connect tools, automate processes, and measure results.
• Regulation Creates Roles: The EU AI Act and GDPR require companies to understand, document, and govern the AI systems they use, which creates demand for AI managers and AI officers alongside technical roles.
• Builds on Your Existing Experience: Applied AI rewards domain knowledge. Someone with a background in marketing, operations, finance, or HR who learns to automate those workflows brings something a pure technologist can’t. Our guide to AI jobs in Germany for career changers covers the roles in detail.

Cloud Engineering

Cloud infrastructure has become the backbone of modern business operations:

• Continued Growth: As organizations keep migrating to cloud environments, demand for cloud skills continues to grow. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud all operate data center regions in Germany, which makes cloud adoption easier for companies with strict data protection requirements.
• Valuable Specialization: Certifications on major platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) give employers a clear signal of your skills, and businesses need experts who can architect, secure, and optimize their cloud infrastructure.
• Future-Proof Skills: Cloud expertise translates across industries and borders, providing long-term career viability as the technology becomes increasingly central to business operations.

Data Analytics

The data revolution continues to create exceptional opportunities:

• Universal Business Need: Organizations of all sizes now recognize data as a strategic asset, creating sustained demand for analysts who can transform raw information into actionable insights.
• Accessible Entry Point: While advanced data science roles may require an extensive mathematical background, data analytics offers a more accessible path for career changers with strong analytical thinking and business acumen.
• Career Flexibility: Data skills provide remarkable versatility, allowing professionals to work across virtually any industry sector—from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and public services.

For those looking to leverage their Bildungsgutschein effectively in 2026, these fields offer realistic entry points for career changers and long-term demand from employers.

6 Bildungsgutschein Courses in English by Field

If you’re looking for English-language courses in Germany funded by the Bildungsgutschein, here are six options across different fields. We’ve included our own two programs and, for fields we don’t teach, programs from other providers that offer courses in English.

Program	Field	Provider	Format	Duration	Language
Cybersecurity Weiterbildung	Cybersecurity	Cybersteps	Online, full-time, live classes	3–14 months (full track incl. 2-month internship)	English
AI Weiterbildung	Applied AI	Cybersteps	Online, full-time, live classes	3–8 months	English (German coming soon)
Data Analytics & AI Bootcamp	Data analytics	neue fische	Full-time, Berlin or remote	18 weeks	English
QA & Test Automation	Software testing	MSIT	Online, full-time, live sessions	8 months	English or German
Digital Marketing Program	Digital marketing	CareerFoundry	Online, self-paced with mentor	Flexible (15–40 h/week)	English
PRINCE2® Specialist	Project management	Lecturio	Online e-learning	approx. 3.5 months	English

1. Cybersecurity: Cybersteps

Bildungsgutschein Courses in English: Cybersecurity Weiterbildung (English)

About: Cybersteps specializes in cybersecurity education, offering a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills needed to protect organizations from cyber threats. The fully remote program runs 3–14 months, prepares you for up to 8 certifications (including IHK Cyber Security Advisor, CompTIA Security+, and Microsoft Azure), includes a 2-month internship in the full track, and can be 100% funded with a Bildungsgutschein. Participants also receive a laptop. ​

2. Applied AI: Cybersteps

Bildungsgutschein Courses in English: AI Weiterbildung (English)

About: Cybersteps’ AI Weiterbildung trains you to put AI to work inside real companies, as an AI consultant, AI engineer, or in AI operations. The remote, full-time program runs 3–8 months depending on your background and covers three modules: applied AI workflows and automation (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, APIs, n8n), enterprise AI engineering on Microsoft 365 and Azure (RAG, MCP, evaluation, security), and AI consulting and governance (business value, GDPR, EU AI Act). It includes preparation and exam vouchers for up to 7 certifications, including IHK AI Tool Expert, IHK AI Manager, and Microsoft PL-900, and can be 100% funded with a Bildungsgutschein.

3. Data Analytics: neue fische

Bildungsgutschein Courses in English: Data Analytics & AI Bootcamp

neue fische’s Data Analytics & AI Bootcamp is an 18-week, full-time program taught in English, either on-site in Berlin or remotely. It covers data analysis and visualization and how to use AI tools in analytics work, and can be fully funded with a Bildungsgutschein.

4. QA & Test Automation: MSIT

Bildungsgutschein Courses in English: QA & Test Automation Program

MSIT (Master School Institute of Technology) offers an 8-month, full-time, remote QA & Test Automation program in English or German, with live online sessions. It covers testing across the software development life cycle, test design, and test automation with tools like Selenium and Pytest, and includes preparation for the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL). Quality assurance is a practical entry point into software teams for people who enjoy structured, detail-oriented work.

5. Digital Marketing: CareerFoundry

Bildungsgutschein Courses in English: Digital Marketing Program

CareerFoundry’s Digital Marketing Program introduces the core channels and tools of online marketing through hands-on projects. It is delivered online and is self-paced (CareerFoundry recommends 15–40 hours per week), with a mentor, a tutor, and career coaching.

6. Project Management: Lecturio

Bildungsgutschein Courses in English: Project Management Courses in English

Lecturio offers e-learning courses in English that can be funded with a Bildungsgutschein, including PRINCE2® Specialist (Foundation & Practitioner, about 3.5 months), PRINCE2® Agile Specialist (about 3 months), and the shorter Scrum Master I (about 1 month). These are a good fit if you already have work experience and want to move into a project or product role.

Program details are based on each provider’s website as of November 2026. Formats, durations, and funding eligibility change, so confirm the current details directly with each provider before you speak to your caseworker.

Cybersteps – AZAV-Certified Cybersecurity and AI Training in English

Looking for cybersecurity or AI training in English with Bildungsgutschein funding? Here’s why our community at Cybersteps might be right for you:

What Sets Us Apart

• Comprehensive Learning Journey: Our cybersecurity program runs 3–14 months depending on your background; the full track combines 12 months of intensive training with a 2-month industry internship. We start with fundamentals (Linux, networking, Python) before advancing to specialized security domains, including cloud security, threat detection, and compliance frameworks. This progressive approach helps you build confidence as you develop your skills.
• Real-World Training Approach: Founded by veterans with cybersecurity backgrounds, we’ve built our curriculum around practical scenarios rather than just theory. You’ll work through genuine attack simulations and defense exercises in our lab environments, giving you hands-on experience that directly transfers to workplace challenges.
• Industry-Recognized Certifications: Throughout the program, you’ll prepare for certifications that employers actually value, including IHK Cyber Security Advisor, CompTIA Security+, and Microsoft Azure. These credentials serve as independent validation of your skills when you enter the job market.
• Career Launch Support: We’re committed to your employment success. Beyond technical training, we provide interview coaching, CV workshops, and communication skills development. The 2-month internship at the end of the full track gives you real work experience and industry contacts before you apply for full-time roles.
• Fully Funded with AZAV Certification: As an AZAV-certified provider, our program meets Germany’s rigorous education standards. Your Bildungsgutschein covers the entire cost, removing financial barriers so you can focus completely on building your new career.
• Learning Community: Our instructors bring real-world cybersecurity experience from both industry and defense backgrounds. Though training is delivered online for accessibility across Germany, you’ll connect with instructors and fellow students through regular live sessions, creating a supportive community throughout your journey.
• Designed for Career Changers: While basic computer literacy is required, we’ve designed our program for people transitioning into tech. We assess your starting point and provide the appropriate foundation to ensure you can succeed, regardless of your background.

New: AI Weiterbildung in English

Our AI Weiterbildung applies the same hands-on approach to AI. Instead of theory about models, you work in a simulated company environment and learn to:

• Use and combine AI assistants and coding agents (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Claude Code, Codex) for real business tasks
• Automate workflows and connect AI to company systems with APIs, webhooks, and n8n
• Build and secure enterprise AI solutions on Microsoft 365 and Azure, including RAG and MCP
• Identify AI opportunities, assess business value, and address GDPR and EU AI Act requirements

The program runs 3–8 months, is taught in English (German coming soon), and includes preparation for up to 7 certifications, such as IHK AI Manager and IHK Company AI Officer. Participants also get a Claude Pro membership (or similar) for the duration of the program.

FAQ: Bildungsgutschein Courses in English

Can I get a Bildungsgutschein if I don’t speak German?

Yes, it is possible. German skills are not a formal requirement for the voucher. Your caseworker decides whether a course improves your chances of finding work, and some will ask about your German level. Preparing job ads and course documents, as described in How to Get Your Caseworker to Approve an English-Language Course, makes the conversation easier.

Are there Bildungsgutschein AI courses in English?

Yes. For example, the Cybersteps AI Weiterbildung is taught in English, runs 3–8 months, is fully remote, and can be 100% funded with a Bildungsgutschein. It focuses on applied AI roles such as AI consultant, AI engineer, and AI operations.

Can I do a Bildungsgutschein course online?

Yes. Many AZAV-certified courses are fully online, either with live classes or self-paced with mentor support. On mein NOW, you can filter results by delivery mode to find online courses. You still have to follow the provider’s attendance rules, because they are reported to the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter.

How long can a Bildungsgutschein-funded course be?

There is no single maximum. Funded Weiterbildungen range from a few weeks to more than a year, and your caseworker decides whether the duration fits your goal. Career changers entering technical fields like cybersecurity often need longer programs, while experienced professionals adding a skill such as applied AI can choose shorter ones.

Do I keep my Arbeitslosengeld or Bürgergeld during the course?

Generally, yes. If you receive Arbeitslosengeld, it is usually paid during the training as Arbeitslosengeld bei beruflicher Weiterbildung, and as a rule, two days of training reduce your remaining entitlement by one day (§ 148 SGB III). Bürgergeld continues while you attend training funded by the Jobcenter. Check the details for your situation with your caseworker.

What does the Bildungsgutschein cover?

It covers the course fees of an approved course in full. Depending on your situation, it can also cover related costs such as travel or childcare. Some providers, including Cybersteps, also provide a laptop for the duration of the program.

Take Your Next Step

Interested in exploring whether cybersecurity or AI could be your future career? We’d be happy to chat about your goals and how Cybersteps might help you achieve them. A Bildungsgutschein can make this training completely free for eligible job seekers.

Visit our Cybersecurity Weiterbildung or AI Weiterbildung program pages to learn more about the curriculum and success stories, or contact us for personalized guidance, whether you already have your funding voucher or need help navigating the application process.

Ready to explore your options? Apply for a no-obligation consultation today.