How to Get a Bildungsgutschein (the Complete Guide)

The Bildungsgutschein, or training voucher, is a government-funded program in Germany that provides unemployed individuals full funding to acquire new skills and improve their job prospects through vocational training at certified educational institutions. It’s designed for unemployed (or soon-to-be unemployed) German residents who want to change careers or gain new skills. This voucher could be your ticket not only out of unemployment but also into an exciting and stable new career, especially in tech.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Bildungsgutschein: what it is, who’s eligible, how to apply, and why it’s such a valuable tool for building a future-proof career. If you’re ready to start a new chapter in your professional life, this guide will help you take the first step!

Key Changes for 2026

Starting January 1, 2025, Jobcenters started providing advisory services and referrals to the Agentur für Arbeit, and the Agentur für Arbeit is the only authority for issuing the Bildungsgutscheins.

This means that if you’re registered with the Jobcenter, you can still be eligible for a Bildungsgutschein, but you will need a referral process to the Agentur für Arbeit to receive the voucher.

Who can receive a Bildungsgutschein?

ALG I Recipients

• To be eligible, ALG I recipients must have contributed to the unemployment insurance system for at least 12 months in total over the last 2 years.
• ALG I recipients are automatically registered with the Agentur für Arbeit.

ALG II (Bürgergeld) Recipients

• As long-term unemployed individuals, ALG II recipients are registered with the Jobcenter.
• Starting January 2025, the Jobcenter can only guide and refer you to the Agentur für Arbeit to apply for the Bildungsgutschein.

German citizens – Any German who is unemployed or at risk of unemployment can be eligible.

Non-German citizens – If you are living in Germany and have a valid work visa or another legal residency status that allows you to work, you may also be eligible for a Bildungsgutschein. This includes:

• Residents with a standard work visa
• Refugees and displaced persons with temporary or humanitarian protection
• Ukrainians under §24 AufenthG (temporary protection)
• Recognized asylum seekers and those under subsidiary protection with work authorization

To check your eligibility, register at your local Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter and speak with your assigned agent.

What can I study with it?

With a Bildungsgutschein, you can study a wide range of courses in fields like IT, business, creative and design, healthcare, and more. The program allows you to gain valuable skills in high-demand sectors, helping you improve your career prospects and secure better job opportunities. The key is to choose the right industry to enter and a course from a certified institution that aligns with your career goals.

How do I apply for one?

Step 1: Register with your Local Agentur für Arbeit (ALG I) or Jobcenter (ALG II)

Start by registering with your local Agentur für Arbeit (for ALG I recipients) or Jobcenter (for ALG II recipients). You’ll need to schedule an appointment with a case worker to discuss your situation and career goals. If you’ve never registered before, simply search online for the nearest center.

Step 2: Choose Your Desired Training Program

Next, identify the training program you want to pursue. This could be a course in areas like Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or UI/UX. Make sure you do your research on the education provider to know who the teachers are and what their experience is. To read more about the different fields you can enter as a junior in tech, read more here.

Step 3: Qualification Call and Preparation

Before meeting with your agent, schedule a qualification call with the training provider of your choice. At Cybersteps, this will be with one of our professional career consultants. During this call, we will answer any questions you might have, review your options, and help you prepare for the appointment with your Agentur für Arbeit advisor. This ensures you’re fully prepared for the meeting and understand the next steps. For example, you might need help to explain why you chose a specific topic or training provider and make a good case for why you should receive a training voucher (or how this will help you find a good job and stay employed in the long term).

Step 4: Meet with Your Agent

At your scheduled appointment, your assigned Agent will assess your personal situation, work history, and the job market demand for the career you are pursuing. The goal is to ensure that the course you’re applying for is a realistic choice and aligns with your career goals and the current job market needs. The approval process for the Bildungsgutschein typically takes 2-6 weeks. In some cases, the agent can ask you for more information or to do more research, making the process a bit longer.

What to bring to your appointment:

• Identification document (passport, ID card)
• Proof of registration in Germany (Anmeldebescheinigung)
• Updated resume (CV)
• Information about the program you want to take:
  • The vocational identification number (Berufskennzahl) and measure number (Maßnahmennummer) of the program
  • Information about the company, its track record, and job-finding support

Step 5: Enroll in Your Training Program

Once approved, you can enroll in the training program covered by the Bildungsgutschein. You’ll need to send the Bildungsgutschein to your training provider and complete the registration process. Throughout your training, you’ll still receive your unemployment benefits, and once you complete the program, you’ll be better positioned to enter the workforce in a new, in-demand role.

How long does it take to get a Bildungsgutschein?

The timeline for the Bildungsgutschein application process is around 4-14 weeks, depending on whether you’re receiving ALG I or ALG II:

• For ALG I Recipients: Apply directly through the Agentur für Arbeit. The process is quicker, with an estimated processing time of 4-8 weeks.
• For ALG II Recipients: Start the application at the Jobcenter, which is then forwarded to the Agentur für Arbeit. This process takes longer, with an estimated processing time of 8-14 weeks.

However, this timeline can vary. Limited appointment availability, additional information requests from your agent, the need to explore other training options, or further justification for your chosen course can all extend the process. To speed up approval, come well-prepared and clearly explain how the training aligns with your career goals.

How do I choose the right training program for me?

1. Decide on a Field: Pick an industry that interests you, like IT, healthcare, creative work, or office roles. Consider factors like your passions, salary expectations, job security, and work-from-home options.
2. Focus on Entry-Level Roles: Research realistic starting positions that are in demand and offer growth opportunities, like junior IT roles, sales, or nursing. 
3. Match Your Skills and Goals: Choose a program that suits your background and builds the skills you need. If you’re starting fresh, look for beginner-friendly options.
4. Consider Program Flexibility: Opt for in-person, online, or flexible programs that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
5. Check the Job Market: Research job openings in your chosen field to ensure there’s demand for the skills you’ll gain. Cybersteps’ cybersecurity program prepares you for a career with strong job market demand due to the cybersecurity talent gap in Germany – we have a strong connection with German cybersecurity managers and teach the skills they are looking for. 

By aligning your interests, career goals, and market needs, you can find a program that sets you up for long-term success. 

Am I guaranteed a job?

Bildungsgutschein-funded programs are designed to help unemployed individuals find jobs. However, it is impossible to guarantee a job, and you should research both the field and the specific program you are considering. Look for providers who have relationships with employers and offer market-relevant training, internship opportunities, and connections to potential jobs.

We provide a guaranteed internship, ensuring you gain real-world experience that improves your chances of employment. We also offer ongoing career support, helping with interview preparation, job searches, and connections to hiring partners.

What happens after my training?

After completing your training, the next step is entering the job market. Many graduates start with entry-level roles, internships, or freelance work to build their resumes. Networking is also important—attending industry events and job fairs and connecting with professionals can open up more opportunities. In some fields, additional certifications or ongoing skill development may be necessary to improve job prospects. Staying engaged with the job market and continuously building your expertise will help in securing a stable position.

Next steps

Cybersteps offers a hands-on cybersecurity training program, fully funded through the Bildungsgutschein, helping career changers transition into tech at no cost. Our team provides support throughout the Bildungsgutschein application process and helps you prepare for job applications, technical interviews, and networking with employers.

If you have questions about career options, training programs, or how to secure your Bildungsgutschein, you can schedule a free call with one of our academic advisors. They will guide you through the application process, help you prepare for your meeting with the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit, and answer any questions you may have.

Book a consultation today and take the first step toward your new career.