What is the Bildungsgutschein? 

Changing to a new career can be intimidating, especially in the fast-paced tech world. If you’re currently unemployed or facing job uncertainty in Germany, there’s a government-backed solution designed to help you transition into a high-demand career—the Bildungsgutschein.

This Bildungsgutschein, or education voucher in English, provides full financial support for vocational training, allowing career changers to gain new skills, certifications, and career opportunities at no cost. If you’re wondering how it works, who qualifies, and how to get started, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What is the Bildungsgutschein?

The Bildungsgutschein is a fully funded training voucher provided by the German government to support unemployed individuals—or those at risk of unemployment—by covering the costs of professional training. It allows you to develop new skills or enhance your existing expertise to improve your job prospects.

Beyond tuition, it may also cover travel, accommodation, learning materials, and childcare, ensuring that you can focus entirely on your education and access all the resources and support you need.

Who Can Apply for Bildungsgutschein?

German Citizens – If you are currently unemployed or at risk of losing your job, you can apply. Your first step is to register with your local Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter and schedule an appointment with a case worker.

Non-German Citizens – If you live in Germany and have a valid work visa, you may also be eligible. Simply register with your local Agentur für Arbeit and discuss your options with a case worker.

What Expenses Does the Bildungsgutschein Cover?

With a Bildungsgutschein, you won’t have to worry about tuition fees. Depending on your situation, the program may also cover:

• Course materials
• Transportation costs
• Accommodation (if applicable)
• Childcare support

Some programs last several months and are designed to facilitate a smooth transition into a new career field.

What Programs Can You Take with a Bildungsgutschein?

Now that you understand what a Bildungsgutschein is and how to apply, let’s explore the programs available.

Kursnet, the official online database, lists around 400,000 courses eligible for Bildungsgutschein funding. You can easily search for relevant programs by:

1. Entering a keyword (e.g., “Cybersecurity” or “German”) in the Suchbegriff field.
2. Checking “Nur Angebote mit Bildungsgutschein” to filter funded courses.
3. Selecting “E-Learning berücksichtigen” to include online options.
4. Clicking “Suche starten” to browse available courses.

From language training to marketing, office management, and accounting, there are many options. However, if you’re aiming for a high-paying, future-proof career, consider using your Bildungsgutschein to gain in-demand tech skills in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development.

How to Apply for Bildungsgutschein in 5 Steps

1. Register with your local Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit. To find your responsible employment agency:

• Online: Visit the Agentur für Arbeit website and use the office or Jobcenter search by entering your postcode or city.
• Phone: Call the free service number 0800 4 555500 for assistance.
• In-Person: Visit your nearest employment agency for direct guidance.

2. Find a training program – Choose a course that aligns with your career goals and has a strong demand for employees in Germany. Whether it’s Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Software Engineering, make sure you do your research on both the training field and the training provider. You can also read our article on in-demand IT careers.

3. Book a qualification call – Our admissions advisors will guide you through the process and help you prepare for your appointment with the Jobcenter/AfA. They’ll answer your questions, guide you through the process, and ensure you’re fully prepared to apply for the Bildungsgutschein. After the call, you’ll know exactly what to do next and be ready for your meeting with the caseworker.

4. Meet with your caseworker – During your appointment, your caseworker will ask you some questions and assess your situation, career goals, and the job market demand for the desired role before approving your Bildungsgutschein. The approval process usually takes 2-6 weeks.

5. Enroll in your training program – Once approved, you can start your journey into tech with a certified course that meets Bildungsgutschein requirements. If you are interested in cybersecurity, make sure to check out our comprehensive Cybersecurity Analyst training program.

How to Choose the Right Training Program

Not all programs are eligible for Bildungsgutschein funding—only those accredited under AZAV (Accreditation and Approval Regulation for Employment Promotion) qualify.

Training providers come in many different forms: some are specialized, offering focused training in a specific field, while others offer training programs in multiple IT fields. Some have 2-3 month “bootcamp” programs, while others provide longer, 12-14-month comprehensive training programs. The recommended duration of the program depends on the desired field, however, specialized programs tend to have higher-quality training. 

At Cybersteps, we offer a fully accredited 14-month training program in Cybersecurity. Our program suits career changers looking to build a strong foundation for a career and are ready to invest the time and effort to make a real change in their lives.

Bildungsgutschein vs. Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (AVGS)

Both the Bildungsgutschein and the Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (AVGS) are government-funded vouchers provided by the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter, but they serve different purposes:

• Bildungsgutschein – Focuses on long-term career development by funding full vocational training programs. Its goal is to help participants gain new skills and transition into sustainable employment in high-demand fields, such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering.

• AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein) – Designed for career orientation and short-term support, AVGS helps job seekers navigate the labor market, improve their employability, and gain initial exposure to new fields. It funds services like job coaching, career orientation courses, and application training, rather than full professional training programs.

If you’re looking to completely retrain for a new career, the Bildungsgutschein is the right choice. If you need guidance on career options and job search strategies, an AVGS may be a better starting point.

Common Questions About Bildungsgutschein

❓ Do I have to pay it back?
No! The Bildungsgutschein is not a loan—it’s a government-funded grant that covers the cost of your education.

❓ How long is my Bildungsgutschein valid?
Once granted, you must start your training within a specific timeframe set by your caseworker. Make sure to confirm the deadline during your meeting.

❓ How will it help my career?
This depends on your commitment and the training program you choose, but generally, a Bildungsgutschein will provide you with valuable skills, certifications, and hands-on experience, making you a strong candidate for in-demand jobs in tech.

At Cybersteps, we support you beyond training, helping you gain real-world experience, secure internships, build your resume, and land your first job.

Next Steps – How to Get Started

🚀 Haven’t registered yet? Sign up at your local Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter today.

📅 Already registered? Book an appointment with your caseworker.💡 Still have questions? Schedule a call with our career advisors to learn about:

• The tech industry job market
• What it’s like to study at Cybersteps
• How the Bildungsgutschein can cover your training costs