What is a Bildungsgutschein?

Table of Contents

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• What is a Bildungsgutschein?
• Who is Bildungsgutschein for?
• What to Know Before You Apply for Bildungsgutschein
• How to Apply for Bildungsgutschein
• Will Bildungsgutschein help you land a job?
• 9 Bildungsgutschein-Approved Bootcamps

Did you know you might be able to attend a coding bootcamp in Germany—for free? If you're unemployed or looking to switch careers, the Bildungsgutschein could cover the cost of your training, including tech bootcamps! Our guide breaks down everything you need to know: what a Bildungsgutschein is, who qualifies, and how to apply. We’ve also rounded up Bildungsgutschein-approved bootcamps so you can choose the right one to help your career and land your next job in tech.

What is a Bildungsgutschein?

Bildungsgutschein is a voucher that can be redeemed for free education or vocational training. The goal of this voucher is acquiring new skills that will equip people with in-demand skills, allowing them to get back to work, either in a similar position or in a completely new career. The Bildungsgutschein is provided by the German job center, called the German Agentur für Arbeit, and in addition to paying for education, other expenses such as travel, accomodation, fees, learning materials, and even childcare may be covered as well.

Who is Bildungsgutschein for?

Bildungsgutschein is for German citizens who are either unemployed or soon will be. Non-Germans who are residing in Germany on a work visa may be eligible, depending on their circumstances. CareerFoundry graduate Anja Lena relied on Bildungsgutschein to make a career change into UX design. She says, "The German government essentially paid for my tuition...The schedule is more intense and there are specific requirements, so be prepared and know what you want your outcome to be before you apply." 

To apply for Bildungsgutschein, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be unemployed and registered with the Agentur für Arbeit
• May be unemployed soon
• Need further training or retraining to reenter the job force
• Lack a formal vocational qualification but wish to obtain one 

To qualify for the Bildungsgutschein, you cannot be a student or be in Germany on a student visa. You will need minimum German language skills, and a strong motivation to succeed. With  a Bildungsgutschein, you have a variety of career options to choose from, including IT and computer science.

What to Know Before You Apply for Bildungsgutschein

Something to keep in mind about the Bildungsgutschein program is that all educational programs have to be approved by the Agentur für Arbeit. Approved courses must be from accredited institutions, and must comply with SBG III (Third Book of the Social Code), which regulates employment promotion in Germany, and be AZAV-certified. If the bootcamp or program you’re interested in doesn’t meet these qualifications, that’s a “red flag” that it won’t be approved for the voucher program.

There are a few other things you need to look out for when using a Bildungsgutschein:

• The training must be required for your career integration or to keep your current position—it’s not for personal interests or hobbies.

• The coursework should be applicable for in-demand roles and boost your chances of finding a job.

• You might have to demonstrate B1 or B2 German language proficiency. 

How to Apply for Bildungsgutschein

Just like any government program, there are a few steps you need to take to apply for Bildungsgutschein, and all of them need to be completed before you can qualify. While not a comprehensive list, you will need to take the following steps to apply for Bildungsgutschein:

1. Register with the Agentur für Arbeit online or in person. 

2. Find a program that aligns with your career goals, and make sure it’s approved for Bildungsgutschein funding.

3. Schedule an appointment with an advisor at the Agentur für Arbeit.

4. Gather the required documents for your training program, such as your ID/passport, resume/CV, educational offer from a course provider, and relevant certificates, and be ready to make your case with the advisor.

5. Once your case has been approved by your advisor, they will help you submit your documents for the Bildungsgutschein.

6. Follow up with the advisor to stay apprised of your status.

7. When approved, follow the enrollment process for the training program and submit the voucher. 

Please note that as of January 2025, eligibility for the Bildungsgutschein will be determined solely by the Agentur für Arbeit and not the Jobcenter. The whole process from start to finish can take anywhere from  4-14 weeks, so be patient and get the process started sooner than later! 

Will Bildungsgutschein help you land a job?

Yes…and no. Bildungsgutschein is designed to help you get the competitive skills you need to land a job, but it doesn't guarantee a job when you finish your training — that part is up to you. It’s a good idea to check if the institution at which you’re doing your training has a job guarantee, career services, job placement, or networking opportunities. The key is choosing a program that also offers career services to help you nail the interview and land a job. 

9 Bildungsgutschein-Approved Bootcamps

1. CareerFoundry
2. Code Labs Academy
3. Constructor Academy
4. Cybersteps
5. Le Wagon
6. Masterschool
7. Neue Fische
8. WBS CODING SCHOOL
9. XDi – Experience Design Institut