Into a new field: state-funded training with a Bildungsgutschein

If you're thinking "I want to do an AI course, but it costs thousands of euros", you're not alone. In Germany the state can fully pay for courses that help you find work or keep your job, under certain conditions. The document used for this is called a Bildungsgutschein. What matters is going in the right order and convincing your adviser why the course is necessary.

What is a Bildungsgutschein?

It's a document in which the Arbeitsagentur commits in writing to covering the costs of an approved course. You don't pay; the training provider (Bildungsträger) invoices the Arbeitsagentur directly. The voucher is usually limited in three ways:

• Time: You must start the course by a certain date.
• Region: It's valid for courses in a certain region.
• Training goal (Bildungsziel): It can only be used for the field written on it.

Who can get one?

• Unemployed people: If the course is necessary for you to find work. If you receive unemployment benefit (ALG I), it usually continues to be paid during the course.
• People at risk of unemployment: For example if you've been given notice, your contract is about to end, or you've signed a termination agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag). In this case, register as a jobseeker straight away (arbeitsuchend melden).
• People receiving Jobcenter support: Since 1 January 2025 their training support also comes from the Arbeitsagentur.
• Employees: You can also get support while keeping your job. But this goes through your employer, who usually pays part of the cost. The first step is to talk to your employer.

A Bildungsgutschein is not a right. Your adviser decides based on whether the course is necessary for you.

What's covered?

• Course fees, learning materials and exam fees
• Travel costs
• Childcare costs during the course
• Accommodation and meals if the course is very far away

For courses leading to a vocational qualification or a partial qualification that can lead to one (Teilqualifikation), you also get €150 a month in Weiterbildungsgeld. You can get a €1,000 bonus for passing the intermediate exam and €1,500 for passing the final exam. Short AI and data courses usually don't fall into this group.

Step by step

1. Research courses: Search on the Arbeitsagentur's "mein NOW" portal. Both the training provider and the course must be approved (AZAV-zertifiziert). Unapproved courses aren't funded.
2. Prepare: Find 3–5 job ads for the work you're aiming for. Show that the skills they ask for are taught in the course. Ask the provider for the course programme and a quote.
3. Request an appointment: Use the "Förderung anfragen" form on the Arbeitsagentur website or ask your adviser for a meeting.
4. Advice meeting: Explain why you chose this field, how your previous experience connects to it and how the course will improve your chances of finding a job.
5. Get the voucher and enrol: Give the voucher to the provider; they fill in the back and send it to the Arbeitsagentur.
6. Don't start before you have the voucher: Applications made after the course has started are usually rejected.

Choosing an AI, data or tech course

• Does it fit your background: Your adviser looks at how the course connects to your previous education and experience. For example, if you have experience in analytics, finance or project management, it may be easier to justify an "AI for Business" or "Data Analytics" course than an "AI Engineering" course from scratch.
• Language: Is the course in German or English? What language are the jobs you're aiming for in?
• Duration and format: Is the course full-time or part-time? Online or in person? Is there an internship (Praktikum)?
• Results: Ask the provider how many graduates found a job. If possible, talk to former participants.
• Watch out for sales pressure: Be careful with providers who say "sign now", promise gifts or say they'll "sort out" the voucher for you. Providers' free advice can be useful, but the decision is yours.

If you're refused

• Ask for the decision in writing.
• You can object (Widerspruch) to a written decision within one month. Strengthening your case with new job ads or a different course can help.
• Other options: In Berlin you can take up to 5 days a year of paid educational leave (Bildungsurlaub). Your employer may have a training budget; don't hesitate to ask. There are also free online platforms supported by the federal government, such as KI-Campus.

If you have children

Childcare costs during the course can be covered; ask your adviser how much. Many courses can also be done part-time or online. Say this clearly at your meeting.

Practical tips from women

• Go to the meeting prepared. Bring the job ads, the course programme and your CV. A concrete plan makes it easier to convince your adviser.
• Get everything in writing. Have what was discussed and any decisions confirmed by email or in writing.

This section will grow with the experiences of women in the BACIM community. If you've received a Bildungsgutschein or done further training, you're welcome to share your experience.

Sources

• Federal Employment Agency: Bildungsgutschein
• Federal Employment Agency: training support for employees
• mein NOW: course search
• Merkblatt 6: Förderung der beruflichen Weiterbildung (PDF)

This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. Information checked as of October 2026.