How do I join an integration course (Integrationskurs)?
If you have a right to a course, the LEA issues the certificate; the LEA or Jobcenter may also oblige you to attend. Without a right you can apply to BAMF, but since 2026 places are limited and admission isn't guaranteed.
The integration course (Integrationskurs) consists of a German language course and an orientation course and is funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
If you have a right to a course (for example, you came for work or family reunification and live in Germany long-term), the LEA issues the certificate of eligibility. The LEA or the Jobcenter may also oblige you to attend.
If you have no right to a course, you can apply to BAMF to join voluntarily, but places have been limited since 2026. Priority goes to people from Ukraine and to EU citizens and Germans whose German isn't good enough for work; admission isn't guaranteed. Asylum seekers and people with a Duldung are only admitted in exceptional cases; shorter initial orientation courses (Erstorientierungskurs) are available for them.
BAMF covers most of the course fee. If you can't afford it (for example, if you receive support from the Jobcenter), you may be fully exempted.
You can find courses near you on BAMF's BAMF-NAvI website. Ask the course provider whether childcare is available. There are also women's integration courses (Frauenintegrationskurs) for women with children.
This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.
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