Is there an integration course just for women, and how can I join if I have a child?

The Frauenintegrationskurs (women's integration course) is for women only. It's for women who want to learn German together with other women, who are raising children and who haven't been able to attend a course so far because of family responsibilities.

To join, you must have at least one child under 18 on the date the course starts.

The course has 900 hours of language and 100 hours of orientation (one lesson is 45 minutes). You learn everyday German. The group also visits nurseries and schools together, gets to know family counselling services and talks about job opportunities.

Certificate of eligibility (Berechtigungsschein): If you got your residence permit after 2005, you get it from the immigration office. If you're an EU citizen or a German citizen and your German isn't good enough, you can apply to BAMF.

Cost: 2.29 euros per lesson. If you receive Bürgergeld or similar benefits, or your finances are tight, you can ask for an exemption. Ask before the course starts. If you complete the course successfully within 2 years, you can get half of what you paid back.

Childcare: According to BAMF's information sheet, you should ask the course provider (Kursträger) about childcare. Be sure to ask before choosing a course.

To find a course, use BAMF-NAvI or ask Migration Counselling (MBE). MBE works with providers that run women's courses. This BAMF page is also available in Turkish.