Bildungsgutschein Info
for English courses & FAQs

A Bildungsgutschein is an official education voucher from the Federal Employment Agency. It enables you to learn new skills required to increase employment opportunities. All costs incurred as part of your further training are covered by the Bildungsgutschein.

The voucher states the training objective, the maximum course duration, the validity period and the local area of validity. It is generally valid for three months from the date of issue. You must start the training course within this period, otherwise the voucher will lose its validity.

Anyone who is unemployed or looking for work and would like to undertake further training or retraining can apply for a Bildungsgutschein. 

Conditions: An applicant’s permanent place of residence must be within Germany and further training is necessary in order to:

(1) end unemployment with an expansion of skills to improve of employment opportunities

(2) avert imminent unemployment (e.g. in the event of short-time working or temporary employment)

Even if you are employed, you can receive a Bildungsgutschein if you would like to continue your training as part of your existing employment relationship.

Please note: There is no legal entitlement to a Bildungsgutschein. It is a discretionary benefit from the employment agency or job centre. This means that it will be issued by your relevant employment agency if they see a need for further training. You should therefore prepare good arguments for the discussion with your caseworker as to why you need the Bildungsgutschein from the employment agency or job centre.

If you already have a Bildungsgutschein for an English course, please contact us directly for a personalised offer. This will normally be available to you within one working day and you can forward it directly to your caseworker.

Absolutely! The quality of our courses is regularly checked by an official body and we are authorise to accept Bildungsgutschein from the Federal Employment Agency.

As our English courses take place online in mini groups, all you need is internet, a laptop/tablet and your Bildungsgutschein.

With a Bildungsgutschein, our English courses are free of charge for you. The courses are 100% subsidised by the Federal Employment Agency.

Incidentally, not only are all costs for English lessons, learning materials (textbooks) and examination fees covered. You may also be able to claim childcare costs during the course. Talk to your caseworker at the employment agency before you start the course.

In principle, it is possible to apply for several Bildungsgutschein from the Employment Agency.

It will then be checked again whether there is still a need for additional further training (for example, because the skills you have already acquired are not sufficient to achieve your professional goals).

After completing the English course, you must submit the relevant proof that you have attended the course (e.g. your EnglishRadar Certificate of Studies). Your employment agency caseworker will provide you with an overview of all the documents you need to submit.