Frequently Asked
Questions

A Bildungsgutschein is an educational voucher granted by the Jobcenter/Agentur für Arbeit to unemployed individuals in Germany. The voucher funds your education or training with the goal to increase your chances of finding employment.

An Aktivierungsgutschein is similar to a Bildungsgutschein, however, it is granted for shorter periods of time to individuals to receive free coaching or training.

To be eligible for a Bildungsgutschein you must be unemployed or soon to be unemployed, registered and living in Germany and registered or in the process of registering with the Jobcenter/Agentur für Arbeit. If you currently have a mini/midi job you can be eligible if you meet the rest of the criteria.

No students or anyone in Germany on a student visa are not eligible to receive a Bildungsgutschein.

As a rule, you must have worked at least 12 months in the last 30 months subject to Social Security contributions in Germany to receive unemployment benefits and be able to apply for a Bildungsgutschein or Aktivierungsgutschein. However, there are a lot of other exceptions where individuals with no work experience in Germany can receive a voucher. We always recommend to clarify your eligibility at the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit responsible for you.

The level of German you need is dependent on the requirement of the course you choose. There are courses available in English and courses that include German language instruction.

Yes, migrants with no German knowledge can receive a Bildungsgutschein as long as they meet the requirements. However, anyone taking a course must be able to follow the instruction language, which will be English or German. However, we advise you to ask the JC agent of your respective city, to make sure that the lack of German knowledge is not a burden in the process of getting the BDGS (although the chosen course is entirely in English).

Technically yes, but it is unlikely you will receive one unless you can prove that you cannot find work with your new degree.

Yes you can apply.

Typically as a candidate you will receive an offer from a school for a specific course before your appointment at the Jobcenter/Agentur für Arbeit to receive your Bildungsgutschein, in which case the Bildungsgutschein will be issued for that specific course. However, the Bildungsgutschein can be issued for a type of course and a maximum length that can then be used for any course that meets those requirements.

You can receive Arbeitslosengeld (ALG) while taking your course with the Bildungsgutschein. However, the two are not linked so you will receive ALG for as long as you are entitled. If your course lasts longer than your ALG entitlement period you will not continue to receive it just because you are still taking a course.

Technically yes, however the Jobcenter/Agentur für Arbeit will evaluate your case to determine if taking another course with a Bildungsgutschein will help you find a job. Moreover, your chances of getting the BDGS are not as high as first time applicants.

These are both agencies that provide support for unemployed individuals in Germany. If you were previously employed in Germany and have paid into the unemployment system, then if you become unemployed you would go to the Agentur für Arbeit. The Jobcenter, on the other hand, is responsible for Bürgergeld and social benefits. If you have not previously worked in Germany, are a refugee, or have been unemployed for a long time, then you would go to the Jobcenter for support.

The Jobcenter is an institution that provides unemployment support in the form of Bürgergeld (citizens allowance), job search assistance, as well as offering the Bildungsgutschein.

The Agentur für Arbeit is the federal agency responsible for everything related to the labour market. They are responsible for implementing the decisions of the Ministry of Labour.

You can contact the Agentur für Arbeit by using this link

No, you should not. You should apply for an educational voucher at your local Jobcenter.

You can register with the Agentur für Arbeit by using this link.

You can also watch this video on how to register with the Jobcenter/Agentur für Arbeit.

When you attend your Jobcenter appointment to obtain your Bildungsgutschein you need to bring your ID/passport, your CV, your educational offer from a course provider OR your course suggestions from your Match Talent Course Counsellor, copies of your relevant certificates and university/ diploma certificate.

The interview typically lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and the agent will take a closer look at your past experiences and your career aspirations. The interview will most likely take place in German, but no need to worry if you don't feel comfortable doing the appointment in German, as we can provide you with a German speaking buddy. Read more about our Buddy service here.

Yes you need an Aktiverungsgutschein to take an orientation course.

Two options for an orientation course are Startsteps career compass or 1:1 mentoring and DCI.

No it does not guarantee you will receive a Bildungsgutschein, however, it does increase your chances.

In the last 30 months if you have worked at least 12 months in Germany, subject to social security contributions, YOU ARE OFTEN ELIGIBLE for a Bildungsgutschein. Visa types that would apply to this include but are not limited to work visa for qualified professionals, EU blue card, permanent residency/settlement permit, EU citizens. Additionally, in our experience holders of the following visa types have been able to secure a Bildungsgutschein: Family reunion visa, subsidiary protection (paragraph 25), refugee protection (paragraph 25), Asylum protection (Paragraph 25), Duldung (Paragraph 25) (under certain circumstances)  and Paragraph 24. Please note that this information is only provided to show what VISA TYPES COULD BE ELIGIBLE. To know for sure you must speak with your representative at the Agentur für Arbeit/Jobcenter. 

It is unlikely to be able to obtain a Bildungsgutschein if you have a freelance visa. However, the only way to know for sure is by speaking with your representative at the Agentur für Arbeit/Jobcenter. 

You must be living in Germany to receive a Bildungsgutschein, but there are various visa types that allow you to access the Bildungsgutschein.

If you apply for an educational voucher at Agentur für Arbeit, it will have no impact on the citizenship application, as it is a part of public funds. Applying for an educational voucher at Jobcenter while receiving social help (Bürgergeld ) might impact your citizenship application.

There are German courses you can take that are funded, but this is not funded with a Bildungsgutschein. This is not within the scope of Match Talent’s services.

Yes there are! There are courses that provide professional training along with German language instruction and sometimes even include intercultural integration instruction. You can read more about some of these courses here. 

Our counsellors will be happy to conduct your course counselling in English, German, Arabic, French or Turkish. 

Yes, Match Talent supports women through our initiative Match Talent for Women. Match Talent for Women aims to help migrant women in Germany gain access to government-funded education. This allows them to re-enter the job market, fulfill their career dreams and become active and independent members of the society.

Match Talent is a career centre in Germany that helps internationals gain access to government-funded educational programmes to help launch their careers in Germany. We offer course counselling to help you find the ideal course for you. We also help you improve your CV and motivational letters, along with offering our Buddy Programme to assist you at your appointment at the Jobcenter to receive your Bildungsgutschein. Read more about our services here.