You’ve been on Bürgergeld for a year, your German is at B1, and you finally have a plan - get a new qualification and find a real job. You heard about something called a Bildungsgutschein and you’ve already picked a course. You go to the Jobcenter, and they tell you: “For that, you need to go to the Agentur für Arbeit now.” And by the way - your diploma needs to be translated. And if the course isn’t AZAV-certified, nothing will happen at all.
Let’s break down exactly how this works, which documents you need translated and when, and how to avoid wasting three months going in circles.
What is a Bildungsgutschein and who issues it in 2027¶
A Bildungsgutschein (BGS) is an official document confirming that the German state will pay for your vocational training. It’s not cash - it’s a payment guarantee to the training provider. You pay nothing; you just learn.
The legal basis is §81 SGB III. This paragraph defines who qualifies, what the conditions are, and what gets covered.
Critical change from 1 January 2025¶
If you heard that Jobcenter issues the Bildungsgutschein - that’s no longer the case. Since 1 January 2025, only the Agentur für Arbeit (AA) can issue a BGS. Jobcenter still counsels and refers people, but the actual voucher comes only from AA.
What this means for you: - If you’re on Bürgergeld and want a BGS - you need an appointment at the Agentur für Arbeit - Your Jobcenter Sachbearbeiter can refer you there or coordinate the process - But the final decision and the voucher itself - only from AA
The change came through the Haushaltsfinanzierungsgesetz 2024. The system is now centralised, which means less confusion overall but an extra step for you.
Who qualifies: Ukrainians with §24 status¶
The Bildungsgutschein isn’t an automatic benefit. Technically it’s an “Ermessensleistung” - a discretionary decision by the caseworker. But there are conditions that significantly improve your chances.
Basic eligibility conditions¶
- Registered as unemployed or facing a real risk of losing your job
- The training will “significantly improve” your chances on the job market - the exact phrase AA checks for
- You have a valid residence permit in Germany
Partial right to BGS - if you have no Berufsausbildung¶
Important: if you don’t have a completed Berufsausbildung (German-standard vocational training) - the right to support for obtaining one is written directly into §82 SGB III. Refusing here is harder for the caseworker than with a standard request.
Ukrainians with §24 AufenthG¶
If you arrived before 1 April 2025: you’re on Bürgergeld, you have Jobcenter access, and through that - access to Agentur für Arbeit and the Bildungsgutschein.
If you arrived after 1 April 2025: the situation is more complicated. The German cabinet decided in November 2025 to move this category from Bürgergeld to the lower Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG). That means 441 euros instead of 563, and a different route to training support. Check your specific status with Jobcenter or Sozialamt.
Up-to-date guidance for Ukrainians is available at handbook Germany.
Which documents need to be translated¶
This is where translation becomes critical. AA wants to understand your educational and professional background - to decide which direction makes sense for you and whether the support is justified.
Diploma or school certificate¶
If you have a higher or secondary vocational education from Ukraine, your diploma gives AA context. Even if your Ukrainian specialisation isn’t officially recognised in Germany, the caseworker can see: is there a base to work with, which direction fits best.
You need: a certified translation from a sworn translator (beglaubigte Übersetzung). This is the format AA accepts for official review.
Employment record book or work references (Трудова книжка)¶
If you have experience in a specific field, this affects both the direction and duration of training. Some retraining programmes (nursing, teaching) are shortened when prior documented experience is confirmed.
You need: a certified translation - either of specific entries or the full employment record - depending on what AA requests.
Marriage certificate (if your surname differs)¶
If your diploma has a different surname - you need to confirm it’s the same person. A Ukrainian marriage certificate also requires a certified translation.
Birth certificates of children¶
If you’re applying for the childcare cost reimbursement within BGS (130 euros/month per child) - you’ll need documentation for each child. Ukrainian birth certificates require translation.
What you don’t need to translate¶
- Documents issued by BAMF - already in German
- Fiktionsbescheinigung and Aufenthaltserlaubnis - issued in German by Ausländerbehörde
- Meldebescheinigung (address registration) - also German
- Bank statements from a German bank - no translation needed
Cost of translation and who pays¶
Good news: under “Leistungen zur Eingliederung,” AA or Jobcenter can cover translation costs if they’re needed for your case. But this isn’t automatic - you need to ask in advance and get confirmation before ordering. Don’t pay out of pocket without prior agreement.
If you’re paying yourself: - In Ukraine: roughly 200-500 UAH per page plus 200-400 UAH for notarial certification - In Germany: 50-120 euros per page from a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer)
If you need a quick translation for your own understanding or as a working draft, ChatsControl lets you translate documents online with AI quality checking.
What the Bildungsgutschein covers: amounts and bonuses¶
The Bildungsgutschein doesn’t have a fixed euro amount. It covers 100% of course costs with no ceiling. That could be 2,000 euros for a short course or 25,000 euros for a two-year retraining programme. AA pays the training provider directly.
Beyond the course fee, additional costs can be reimbursed:
| Type of cost | Reimbursement |
|---|---|
| Public transport | Cheapest monthly ticket |
| Car (per km) | 20 cents/km, max 130 €/trip |
| Accommodation away from home | Max 31 €/day or 340 €/month |
| Meals away from home | Max 18 €/day or 136 €/month |
| Accommodation + meals combined | Max 476 €/month |
| Childcare (children under 15) | 130 €/month per child |
Weiterbildungsgeld and exam bonuses¶
If you complete a course leading to an official qualification (“abschlussorientierte Weiterbildung”):
- Weiterbildungsgeld: +150 euros/month on top of Bürgergeld or ALG I for the full duration of training
- Bonus for passing intermediate exam: 1,000 euros
- Bonus for passing final exam: 1,500 euros (only for programmes of 2+ years)
A two-year retraining programme can bring you not just a new qualification but also 3,600 euros in Weiterbildungsgeld plus up to 2,500 euros in bonuses. That’s a serious financial incentive - don’t overlook it.
Finding an AZAV course: the non-negotiable requirement¶
Walk into AA and say “I want to become a programmer” without a specific course in hand - you’ll get a general conversation and nothing more. For a BGS you need to bring a specific AZAV-certified course with its Maßnahmennummer.
What AZAV means¶
AZAV (Akkreditierungs- und Zulassungsverordnung Arbeitsförderung) is the accreditation standard for vocational training programmes. Both the training provider and the specific course must hold AZAV certification. Without it - no BGS, no matter how good the course looks.
Requirements: - More than 120 hours of instruction - The training provider holds AZAV accreditation - The course has its own Maßnahmennummer (programme reference number) - Listed in KURSNET, the official database from Bundesagentur für Arbeit
How to search for AZAV courses¶
The official database is kursnet.arbeitsagentur.de. Filter by: - Your location or online - Subject area (Pflege, IT, Office, Logistics, Trades…) - Format (full-time, evening, distance learning) - Label “Bildungsgutschein möglich”
Ask the training provider directly¶
Before committing to any course, ask: - “Haben Sie eine AZAV-Zertifizierung?” (Are you AZAV-accredited?) - “Welche Maßnahmennummer hat dieser Kurs?” (What’s the programme reference number?) - “Nehmen Sie Bildungsgutscheine an?” (Do you accept Bildungsgutscheine?)
If they can’t answer all three - the course almost certainly won’t qualify.
Step-by-step guide: from idea to first day of training¶
Step 1: Pick a direction and find a course (1-2 weeks)¶
Before going to AA:
- Decide what direction you want to go
- Find a specific AZAV course in KURSNET - with a Maßnahmennummer and start date
- Ask the training provider for a “Kostenvoranschlag” - a formal cost estimate
- Collect 5-10 current job listings in your target field - proof that demand exists
Tip: if you don’t have strong preferences, go for “Mangelberufe” - shortage occupations. Pflegehelfer, Erzieher (childcare worker), IT, Logistics, Handwerk - AA approves these almost without question because the labour market absorbs them completely.
Step 2: Gather documents and book an AA appointment¶
What to bring: - Passport or ID - Aufenthaltserlaubnis §24 or Fiktionsbescheinigung - Meldebescheinigung (proof of registered address) - Lebenslauf (CV) - must be in German - Kostenvoranschlag for your chosen course - Printed job listings - Certified translations of diplomas and employment record (if available) - Written statement explaining: why this training, why this course, what job you’re aiming for
Book an AA appointment: online at arbeitsagentur.de, by phone at 0800 4 5555 00 (free), or in person at your local office.
Step 3: The consultation at AA¶
At the appointment: - Explain your situation: who you are, what experience you have, what you’re aiming for - Show the specific course and cost estimate - including the Maßnahmennummer - Show the job listings: here’s how many vacancies exist in this field right now - Make the logic clear: “I can’t find work now because I lack [qualification X]; after this course I can”
Critical: if the Sachbearbeiter says “das ist nicht möglich” - don’t accept a verbal refusal. Always ask for schriftliche Ablehnung (written rejection). Without it you can’t file a Widerspruch (formal objection).
As users on Erwerbslosenforum report:
“Die werden erstmal versuchen es zu verneinen. Immer schriftliche Ablehnung verlangen, nie nur mündliche akzeptieren.”
Translation: they’ll initially try to say no. A verbal refusal means nothing - demand the written document.
Step 4: Wait for the decision (2-6 weeks)¶
AA reviews: - Whether the job market actually supports this career path after training - Whether the course meets AZAV requirements - Whether this course fits your specific situation
Standard processing time: 2-6 weeks. Complex cases can take up to 8 weeks.
Step 5: Receive the BGS¶
The Bildungsgutschein is valid for 3 months from the issue date. The course must start within that window.
If there are no available spots before the deadline - don’t wait until the last day. Contact AA before the expiry and ask for an extension (verlängern). With a valid reason, they’ll usually extend it.
The most important rule: never start the course BEFORE receiving the BGS. Even if the training provider says “start now, we’ll sort the voucher later.” That’s an automatic disqualification - they won’t cover costs retroactively.
Step 6: First day of training¶
Arrive at the training provider with your BGS. They and AA sign a contract; payment flows directly from AA to them. You pay nothing.
BGS vs AVGS vs Integration Course vs BSK: which support to choose¶
| Tool | Issued by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bildungsgutschein (BGS) | Agentur für Arbeit | Retraining, upskilling, obtaining a qualification | 3 months - 3 years |
| AVGS (Activation voucher) | Jobcenter or AA | Coaching, short courses, job search support | up to 8 weeks |
| BAMF Integration Course | BAMF | German A1-B1 + orientation course | 700 hours, free |
| Vocational Language Course (BSK) | BAMF/Jobcenter | Professional German B1-C1 | as needed, free |
Recommended sequence for recent arrivals¶
If you’re new to Germany and your German is still developing:
- BAMF Integration Course - free, no BGS needed. Gets you to B1 and an understanding of how Germany works. More on the documents you need in Integration Course in Germany: what documents BAMF requires
- Vocational Language Course (BSK) - free, gives you field-specific German
- Once you have the language and a clear goal - Bildungsgutschein for a specific qualification
If your German is already solid and you have a clear career target, skip straight to step 3. But trying a complex technical retraining programme without adequate German will be very hard.
Common rejection reasons and how to avoid them¶
“Weiterbildung ist nicht notwendig”¶
“You can find work without additional training.”
Fix: bring a comparison of job listings. How many vacancies exist with your current skills vs. how many with the new qualification. Show the numbers.
“Jobperspektiven sind schlecht”¶
“There’s too much competition in that field.”
Fix: choose shortage occupations. According to Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the highest demand in 2026-2027 is in: Pflege (care), Erzieher (childcare), IT, Handwerk (trades), Logistics.
Course isn’t AZAV-certified¶
Fix: before your appointment, verify the course in KURSNET. Bring a printout of the course page - with the Maßnahmennummer visible.
Course already started¶
Automatic rejection. The BGS must be issued before day one of training. No exceptions.
Justification too vague¶
“I want to develop myself” doesn’t work. You need: “I have experience in X, I want qualification Y, there’s demonstrated demand (7 specific listings), course Z is AZAV-certified and starts on [date].”
What to do if you’re rejected¶
As Careertune explains in their BGS rejection guide:
Bei einer Ablehnung haben Sie das Recht, einen Widerspruch einzulegen. Die Frist beträgt einen Monat nach Erhalt des Ablehnungsbescheids.
You have one month from receiving the written rejection to file a Widerspruch. Submit it in writing with new arguments. You can also request a different Sachbearbeiter. Last resort: Sozialgericht (social court).
One forum user reported fighting for 8 months - filing Widersprüche, preparing a PowerPoint presentation, meeting with multiple caseworkers - and eventually getting approved. If the goal matters, it’s worth pushing.
More on Jobcenter documents - in the article Bürgergeld for Ukrainians: which documents to translate for Jobcenter.
FAQ: Common questions about Bildungsgutschein¶
Can Jobcenter refuse a Bildungsgutschein?¶
Since 2025, Jobcenter doesn’t issue BGS at all - that’s exclusively Agentur für Arbeit now. If AA rejects your application - you can file a Widerspruch within one month of receiving the written rejection letter.
How many times can you get a Bildungsgutschein?¶
Legally, there’s no limit. If you completed a course, found work, then became unemployed again - you can apply again. If you dropped out of a previous course without a valid reason, getting a second BGS is much harder.
Can you study online with a Bildungsgutschein?¶
Yes - if the online course is AZAV-certified. In KURSNET you can filter by format “Fernunterricht” or “Online.”
Do you need to translate documents every time you apply for BGS?¶
Not necessarily. If you’ve applied before and your documents are already on file with AA - no re-translation needed. On the first application, diploma and employment record are usually required.
What if your diploma was lost or destroyed due to the war?¶
Raise this with AA immediately. Alternatives exist: a letter from your university confirming degree issuance, a notarised copy, documentation from your educational institution. AA is familiar with this situation. More detail in What to do if Ukrainian documents were destroyed or lost due to the war.
What language level do you need for a BGS?¶
There’s no formal language requirement. But if the course is professional retraining delivered in German - without B1-B2 you’ll struggle to follow the material. AA may suggest completing a language course first. If you have a language certificate from BAMF or VHS - bring it to your appointment.
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