What is an AVGS?
The activation and placement voucher (AVGS) is a commitment by the employment agency or job centre to pay for a measure that activates you and supports your integration into work. The legal basis is section 45 SGB III. Unlike the education voucher it does not pay for vocational training, but for support on your way into work.
What you can use it for
- Career orientation: clarify strengths and goals, find realistic paths into a new job.
- Application coaching: CV and documents, interviews, presence on networks such as LinkedIn.
- Start-up coaching: business idea, business plan, financing and first steps into self-employment.
- Preparing for continuing education: find out which qualification really pays off before applying for an education voucher.
The three types
| Code | Used for |
|---|---|
| AVGS-MAT | A measure at an approved provider, such as individual or group coaching |
| AVGS-MPAV | Placement by a private employment agency |
| AVGS-MAG | A measure at an employer, such as a work trial |
For coaching, AVGS-MAT is the usual route. The voucher states goal, scope, validity and usually a region.
How to get your coaching
- Choose a suitable, approved coaching programme. We help you choose.
- Raise it in the meeting with your adviser and explain how it improves your prospects.
- Hand in the AVGS to the provider before the coaching starts.
- Start the coaching. Billing runs directly between provider and authority.
If you are aiming for vocational training, also read our page on the education voucher and the guide AVGS or education voucher.
Häufige Fragen
What does AVGS stand for?
AVGS stands for Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, the activation and placement voucher. It is based on section 45 SGB III and funds measures that support your return to work, such as career orientation coaching, application training, start-up coaching and private job placement.
Who gets an AVGS?
Jobseekers, unemployed people and people at risk of unemployment, if the measure supports their integration into work. If you receive benefits from the job centre, the job centre is responsible. Under certain conditions there is a legal entitlement, usually it is a discretionary decision.
What is the difference between AVGS and the education voucher?
The education voucher pays for vocational training, meaning new professional skills with a certificate or qualification. The AVGS pays for activation and coaching, meaning support with orientation, applications or starting a business. Both can build on each other.
Is AVGS coaching available online?
Yes. Many providers offer AVGS coaching fully or partly online. What matters is that the measure is approved and matches the details on your voucher, such as scope and region.
Do you charge for your advice?
No. Our advice is free of charge for you. We work with selected training providers and receive a fee from them if you start there. We say this openly so you can put our recommendations into context.
Quellen
Die Rechtsgrundlagen und offiziellen Stellen, auf die sich dieser Beitrag stützt. Links zuletzt geprüft am .
- Section 45 SGB III: Activation and vocational integration measuresFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de (German)
- Accreditation and Approval Ordinance for Employment Promotion (AZAV)Federal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de (German)
- Activation and placement voucherFederal Employment Agency (German)
Hinweis: Diese Informationen dienen der Orientierung und sind keine Rechtsberatung. Ob Sie gefördert werden, entscheidet Ihre Arbeitsagentur oder Ihr Jobcenter im Einzelfall. Stand: 06.11.2026.