Anyone who hears about the education voucher for the first time usually looks for an application form. There is none. The voucher is the result of an advisory meeting, and you can prepare for that meeting. This guide shows how.
Step 1: Define your goal
Before you talk to the employment agency or job centre, you should be able to answer one simple question: what job do you want to do after the training? The more specific, the better. "Something in IT" is hard to approve; "data analysis in the controlling department of a mid-sized company" is a goal a course can relate to.
Step 2: Choose a specific course
Look for a course approved under AZAV and bring four pieces of information to the meeting:
- name of the course and the provider
- approval number of the course (Maßnahmenummer)
- duration, format and next start date
- costs according to the offer
In the course finder you will find funded courses by topic and format. We give you the provider's name in personal contact, together with all documents.
Step 3: Prepare your justification
The training must be necessary for your integration into work. That is the core requirement in section 81 SGB III. So prepare three things:
- Two or three job ads from your region that ask for exactly the skills the course teaches.
- Your career in a few sentences: what you can already do and what is missing for these jobs.
- A reason why this course fits: content, certificate, format, for example because you need part-time due to childcare.
Step 4: Hold the meeting
Arrange an appointment with your adviser and mention when booking that it is about continuing education. In the meeting, present your goal and the course. Sometimes the adviser suggests an alternative or wants to check your aptitude first. That is normal.
Step 5: Check and redeem the voucher
Once the voucher is issued, check it immediately: do training goal, duration, validity and region match your course? Then hand it to the provider before the course starts. Billing then runs directly between provider and authority.
If it does not work out
Ask for the reasons and for a written decision. You can object within one month (section 84 SGG). A better justification or a course closer to your previous job often helps.
Read more about the basics on our page on the education voucher.
Häufige Fragen
Can I apply for the education voucher online?
You can arrange the appointment online, by phone or in person. The decision is made in the advisory meeting, because the law requires advice before the training starts (section 81(1) SGB III).
What do I say in the meeting?
Explain your goal, the specific course and why it improves your chances of getting a job. Job ads asking for exactly the skills the course teaches, plus a short overview of your career so far, are helpful.
How long does the decision take?
It varies. Often the voucher is issued in the meeting or a few days later. Sometimes the adviser first asks for an aptitude test or more documents. Allow enough time before the course starts.
What if I have already booked the course?
Then you risk the funding, because the advice must take place before you start. Many providers reserve places without obligation until the voucher is available. Ask for that.
Quellen
Die Rechtsgrundlagen und offiziellen Stellen, auf die sich dieser Beitrag stützt. Links zuletzt geprüft am .
- Section 81 SGB III: Principle of funding vocational continuing educationFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de (German)
- Funding of vocational continuing educationFederal Employment Agency (German)
- Section 84 SGG: Deadline for objectionsFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de (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.