AVGS and education voucher sound similar, are often mentioned in the same meeting and both come from the employment agency or job centre. But they pay for different things. If you know the difference, you ask for the right voucher and avoid a detour.
The difference at a glance
| AVGS | Education voucher | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Section 45 SGB III | Section 81 SGB III |
| Used for | Coaching, orientation, applications, start-up, placement | Vocational training with certificate or qualification |
| Typical duration | a few weeks, often by the hour | a few weeks to two years |
| Outcome | clear goal, better applications, business plan | new qualification |
| Approval | Provider and measure under AZAV | |
When the AVGS fits
AVGS coaching makes sense if you do not yet know exactly where to go, if your applications do not lead to interviews or if you are planning to become self-employed. Good coaching ends with a clear result, such as a career goal, revised documents or a business plan.
When the education voucher fits
The education voucher is the right route if you have a clear goal and lack the knowledge for it: for example training in data analysis, accounting or project management that job ads ask for. More in the guide How to apply for an education voucher.
The sensible order
Often one builds on the other: coaching with an AVGS clarifies the goal, then training with an education voucher brings the qualification. If you already know what you want, you can start directly with the education voucher.
Read more on our page on AVGS coaching.
Häufige Fragen
Can I get an AVGS and an education voucher one after the other?
Yes, that is common. Coaching clarifies the goal, then continuing education with an education voucher follows. Both are separate decisions of the employment agency or job centre.
Which voucher is easier to get?
There is no general answer. AVGS coaching is usually shorter and cheaper; an education voucher needs a stronger justification, because the training must be necessary for your integration into work.
Does the AVGS pay for a language course?
Usually not. Job-related language courses typically run through separate programmes. Ask your adviser which route applies to you.
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)
- Section 81 SGB III: Principle of funding vocational continuing educationFederal 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.