After losing a job, the first impulse is often to start applying again right away. That is right. But sometimes it becomes clear after a few weeks that something is missing for the jobs you want. Then funded training is the obvious next step.
Who is responsible?
- Employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit): if you receive unemployment benefit or are registered as a jobseeker.
- Job centre (Jobcenter): if you receive benefits from the job centre.
Both fund training via the education voucher. The rules are very similar, the contact person is different.
What happens to your money
During funded training, unemployment benefit for vocational training can be paid (section 144 SGB III). The authority pays the course fees directly to the provider. Travel and childcare costs can be added.
If the training leads to a vocational qualification, for example retraining, section 87a SGB III allows additional payments: a monthly training allowance and bonuses for passed intermediate and final exams. Your adviser will tell you the current amounts.
The process in five steps
- Set your goal: what job do you want to do?
- Choose a course: AZAV-approved, matching your goal, with a start date. The course finder lists funded courses.
- Prepare the meeting: job ads, career history, justification.
- Receive the voucher: in the meeting or shortly after.
- Hand it in and start: with the provider, before the course begins.
How to run the meeting is explained in detail in How to apply for an education voucher.
If your goal is still unclear
Then coaching with an AVGS may be the better first step. The difference is explained in AVGS or education voucher.
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose my unemployment benefit if I do a course?
With funded training, usually not. Instead of unemployment benefit due to unemployment, unemployment benefit for vocational training can be paid. Clarify this with your adviser before you start.
Do I have to keep applying for jobs during the course?
That depends on the agreement with the employment agency or job centre. With full-time courses, the course usually takes priority. Keep the agreements in writing.
What is the difference between continuing education and retraining?
Retraining (Umschulung) leads to a new, recognised vocational qualification and usually lasts up to two years. Continuing education adds skills, often with a certificate, and is much shorter. Both can be funded with an education voucher.
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
- Section 81 SGB III: Principle of funding vocational continuing educationFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de (German)
- Section 87a SGB III: Training allowance and training bonusFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de (German)
- Section 144 SGB III: Entitlement during vocational trainingFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de (German)
- Funding of vocational continuing educationFederal Employment Agency (German)
Note: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Whether you are entitled to funding is decided by your employment agency or job centre in each individual case. As of 06.11.2026.