Bundeswehr career promotion service (Berufsförderungsdienst) (BFD, Career promotion for temporary-career soldiers): The Bundeswehr career promotion service (Berufsförderungsdienst, BFD) advises and supports temporary-career soldiers (Soldatinnen und Soldaten auf Zeit) with school and vocational education to prepare the move into civilian working life.
Who is supported
According to the Bundeswehr, the offer is aimed at temporary-career soldiers, people doing voluntary military service and career soldiers with a special age limit. The scope and period of support depend on the length of service commitment. There is an old and a new set of rules, depending on the date of enlistment.
School education and other benefits
Alongside vocational education, the Bundeswehr mentions Bundeswehr technical schools (Bundeswehrfachschulen) with free courses from lower secondary school level up to the advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife), as well as career orientation internships, the number of which depends on the length of service commitment. Because, according to the Bundeswehr, tables and forms are being revised due to changes to the Soldiers' Pensions Act (Soldatenversorgungsgesetz), check the current amounts and periods directly with the BFD.
How it works
Support is only granted on application. According to the Bundeswehr, counselling at the BFD is a mandatory requirement for approval. For vocational education you choose the training institution yourself; it must be suitable for proper delivery. Support is available in Germany and in the EU.
What we contribute
We show you suitable courses and the documents you need for your appointment at the BFD. The BFD decides on the funding.
In practice: an example
You are a temporary-career soldier and want to prepare for a civilian profession, for example in project management. First arrange counselling at your BFD location and bring specific courses with you. We show you suitable courses and the details you need for your application.
How we help you
We clarify with you which funding route fits your situation and look for an approved course in our course finder. All funding routes at a glance are on our funding page, and you can request an appointment here.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an AZAV-approved course for the BFD?
The Bundeswehr states as a requirement that the training institution is suitable for proper delivery. Which evidence is required in the individual case is clarified by your BFD location.
Do I have to go to the BFD first?
Yes. According to the Bundeswehr, counselling at the BFD is a mandatory requirement for approval, and the application must be submitted before the start.
Related terms
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
Note: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Whether you receive funding is decided in each individual case by the responsible office, for example the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), the job centre or the pension insurance. As of 08.11.2026.