Course approval (Maßnahmezulassung) (Approval of a course, Course approval number): Course approval (Maßnahmezulassung) confirms that a particular course may be funded through employment promotion. Together with provider approval, it is a requirement for the education voucher and the AVGS (section 176 (2) SGB III).
What is checked
Under section 179 SGB III, a course is approved if its content, methods and organisation of teaching suggest that participation will be successful and it is appropriate in view of the labour market situation, if it offers appropriate conditions of participation and equipment, and if it is planned economically, especially with regard to costs and duration.
For further training, the requirements of section 180 SGB III also apply. Excluded are, for example, measures aimed at a degree from a higher education institution (section 180 (3) SGB III). A university degree therefore cannot be paid for with the education voucher.
Appropriate costs
The costs of a course are considered appropriate if they do not exceed the average cost rates that the Federal Employment Agency determines every two years, or if an excess is due to necessary special expenses. If the costs are more than 25 percent higher, the Federal Employment Agency must agree (section 179 (2) SGB III).
What this means for you
Before registering, ask whether this exact course is approved, not just the provider. The approval should be limited to a maximum of three years (section 5 (4) AZAV). For the courses in our course finder, we have checked the approval.
In practice: an example
Bring the details of the approved course to your appointment at the employment agency: title, provider, duration, learning format and the approval details. Your adviser can then check directly whether the course fits the training goal. How to prepare for the appointment is explained in the article Applying for an education voucher.
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
Can a university degree course get course approval?
No. Measures aimed at a degree from a higher education institution are excluded from approval (section 180 (3) SGB III).
How can I tell whether a course is approved?
Ask the training provider about the approval of this exact course. For our courses it has been checked, and during the consultation we give you the details you need for the employment agency.
Related terms
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
- Section 176 SGB III: Principle of approvalFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 179 SGB III: Course approvalFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 180 SGB III: Additional requirements for vocational training measuresFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 5 AZAV: Approval procedureFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
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.