AVGS and Bildungsgutschein are both government-funded vouchers for unemployed and job-seeking individuals in Germany. But they cover different things.
One pays for coaching. The other pays for upskilling courses. Knowing which one you need (or whether you need both) depends on where you are in your career transition.
In this article, you’ll learn how AVGS and Bildungsgutschein differ, who qualifies for each, and how to apply for both in the same appointment.
Key Takeaways
- AVGS and Bildungsgutschein are two government vouchers that fund specific courses for learning, upskilling, and career change.
- If you’re registered as unemployed in Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit, you can access free courses through AVGS Bildungsgutschein vouchers.
- AVGS covers career coaching like CV help, interview prep, and finding your direction or founder coaching for people who want to start out as freelancers
- Bildungsgutschein covers structured upskilling courses that lead to real qualifications.
- Your caseworker decides to issue both vouchers based on your situation, career goals, and background.
- Fired Up provides personalised coaches and practical courses to help you navigate career transitions confidently.
AVGS vs. Bildungsgutschein: What’s the Difference?
The AVGS is issued by the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter. The Bildungsgutschein is issued exclusively by the Agentur für Arbeit, even if you’re registered at the Jobcenter.
Here’s how they differ from each other:
AVGS
The AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein) funds short activation measures, such as coaching, career direction, interview preparation, and CV making. In this program, you sit one-on-one with a certified coach to help you figure out your career goals.
Fired Up offers two AVGS courses: job coaching and founder coaching. We individualise every session to match your unique needs and priorities, so you have more chances of getting the free voucher.
Bildungsgutschein
The Bildungsgutschein (Education Voucher) funds structured upskilling courses. This is skill-based learning, where you build a specific, transferable skill set.
For example, if you’re a project manager, you can try our Project Management with AI course. You will learn agile frameworks, modern AI tools, and career coaching that helps you future-proof your career.
Who is Qualified for AVGS and Bildungsgutschein?
Here’s how you know you qualify for AVGS and Bildungsgutschein:
Who Can Apply for the AVGS
If you’re registered as unemployed in Germany, receiving ALG I or Bürgergeld, or worried your job might not last, you can apply for the AVGS.
AVGS will also suit you if you’re on a fixed-term contract, working as a freelancer, and returning to the workforce after a long break.
But AVGS is a discretionary benefit, which means there is no automatic legal entitlement. Your caseworker assesses your application based on your individual circumstances, so you need to make sure you have a strong career direction and clarity before you apply.
Who Can Apply for the Bildungsgutschein
To qualify for the Bildungsgutschein, you need to be unemployed, with or without benefits, or registered as a job seeker. You also need to choose a course that connects to real job opportunities in your field.
No one is automatically entitled to a Bildungsgutschein. But your chances improve when you walk into your appointment knowing which course you want, which provider offers it, and why it leads to work.
AVGS vs. Bildungsgutschein: Which Voucher Is Right for You?
If you qualify for one or both, here’s how to figure out which one fits your situation, and whether you should apply for both at once:
You’re Unemployed But Not Sure What to Do Next
If you know you need to move forward but don’t have a clear direction, start with the AVGS. A coach will help you figure out what you want, set realistic goals, and plan your next concrete step.
You Have Skills, But Want to Change Careers
If you’ve built experience in one field but want to move into something new, the Bildungsgutschein may suit you.
You just need the right qualification to make your case to a new employer.
The stronger the connection between the course you want and real job opportunities in that field, the easier it is to make the case to your caseworker.
You’ve Been Out of Work for a While
If you’ve been out of the workforce for months, one voucher alone may not be enough.
You can access AVGS career coaching to rebuild confidence, update your job search strategy, and figure out if you should upskill in a specific area. The Bildungsgutschein can cover a course that brings your skills back up to date and gives you a certified qualification to show employers.
You Want to Start a Business But Need the Skills to Run It
Founding a business and having the skills to run it are two different things. The AVGS for founder coaching helps you develop your plan, test your idea, and get structured support toward launching. The Bildungsgutschein can run alongside it. You can opt for a course that fills the specific skill gaps your business depends on.
How to Apply for AVGS and Bildungsgutschein
Since 2025, these two vouchers follow different application paths. The AVGS is still issued by the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter. The Bildungsgutschein now goes exclusively through the Agentur für Arbeit, even if you’re registered at the Jobcenter.
Here’s how to apply for each:
Step 1: Find Your Provider
Look for an AZAV-certified provider before your appointment. Your caseworker is more likely to approve your request when you come with a specific provider and a clear reason for choosing them.
For AVGS, find a certified coaching provider. For Bildungsgutschein, find a course provider that matches your career goals and job market demand.
Step 2: Book Your Appointment
For AVGS, contact your caseworker at the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter directly.
For Bildungsgutschein, book an appointment with the Agentur für Arbeit. If you’re a Bürgergeld recipient registered at the Jobcenter, your Jobcenter can advise you and refer you to the Agentur für Arbeit for the application.
If you want both vouchers, you may need two separate appointments depending on your situation.
Step 3: Make Your Case
Come prepared with your chosen provider, a clear goal, and a short explanation of why coaching or a course will help you find work.
For AVGS, show the coaching program you’ve chosen and explain what career direction you’re working toward.
For Bildungsgutschein, explain which course you want, which provider offers it, and how the qualification connects to roles that are actively hiring. The stronger the link between the course and employability, the better your chances.
Step 4: Receive Your Voucher and Send It to Your Provider
Once approved, you’ll receive each voucher in writing. Send it to your chosen provider, and they’ll handle the paperwork and confirm your start date.
The Bildungsgutschein is valid for three months from the issue date. Start your course within that window, or it expires. The AVGS validity period is stated on the voucher itself.
Plan Your Career With Fired Up Space
If you’re registered as unemployed or job seeking in Germany, you may qualify for an AVGS, a Bildungsgutschein, or both. You can use these vouchers to apply for certified courses.
At Fired Up, we offer free AVGS and Bildungsgutschein courses, including job coaching, founder coaching, project management with AI, and systematic coaching. Our courses are AZAV-certified and use a group-learning model, so you can show practical work to your employers.
Whether you’re looking to land your next job or launch your own business, our programs give you clarity, concrete action plans, the skills, and structured support to get there.
Not sure which voucher applies to you or how to get it? Book a free intro call, and we’ll help you figure out exactly what you qualify for and walk you through the next steps.
FAQs
Will asking for AVGS and Bildungsgutschein vouchers in one appointment hurt my approval chances?
Not necessarily. The two vouchers cover coaching and a training course, so you might get them both together. But chances of approval depend on your individual situation and how you present your case to your caseworker.
Do I send the voucher to the provider myself, or does the caseworker do that?
Once your caseworker approves and issues the voucher in writing, you have to forward it to your provider. The provider will then handle the rest of the paperwork and confirm your start date.
How long are AVGS and Bildungsgutschein vouchers valid?
The Bildungsgutschein is valid for one to three months from the date it’s issued. You need to start your course within that window, or it will expire.
The validity period for an AVGS is set by the Agentur für Arbeit and stated directly on the voucher. It is typically between 4 to 8 weeks. During that time, the voucher has to be activated by starting a program. Make sure that you do not wait too long to hand the voucher to a provider as it typically takes two weeks for the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter to approve the filled out voucher.
