What is a Bildungsgutschein? Requirements, advantages and opportunities – and how doctors can benefit

Did you know that the German government provides financial support for continuing professional development? With a so-called educational voucher (Bildungsgutschein), people living in Germany can attend state-funded educational courses – often 100% free of charge. The aim is to improve opportunities on the German labour market in the long term.

Especially in times of skilled labour shortages and professional reorientation, the Bildungsgutschein offers great opportunities – not only for career changers, but also for doctors who are not (yet) able to work in Germany or who want to reposition themselves. For doctors, the costs for a preparation course for the medical language or knowledge exam can be covered completely. 

In this article, you will learn more about the requirements for obtaining a Bildungsgutschein and how the application process works.

 

Bildungsgutschein for doctors: When can you receive financial support?

Many international doctors face particular challenges in Germany: lack of recognition of their qualifications, language barriers, or long waiting times in the approbation process. This is exactly where a Bildungsgutschein can provide support.

Doctors can receive a Bildungsgutschein if:

• they are registered as unemployed in Germany (doctors who are already working in the medical field in Germany can also receive an Bildungsgutschein).

• they do not (yet) have an approbation to practise medicine and are therefore not allowed to work as a doctor.

• they are still in the process of obtaining their licence to practise medicine and still have to pass the medical language and/or knowledge exam.

 

Possible funded further trainings for doctors:

• Medical German courses (B2/C1, specialist medical language)
• Preparation courses for the medical language or knowledge exam
• Qualifications in healthcare (e.g. medical documentation, nursing or healthcare management)
• IT or project management training courses as a professional alternative

A temporary career change can also be funded if there are good reasons for it – for example, if it is currently not possible to enter the medical profession.

 

Step by step: How to apply for your Bildungsgutschein

1. Register with the Employment Agency or Job Centre

You will need:

• Valid residence permit
• Proof of your medical degree
• Ideally: Letter from the approbation authority regarding your required licence

2. Consultation with the educational institution

The provider you have chosen (e.g. Match Doctors) will check:

• Your individual recognition path
• Which course is necessary for you (FSP preparation, KP preparation, C1 medicine)
• Whether all the requirements for the Bildungsgutschein are met

You will receive a certificate to present to the agency.

3. Meeting with the employment agency

Here you explain:

• Why the course is necessary for your approbation to practise
• Why it improves your career opportunities
• That you cannot work as a doctor without passing the exam

It is extremely important to be well-prepared – your educational institution will support you in this.

4. Submit documents

After the interview, your documents will be submitted.

5. Wait for the decision

The decision usually takes 1 to 3 weeks.

6. Receive the Bildungsgutschein and register for the course

With the Bildungsgutschein, you can make a binding registration – at no cost to yourself.

Common mistakes – and how to avoid them

This should be avoided:

• Uncertified copies
• Translations by unrecognised translators
• Missing stamps or signatures
  

 

You should keep in mind:

• Double-check everything
• Use the authority's checklist
• Keep copies

 

Why is the Bildungsgutschein so valuable for doctors? 

The Bildungsgutschein is often the decisive step towards success in the recognition process.

It enables:

✔ Free access to high-quality medical courses
 ✔ Intensive exam preparation by experts
 ✔ Structure, schedule and professional support
 ✔ A faster route to approbation
 ✔ Entry into a secure, well-paid field of work

For many international doctors, the education voucher greatly reduces stress – and makes the entire recognition process realistic and affordable.

 

Conclusion: Good preparation saves months

Für internationale Ärztinnen und Ärzte ist die Approbation in Deutschland ein mehrstufiger Prozess, der Geduld erfordert. Mit einer vollständigen, korrekt beglaubigten Dokumentenmappe können Sie jedoch viel Zeit sparen und unnötige Rückfragen vermeiden.

Möchten Sie einen Bildungsgutschein beantragen? Dann kontaktieren Sie das Match Doctors Team – wir unterstützen Sie auf Ihrem Weg als Arzt in Deutschland.

 

Häufige Fragen zum Bildungsgutschein

Muss ich den Bildungsgutschein zurückzahlen?

Nein. Er ist ein Zuschuss, kein Kredit.

Wie lange ist er gültig?

Meist 3–6 Monate – der Kurs muss innerhalb dieser Zeit beginnen.

Welche Kurse werden gefördert?

Nur AZAV-zertifizierte Maßnahmen, darunter:

• C1 Medizin/ärztliches Deutsch
• Vorbereitungskurse auf die Fachsprachprüfung (FSP)
• Vorbereitungskurse auf die Kenntnisprüfung (KP)
• Jobcoaching & Bewerbungsunterstützung