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Guide · Bildungsgutschein
English Course with a Bildungsgutschein – How the Funding Works
How a Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) from the Federal Employment Agency can fund an English course – and the alternatives we offer. Please note: Simmonds Language Services does not currently offer courses funded via the Bildungsgutschein.
Available privately & as company training
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Bildungsgutschein
English Course with Education Voucher – What You Need to Know
The Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) is one of the most important funding instruments of the German Federal Employment Agency. It enables jobseekers, those at risk of unemployment, and employees to complete vocational further training entirely free of charge. English language skills are among the most frequently funded qualifications – because solid English is now a basic requirement for career success in virtually every industry. This page explains how the Bildungsgutschein works. Please note: Simmonds Language Services does not currently offer English courses funded through the Bildungsgutschein.
15+Years
10+Trainers
50+Corporate clients
Please note: Bildungsgutschein not currently available
Simmonds Language Services does not currently offer English courses funded through the Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) from the Federal Employment Agency. The information on this page explains how the Bildungsgutschein works in general. Our English courses remain available as privately booked lessons and as company training – flexibly online or in person in Hannover and Berlin.
100% of Course Fees
A funded English course is designed for anyone who wants to improve their career prospects through better English skills. Whether as a jobseeker looking to increase placement chances, when changing careers, as further training in a current job, or when returning to work after a break – a Bildungsgutschein makes it possible. Once approved, the Employment Agency covers 100% of the course fees at your chosen training provider. In addition, travel costs, childcare costs, and accommodation costs may also be reimbursed.
Practical Tuition Since 2004
Simmonds Language Services stands for practical, high-quality English tuition. Our founder James Simmonds has been teaching as a native-speaking trainer since 2004 and has successfully guided thousands of participants on their journey to better English. Unlike large language schools, we offer individual attention and tailored course content precisely matched to your professional needs.
Blended Learning with AI Avatar
Our innovative blended learning approach combines live instruction with a native-speaking trainer and AI avatar technology for daily speaking practice. During weekly live sessions, you work specifically on your individual weaknesses – whether grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, or industry-specific terminology. Between lessons, you use our AI avatar, which simulates realistic conversation scenarios and provides immediate feedback. This means you practise every day and make significantly faster progress than in conventional language courses.
How to Apply for the Bildungsgutschein
Applying for a Bildungsgutschein is straightforward. First, book a consultation at your local Employment Agency or Jobcenter. There you explain your training needs and why an English course will improve your career prospects. If your application is approved, you receive the Bildungsgutschein – a document stating your training goal and a validity period of usually three months. You then register with an approved training provider of your choice that offers English courses, using this voucher.
Your Benefits with Simmonds
Tailored one-to-one and company lessons. Available privately or as company training. Native-speaking trainers since 2004. AI avatar for daily speaking practice included. In-person in Hannover, Berlin, or online.
Use Cases
The Bildungsgutschein for Different Situations
Click on a section for more details
Jobseekers
Improve placement chances with English
Looking for a new position and want to boost your placement chances? English skills open doors – especially in international companies. With a Bildungsgutschein you can build your language competence with funding and significantly increase your market value.
Career Change
Prepare linguistically for a fresh start
Want to move into an industry where English is essential? Whether IT, marketing, logistics, or finance – a funded English course prepares you linguistically for your fresh start, with content tailored precisely to your target industry.
On-the-Job Training
Secure your current position
Employees can also receive a Bildungsgutschein under certain conditions – for example when further training is necessary to secure their current position. Improve your English alongside your job with flexible scheduling and online options.
Return to Work
Return after a break
Returning to work after parental leave, illness, or a career break is often challenging. Refresh or build your English skills – the Bildungsgutschein makes it possible. An individual learning plan supports you on your return to professional life.
Process
How the Bildungsgutschein Works – Step by Step
Click on a step for more details
Book a Consultation
Step 1
Contact your local Employment Agency or Jobcenter and book a personal consultation. Explain your training needs and why an English course will improve your career prospects.
Receive Your Voucher
Step 2
If your application is approved, you receive the Bildungsgutschein stating your training goal and a validity period of usually three months. Important: redeem the voucher within this period.
Register with a Provider
Step 3
Register with an approved training provider that offers English courses, using your Bildungsgutschein. They usually conduct a placement assessment and create your individual learning plan.
Start Your Course
Step 4
Start your funded English course – with the chosen provider. The Employment Agency covers the course fees as approved, for in-person or online tuition.
How much does it cost?
| Format | Duration | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online — Private lessons | 90 minutes | €90–110 | 1:1, Zoom / Teams / Meet |
| Online — Corporate lessons | 90 minutes | €97.50–105 | Small groups, tailored curriculum |
| In-person | 90 minutes | €115 | On-site or our office in Berlin / Hanover |
Prices depend on format, frequency, and requirements. Language instruction is VAT-exempt (§4 Nr.21 UStG).
Who we work with
DHLToyotaMedia MarktContinentalDeutsche Pop
“Wir schulen seit 5 Jahren unsere Teams über Simmonds. Die branchenspezifischen Materialien und die Flexibilität der Trainer machen den Unterschied.”
“Nach einem dreimonatigen Intensivtraining konnte ich meine erste internationale Präsentation souverän auf Englisch halten.”
“Die kostenlosen Online-Lektionen haben mich überzeugt. Die Qualität des Einzelunterrichts hat meine Erwartungen übertroffen.”
Frequently asked questions
What is a Bildungsgutschein and who can apply for one?+−
A Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) is a commitment from the Federal Employment Agency or Jobcenter to cover the costs of vocational further training. It can be applied for by jobseekers, those at risk of unemployment, and employees who need further training for career security. A personal consultation at your local employment agency is required.
Are the costs of an English course fully covered?+−
Yes, once a Bildungsgutschein is approved, the Employment Agency or Jobcenter covers 100% of the course fees. Travel costs, childcare costs, and accommodation costs may also be reimbursed. There are no course fees for the funded training itself.
How does the application process for a Bildungsgutschein work?+−
First, you book a consultation at your local Employment Agency or Jobcenter to discuss your training needs. If the voucher is approved, you receive a document stating your training goal and validity period (usually 3 months). You then register with an approved training provider using this voucher.
Does Simmonds Language Services offer courses with a Bildungsgutschein?+−
No. Simmonds Language Services is not currently an AZAV-accredited training provider and therefore cannot offer English courses funded through the Bildungsgutschein or redeem education vouchers at present. You can take our courses as privately booked lessons or as company training – online or in person in Hannover and Berlin. We are happy to advise you on suitable formats and prices.
Can I use the Bildungsgutschein for online English courses?+−
In principle yes – many AZAV-accredited providers offer funded English courses online. Simmonds Language Services currently offers online and in-person courses only as privately booked or company-financed lessons, not via the Bildungsgutschein.
Improve your English for free
Free online lessons twice a week, vocabulary trainer with 600 words, and a placement test – all without signing up.
Get in touch
Tell us briefly what you need English or German for — we'll suggest the best format for your goals and schedule.
We typically respond within one working day.
What to expect
- ✓ Confident in meetings
- ✓ Persuasive presentations
- ✓ Professional negotiations
- ✓ Texts that work