From 1 October 2026, Germany will significantly expand the range of job-related German language courses funded through the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, known as BAMF.
The change is important for migrants who want to improve their German for work, enter vocational training, have foreign qualifications recognised or improve their employment prospects. However, it does not create an automatic entitlement to any course or guarantee fully funded German lessons up to level C2 for everyone. BSK TRS Priorisierung im Q4 2026 und Anfang 2027
Which courses will be expanded?
Workplace-related courses are expected to remain fully available. These include trainee courses, Job-BSK courses, early-childhood education courses and courses for people undergoing recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
B2 courses will continue to be offered according to identified demand. Courses at C1 and C2 level will be expanded significantly and are expected to become available on a much broader, almost demand-based basis.
Practical vocational language courses will also be able to resume. These courses combine German-language learning with realistic workplace situations and practical professional content.
B1 courses will return only in very limited numbers. They are primarily intended for people who are likely to move into employment after successfully completing the course.
Courses with A2 as their target level will remain unavailable for the time being. This refers specifically to A2 Berufssprachkurse; it does not mean that all German-language learning at A2 level is prohibited or unavailable.
Are the courses free?
If the Jobcenter or the Federal Employment Agency issues a participation authorisation or obligation, the course is generally free of charge.
Employed people may also participate. Depending on their income, however, they may have to pay a contribution. The law provides exemptions in certain cases, including low gross income, receipt of specific social benefits and participation in vocational training. Under certain conditions, 50% of the contribution can be reimbursed after the participant passes the certification examination. § 4 DeuFöV - Einzelnorm
What should interested people do?
First, check your current German level and identify the type of course that matches your professional goal.
Then contact the Jobcenter, the Federal Employment Agency or BAMF and request the relevant participation document. After receiving it, register with an authorised course provider.
A participation authorisation is generally valid for three months if the participant does not register within that period. Individual documents may specify a different deadline. § 6 DeuFöV - Einzelnorm
The expansion of the BAMF course offer creates new opportunities for professional integration. It does not, however, remove the requirement to meet the individual eligibility conditions.
Compiled by Anastasiia Malyshenko
