Vocational training allowance (BAB) may be available for recognized initial company-based or external vocational training. The Federal Employment Agency assesses individual need and takes your own income and, where applicable, the income of your parents or partner into account. Whether living away from home, distance to the training location, age, or family circumstances matter depends on the individual case. School-based training is generally not covered by vocational training allowance; depending on the type of school, student BAföG may be available. Applications are submitted to the Federal Employment Agency. The application month counts toward the start of funding, so apply early and preferably before training begins. Special funding rules may apply if you have a disability.
Eligibility before vocational training in Germany
Vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe, BAB) supports company-based or external vocational training under certain conditions. Whether funding may be available depends, among other things, on the type of training, personal circumstances, and income. For school-based training, check student BAföG instead of vocational training allowance in most cases.
Tip
First check whether your training is company-based or school-based, because that determines which funding may be available. Submit a possible vocational training allowance application early, since the month you apply determines the earliest funding month.