2026 Continuing Education Bonus — €2,500 Bonus for Your Subsidized Continuing Education

The continuing education bonus is a payment of up to €2,500 for grant recipients who successfully complete a BGS-funded retraining program: €1,000 for passing the midterm exam and €1,500 for passing the final exam. Governed by § 87a of Book III of the Social Code. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. The requirement is a program lasting at least two years that leads to a recognized vocational degree. In this article, we’ll walk you through the eligibility requirements, the exact amounts, the four-step application process, and the two most common pitfalls—so you don’t accidentally miss out on the bonus.

What is the continuing education bonus?

The continuing education bonus is an additional cash benefit for individuals who are enrolled in a program that goes beyond the education voucher (or the Qualification Opportunities Act) funded continuing education. Governed by § 87a of SGB III. It is paid out in two installments—each after passing an exam—and does not count toward your benefits. This means it does not reduce your unemployment benefits (ALG), citizen’s income, or any other social benefits. You’ll receive the full €2,500 net.

It is important to understand that the continuing education bonus is not the same as the continuing education allowance. Both are covered by the same section (§ 87a SGB III), but they are two different benefits. The bonus is a one-time payment awarded upon passing an exam (€1,000 for an intermediate exam, €1,500 for a final exam). The continuing education allowance is a monthly subsidy of 150 € for the entire duration of the program—but only for recipients of unemployment benefits (ALG) or citizen’s income whose program leads to a recognized vocational qualification. For a two-year retraining program, both benefits combined can amount to a €2,500 bonus + €3,600 in continuing education allowance = up to €6,100 on top of the education voucher.

The continuing education bonus is also tax-exempt under Section 3, No. 2 of the Income Tax Act (EStG). You do not have to report it as income on your tax return; it is not considered taxable income. This makes the benefit one of the few subsidies under SGB III that is paid out entirely as net income.

„The continuing education grant is often mentioned in passing during consultations—until people realize it’s worth 2,500 €. My tip: submit your application right after the midterm exam. If you wait until after the final exam, you’ll often forget about it.“ — Maria Schwenke · StackFuel Advisory Team

1,000 € for the Midterm Exam – Requirements and Payment

The first installment of the continuing education bonus is the €1,000 payment made after passing the interim exam. This applies to retraining programs and comparable measures that formally require an interim exam—typically apprenticeship programs governed by federal or state law. Section 87a of SGB III specifically refers here to the „interim exam regulated by the aforementioned provisions or the first part of a staggered final exam.“.

Three requirements must be met: First, your continuing education must be funded by an education voucher under Section 81 of SGB III or through the Qualification Opportunities Act under Section 82 of SGB III. Second, the program must lead to a recognized vocational qualification in a trade requiring at least two years of training. Third, you have passed the intermediate exam—as confirmed in writing by an exam certificate from the program provider or the responsible examining authority (for example, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)).

Payment: 4 to 8 weeks after the Employment Agency receives your application. The amount will be deposited directly into your bank account. You do not have to provide proof of how you use the money—you are free to use it as you wish.

1,500 € for the final exam – Requirements and Payment

The second installment is the €1,500 payment made after passing the final exam. The requirements are largely the same as for the interim exam: a program funded by the BGS or QCG, a recognized vocational qualification requiring at least 2 years of training, and written confirmation of passing the exam.

Important to know: The two applications are processed separately. If you have already received the €1,000 for the midterm exam, you will not automatically receive the additional €1,500. You must submit a second application after the final exam—again with your exam certificate. In practice, this step is often overlooked because people assume the bonus is a lump-sum payment.

The same applies here: 4 to 8 weeks processing time, direct deposit into your bank account, not counted against any other social benefits, and tax-free. If you successfully complete a two-year retraining program, that’s a total of €2,500 net in your pocket.

The following overview summarizes both tranches:

Who is eligible for the continuing education bonus?

Only individuals whose continuing education meets three key requirements are eligible for the continuing education bonus. These requirements are set forth in § 87a(1) of SGB III and must all be met—anyone who fails to meet even one of the three requirements will not receive the bonus.

Requirement 1: Financial assistance under § 81 or § 82 of SGB III

Your continuing education must be funded through an education voucher (§ 81 SGB III) or the Qualification Opportunity Act (Section 82 of SGB III). Those who finance their education privately or through the Aufstiegs-BAföG program are not eligible for the continuing education bonus. The exact Three eligibility categories for the education voucher We have summarized this in a separate article.

Requirement 2: Recognized vocational degree with a minimum of 2 years of training

The continuing education program must lead to a recognized vocational degree in a trade for which federal or state law prescribes a minimum training period of two years. Specific examples of qualifying programs: retraining programs to become an office management assistant, Retraining Programs for IT Specialists, partial qualifications leading to a recognized vocational degree, and preparation for external or non-student exams.

Important clarification—many short-term programs do not qualify. This applies in particular to: refresher training programs (certificate-based, without a recognized vocational qualification), short boot camps (typically 12 to 26 weeks), language courses, job application training, and certificate-only courses without a vocational qualification component. If your program lasts less than two years and/or concludes with a certificate rather than a recognized vocational qualification, the continuing education bonus generally does not apply—however, 100 percent of the course fees are still covered by the education voucher. To be honest: Check before registering to see if your specific program is eligible for the continuing education bonus.

Requirement 3: Passed exam

You must have actually passed the exam—not just taken it or dropped out. Proof of this is the official exam certificate from the testing center. If you do not pass the exam, you will not receive a bonus for that exam. However, a retake exam qualifies you as soon as you pass it—the bonus will then be paid upon request after you have successfully retaken the exam.

Apply for the Continuing Education Bonus – 4 Steps to Getting the Bonus

The application process is straightforward, but it doesn't happen automatically. Here are the four steps you need to take after passing the exam.

Step 1: Request an exam certificate from the administering agency

Immediately after passing the exam. You’ll need an official document from the testing agency (organizing body, Chamber of Industry and Commerce, or similar organization) that includes the date, exam results, and an official stamp. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce usually sends you this document automatically within 2 to 4 weeks after the exam—but be sure to follow up if it takes longer.

Step 2: Submit your application to your AfA agent

The application must be submitted in writing to the Employment Agency that originally issued your education voucher. There are two ways to do this: informally (a one-page letter referring to your original education voucher, with the exam certificate attached), or using the official Employment Agency form. Both are valid. The informal option is usually faster because you don’t have to wait for the form to arrive first. The Official information from the Employment Agency regarding the continuing education bonus helps you with the details.

Step 3: Observe the 12-month deadline starting from the date of the examination

You generally have 12 months from the date you pass the exam to submit your application. Missing the deadline means losing the bonus. This is the most common pitfall with the continuing education bonus—we see it regularly in our consultations. So: Send in your application right after the exam; don’t put it off until later.

Step 4: If approved, the amount will be deposited directly into your account

Four to eight weeks after receiving your application, the AfA will transfer the grant directly to your bank account. You don’t need to do anything else—no need to submit receipts or provide proof of how the funds were used. If the AfA processes your application late or denies it, you have four weeks to file an appeal under Section 84 of SGB X—the procedure is the same as for a denied education voucher.

Do you need help with the application or with determining whether your project meets the eligibility requirements for the grant? During a free consultation, we'll work together to see what options are available to you.

The Two Most Common Pitfalls

In our consulting practice, we see two recurring issues with the continuing education bonus.

First: Measures for children under 2 years of age. Anyone who has completed a short boot camp or certificate course usually assumes that the bonus applies—but it doesn’t. The two-year threshold is strict and applies to the duration of the vocational training program for the profession, not to the duration of your specific program. So if you’re learning a trade through an accelerated program (such as IT specialist in 12 months instead of 36), you’re still eligible because the underlying vocational training is defined as a 36-month program. However, anyone who completes a 12-week data analyst boot camp—without it leading to a recognized apprenticeship—does not qualify.

Second: The application deadline has passed. In practice, the 12-month deadline from the date of the final exam is exceeded surprisingly often. This happens when people start a new job after their final exam and want to complete the continuing education phase—but forget to submit the application. If the application is submitted late, the bonus is generally forfeited. In cases of hardship (illness, family emergency), filing an appeal under Section 84 of SGB X may make sense, but this is a matter to be decided on a case-by-case basis. We’ve explained the logic behind filing an appeal in our article on the The 5 Most Common Reasons for Rejection of Education Vouchers Explained in detail—it can be applied toward the continuing education bonus.

Frequently asked questions

What is the continuing education bonus? The continuing education bonus is a bonus totaling up to 2,500 € for individuals who complete a the education voucher or successfully complete a retraining program funded under the Qualification Opportunities Act. €1,000 after passing the interim exam, €1,500 after passing the final exam. Governed by § 87a of SGB III; not counted toward other social benefits; tax-free.

Who is eligible for the continuing education bonus? Recipients of BGS or QCG funding whose continuing education leads to a recognized vocational degree in a trade requiring at least two years of training. Short boot camps and certificate courses that do not lead to a vocational qualification generally do not qualify—even if the course costs are covered 100 percent by the education voucher.

How much is the continuing education bonus? €1,000 after passing the midterm exam, €1,500 after passing the final exam. That’s a total of up to €2,500. The two payments are applied for and disbursed separately—you won’t automatically receive the €1,500 after the final exam; you’ll need to submit a second application.

How do I apply for the continuing education bonus? In four steps: 1. Request an exam certificate from the testing agency. 2. Submit a written application (informal or using the AfA form) to the responsible Employment Agency. 3. Note the 12-month deadline starting from the exam date. 4. Once approved, the AfA will transfer the funds directly to your account—usually within 4 to 8 weeks.

When will the continuing education bonus be paid out? Typically, 4 to 8 weeks after the Employment Agency receives your application. The amount will be deposited directly into your bank account. You do not need to provide proof of how you spent the money or submit any receipts. You are free to use the bonus as you wish.

Is the continuing education bonus tax-free? Yes. The continuing education bonus is tax-exempt under Section 3(2) of the Income Tax Act (EStG). You do not have to report it as income on your tax return; it is not considered taxable income. It is also not counted against Unemployment Benefit 1, the Citizen’s Income, or other social benefits.

What is the difference between a continuing education bonus and a continuing education stipend? The continuing education bonus is a one-time payment made after passing the exam (€1,000 + €1,500). The continuing education allowance is a monthly subsidy of €150 during the program, available only to recipients of unemployment benefits (ALG) or the citizen’s income (Bürgergeld). Both are governed by Section 87a of SGB III, but they are different benefits.

Let's plan your path to financial aid together

Are you planning to pursue continuing education and want to know if you're eligible for the continuing education grant? Or are you currently in the middle of a program and not quite sure how to apply? Book a free consultation appointment with us. In half an hour, we'll go over together: Which funding options are right for your situation, which measures qualify for the incentive, and what specific steps you need to take.

StackFuel has been AZAV-certified since 2020 and all training programs can be found on my NOW. Over 8,000 graduates have completed continuing education courses in data and AI with us, with a completion rate of 93 percent. Beatrix Bauer worked at Telefónica for 22 years and used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to reorient her career. Today, she is a junior financial data engineer:

With StackFuel, I was able to learn at a time that suited me, at my own pace, and in a place where I felt comfortable. — Beatrix Bauer · Junior Financial Data Engineer · Telefónica Germany · Data Scientist Training Program

An extra 2,500 € is a good reason to make sure you follow the application process correctly. Let's work together to figure out exactly what you'll get out of it.