Education Premium: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access a voucher for professional training if your taxable income falls below a certain threshold.
Education Premium is a government-backed initiative that provides a voucher to help cover the costs of professional training.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for employees in Germany looking to advance their skills through further education. To qualify, you must have a taxable income that is below €20,000 if you are single. This support is specifically aimed at making professional development more accessible to those within this specific income bracket.
What you get
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can receive a voucher known locally as a Prämiengutschein. This voucher provides a financial contribution of up to €500, which can be applied toward the total cost of professional training or Weiterbildung courses. This is intended to reduce the financial barrier to gaining new qualifications or specialized skills for your career.
What it costs you
There is no direct fee required to apply for this benefit. However, the process is not purely administrative; it requires you to participate in a consultation session. This session is a necessary step in the process to ensure the training you are considering aligns with the scheme's requirements.
The catch to know
The most important rule to remember is the timing of your application. You must apply for the voucher and have it secured before you book your training course. If you commit to a course or pay for it before the application process is finalized, you may lose the ability to use the voucher for that specific training.
How to apply
- Verify that your annual taxable income is below the €20,000 threshold for single individuals.
- Engage in the required consultation session to discuss your professional development needs.
- Submit your application via the official online portal to request your voucher.
- Once your voucher is issued, use it to book your chosen professional training course.