Funding for Practice-Oriented Career Guidance at Extracurricular Learning Locations (Career Orientation Program – BOP) Open
The transition from school to vocational training is to be improved through career orientation at inter-company and comparable vocational training centers. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports providers of vocational training centers in implementing measures for students of secondary levels I and II, as well as those from general education pathways at vocational schools.
Who is funded?
The BMBF's Career Orientation Program (BOP) aims to improve the transition from school to vocational training for students across Germany. Funding is provided to vocational training center providers who offer early and practice-oriented career guidance measures to strengthen young people's career choice competence and readiness for training.
What is funded?
The program supports specific measures for practice-oriented career guidance for students. This includes conducting potential analyses and practice-oriented career orientation days at vocational training centers.
Type and Scope of Funding
Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant and is project-related. The amount of the grant depends on the number of participating students and the measures carried out.
Conditions and Requirements
For successful funding within the Career Orientation Program (BOP), applicants and the implemented measures must meet specific legal, pedagogical, and organizational requirements. This includes collaborations with schools and adherence to quality standards.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for the Career Orientation Program (BOP) is primarily electronic via an online portal. There are fixed application deadlines, and eligible applications are selected based on specific criteria.
Legal Basis
The Career Orientation Program (BOP) is based on a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), which precisely defines the funding objectives, subjects, and conditions.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
€40 per student for preparation/follow-up; €200 per student for potential analysis; €40 per student per day for practical days; €40 per student for reflection interview
Deadline:
01.03.2026
Open Until:
31.12.2026
Award Channel:
Competitive Tender
Region:
Germany
Sectors:
Education and Vocational Training
Funding Stages:
Planning, Capacity Building
Funding Provider
Program Level: National
Funding Body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Managed By: Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Additional Partners: Federal States
Website: Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung