Initial Orientation Courses for Asylum Seekers and Immigrants

This funding program focuses on the initial orientation of asylum seekers and immigrants and is aimed at organizations in the field of refugee aid and adult education. The funding aims to provide these groups with basic knowledge and social skills for everyday life in Germany and to strengthen their social participation.

This program supports the implementation of initial orientation courses structured according to the current concept of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Various project-related expenses are funded to achieve the course objectives and enable the integration of asylum seekers and immigrants.

Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant in the form of co-financing or deficit financing. Generally, a contribution of at least 5% of the total expenses from own or third-party funds is required to ensure co-financing. Full financing is only possible in justified exceptional cases if own or third-party funds demonstrably cannot be provided.

The implementation of the funding guidelines requires compliance with specific requirements regarding course design, participant numbers, and teaching staff qualifications. Cooperation between central agencies and course providers is an essential component of the program, with the central agency bearing overall responsibility. Comprehensive legal and administrative provisions also apply.

The application procedure begins with a pre-selection by the federal states, followed by a funding decision from the BAMF and the subsequent application submission by the selected institution via the federal funding portal (easy-Online).

The funding is based on the Guidelines for the Promotion of Initial Orientation Measures for Asylum Seekers and Immigrants from November 14, 2022, which came into force on January 1, 2023. It is regulated by the Federal Budget Code (BHO) and further administrative regulations.