ESF – Master Craftsman Award NRW

The ESF Master Craftsman Bonus NRW supports individuals with their main residence in North Rhine-Westphalia who have successfully passed a master craftsman examination in a craft profession according to Annex A or B Section 1 of the Crafts Code. As a one-time grant of €2,500, it fully (100% funding rate) contributes to private living expenses. The funding is provided as a fixed amount and can be applied for exclusively online via the ESF application portal starting January 1, 2026. This ensures that administrative effort remains low and payment is made promptly after successful review of the submitted documents.

A master craftsman certificate is required for the application, which must not be older than three months at the time of application. Proof of main residence in North Rhine-Westphalia is provided via the registration office. Participants benefit from an uncomplicated online application process and rapid processing by the Arnsberg District Government, which coordinates and administers the program as the funding authority. This offer is specifically aimed at skilled craftsmen who seek financial support for their living expenses after completing their master craftsman examination and who wish to benefit from a modern, citizen-friendly procedure.