Specialized Courses (ESF Plus 2021–2027)

The ESF Plus funding program "Specialized Courses in Baden-Württemberg" is aimed at public and private educational institutions that have been offering inter-company continuing education courses for at least three years. It supports small and medium-sized enterprises as well as their employees, entrepreneurs, freelancers, prospective founders, re-entrants, and participants aged 55 or older or without a vocational qualification in professional adaptation training. With a focus on initial and continuing education, promotion of women, and social participation, this funding line supports the acquisition, maintenance, and expansion of specialized knowledge in face-to-face, digital, or blended learning formats. The inter-company courses comprise 8 to 160 teaching units and must be completed within six months.

Only participation fees up to a maximum of €6,000 (excluding VAT) are eligible for funding, with a grant of 30% provided. For participants aged 55 and over, as well as for persons without a vocational qualification, the funding rate increases to 70%. The maximum amount per approval is €250,000. Applications must be submitted in a timely manner before the course start—recommended between September 1 and August 31—to the responsible funding bank. Required documents include, among others, the application form, course overview, target group survey, proof of market activity, calculation of participation fees, and identification documents. Applications can be submitted continuously until the end of 2027.