Foto: lkj Brandenburg
Become a volunteer -
for teenagers and young adults
A year full of exciting days could lie ahead of you! You'll get a glimpse behind the scenes at one of the many cultural and educational institutions throughout Brandenburg. You'll take on responsibility in the areas that interest you and for your own project.
Your volunteer year
“Looking to try something new, explore a career path,
and gain new experiences?”
Then the Cultural and Educational Voluntary Services are just right for you! You can look forward to exciting placement sites like theaters, museums, libraries, media workshops, or even planetariums — everything that brings art, culture, and education to life. You can help shape your voluntary service yourself: plan, organize, and experience firsthand how diverse the work in a cultural institution or educational organization in Brandenburg can be. Maybe you’re asking yourself: “What really interests me? Where do I want to go? What kind of career might fit me?” During your voluntary service, you’ll have the chance to try new things, take on responsibility, run your own projects, and discover what you’re capable of.
“A full package of culture, self-discovery, and fun
during your education days!”
During your 25 education days, everything revolves around culture and learning. You’ll meet other volunteers at various locations throughout Brandenburg, get to know one another, exchange ideas, and participate in seminars and projects together. You can also choose free education days based on your personal interests.
“Everything about your voluntary service –
how is it organized?”
Are you between 16 and 26 years old? Perfect — then you can start a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) or the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD). Your voluntary service in culture and education usually lasts 12 months, but in some cases 6 or 18 months are possible. Most programs start every year on September 1st. As a volunteer, you receive a monthly allowance, and your social insurance contributions are covered. You also get a volunteer ID card that gives you discounts in many places — for example, on entrance fees. After your voluntary service, you’ll receive a certificate and official documentation for your future path. And the best part: your voluntary service can even count as the practical part for obtaining your university of applied sciences entrance qualification, and it can give you an advantage when applying for certain university programs.
“What do you get -
at a glance!”
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A monthly allowance of approximately €420, and possible continuation of child benefits
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Contributions to statutory pension, accident, health, long-term care, and unemployment insurance
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25 days of education
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26 days of annual leave
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A certificate detailing your acquired skills and project responsibility
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Possible recognition as part of the Fachhochschulreife
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Voluntary service is possible even if you receive unemployment benefits (ALG II)
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Potential credit for waiting time or pre-professional experience at many universities
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A 35-hour workweek adjusted to your placement’s schedule, with part-time options in some cases
“Not from Germany but want to join a voluntary service?”
Yes, it's possible—but a few things need to be considered. You will need a residence permit or visa, or you can specifically apply for one for your voluntary service under § 19c Abs. 1. No visa is needed if you’re from the EU or hold citizenship from: Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United States, or Ukraine. More information is available in multiple languages under “A – Z” at: https://www.bundesfreiwilligendienst.de/bundesfreiwilligendienst/a-bis-z.html
“Want to search for a placement and/or register?”
Registration opens every year on February 1. Start your search and sign up here:
Our goal is to make Voluntary Services fairer, more inclusive, and diverse. We support people who feel disadvantaged or experience discrimination. Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to assist you through the placement process.






