Self-employed in Germany? Your 4-week summer course at Catalyst may be eligible for KOMPASS funding
Self-employed creatives in Germany: there's funding available to support your professional development.
We're pleased to share that solo self-employed professionals in Germany may be eligible for government funding through the KOMPASS program for our 4-week summer short courses.
KOMPASS (Kompakte Hilfe für Solo-Selbstständige) is an ESF Plus initiative from the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs that provides financial support for professional training and further education. This could help cover the cost of developing your skills across music, sound, film, visual media, acting, or creative psychology.
What this means for you
If you're self-employed in Germany and considering one of our four-week summer courses, you may be able to access funding support through KOMPASS. The program is designed specifically for solo self-employed professionals looking to invest in their creative development.
This funding is determined through individual consultation and assessment—eligibility depends on your specific professional situation and how the training supports your development goals.
Important details
Based on our summer short course alumni experience, please take note of the following:
- The payment for the course must come from your own account. You are then reimbursed 90% value of the course after completion.
- Eligible self-employed professionals can apply for a course every 12 months up to value of €5k/year.
- The process can take a long time, some students reported up to a two month process. Please account for this when applying.
- We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. That being said, this offer can’t be used in conjunction with the Early Bird Discount we offer on our courses.
How to find out if you qualify
KOMPASS is aimed at solo self-employed people with residence and activity in Germany for at least two years, with a maximum of one full-time employee.
The process starts with a consultation at a KOMPASS contact point, where an advisor will assess your individual situation and professional needs.
Here's where to start:
1. Learn about the program
Visit the KOMPASS website to understand eligibility criteria and how the program works: www.esfplus.de/kompass
2. Book a consultation
Contact your local KOMPASS contact point:
- In Berlin: Coopolis: https://www.creative-support.info/kompass/
- Other German locations: Find your contact point at: www.esf.de/portal/SharedDocs/PDFs/DE/Programme-2021-2027/BMAS/kompass_anlaufstellen.pdf
3. Discuss your situation
During the consultation, you'll discuss your professional goals, current work, and how the summer course fits your development needs. This is an individual assessment—not a general approval.
4. If approved, receive your voucher
If the training is deemed appropriate for your professional development, you'll receive a qualification voucher that can be applied toward the course fees.
Important to know
While this is excellent news for self-employed creatives, funding is not automatic or guaranteed. Each application is assessed individually based on:
- Your professional circumstances
- Your development goals
- How the specific training supports your work
- Your individual funding needs
There is no "KOMPASS certification" for courses, and eligibility is always determined on a case-by-case basis through the consultation process.
About our 4-week summer courses
We offer 12 different four-week intensive courses across all our creative disciplines. Each course provides hands-on, practice-based learning in our 3,000m² creative campus in Berlin, with access to industry-grade facilities from day one.
Screen Acting
Level: Beginner
Learn the fundamentals of performing for camera. Develop and hone your fledgling acting skills through practical, confidence-boosting learning experiences.
Screenwriting
Level: Beginner
Course length: 4 weeks
Our 4-week Screenwriting course is for writers and storytellers who want to translate their ideas into scripts for film. You'll master the basics of narratology, character development and story arcs. Gain the skills to edit, pitch, promote your work and the confidence to take the next steps towards a career in screenwriting.
Filmmaking
Level: Beginner
Kickstart your journey as a film writer, director, cinematographer or editor and learn the fundamentals of storytelling, photography, pre-production, working with actors and post-production.
The Psychology of Creativity
Level: Beginner
Course length: 4 weeks
Get an in-depth overview of the world of psychology through the lens of creativity, as you dive deep into creativity's developmental roots, its impact on mental and physical wellbeing and its role in shaping communities.
Studio Recording
Level: Beginner
Learn the fundamentals of recording and producing bands, soloists or electronic artists in a professional studio environment.
Music and Sound for Experimental Gaming
Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Course length: 4 weeks
Our 4-week Music & Sound Design for Experimental Gaming course is for anyone curious about using sound to shape interactive and immersive experiences. Whether you're just starting out or expanding an existing creative practice, you'll explore new approaches to music, sound design and storytelling in games, film and hybrid media.
Electronic Music Production
Level: Beginner
Learn the core principles of the craft of the electronic music producer and hone your skills to express your creative ideas.
Advanced Sound Design
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Already started your journey in electronic music production? This short course is for the artist or producer who is ready to stretch their capabilities and take their work to the next stage in its evolution.
Mixing & Mastering Electronic Music
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Advance your creative and technical approach to refining and finishing your tracks as an electronic music producer.
Unreal Engine and Environment Design
Learn the creative and technical foundations of environment design for games and animation. Across four weeks, you’ll develop, build and present your own cinematic or interactive environment, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, workflows and storytelling techniques in real-time 3D production.
Documentary Photography
Spend four weeks photographing the people, streets and stories of Berlin. Develop your skills in street photography, visual storytelling and editing as you create a compelling photo series, produce your own printed zine and exhibit your work in a group showcase at the Funkhaus.
Ready to explore this opportunity?
If you're self-employed in Germany and interested in developing your creative practice through one of our summer courses, start by exploring KOMPASS eligibility:
Begin here: www.esfplus.de/kompass