Last Updated on 15th October 2024

Ausbildung in Germany for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Ausbildung in Germany for International Students

Ausbildung in Germany for International Students:- Germany is advancing steadily in ensuring eco-friendliness, information technology, and improved healthcare, which has created a growing demand for skilled workers across a broad spectrum.

In this context, Germany prioritizes a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience when considering qualifications. Additionally, to ensure efficiency in these sectors, the country offers a structured vocational training system known as “Ausbildung.”

Germany warmly invites international jobseekers to take advantage of this opportunity. Let’s explore the qualifications, benefits, application, and visa process for applying to an Ausbildung program.

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What is Ausbildung in Germany

Ausbildung is Germany’s vocational training program, blending both theoretical and practical knowledge. This system allows young trainees to experience both classroom-based education and real-world corporate environments. Germany’s government institutions and business organizations jointly operate this system.

The duration of this hands-on training typically lasts from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 4 years. Candidates can choose their specific field based on their skills and preferences.

This program, which is taught in German, offers foreign nationals the same opportunities as German citizens. Participants sign a contract with a specific German company, which can either be arranged before arriving in Germany or found after arriving in the country.

Who can apply for Ausbildung in Germany?

Anyone, regardless of age, academic background, or nationality, can participate in Ausbildung. However, individuals who wish to find a training company after arriving in Germany must be under 35 years of age. Those who secure a company contract before arriving are not subject to this age limit.

The main requirement for enrollment is proficiency in the German language, with a minimum B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Additionally, candidates must have completed at least 9 or 10 years of formal education. Their certificates or transcripts must be equivalent to German academic qualifications, which can be verified through ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education) for certificate evaluation or comparative statements.

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Benefits of Ausbildung

In this dual education system, trainees receive a monthly stipend from the hiring company, typically ranging from 800 to 1,200 euros.

This amount can vary depending on the employer, the city where the company is located, and the specific field of training. Many employers also provide financial assistance for housing.

Whether candidates arrange for a company contract from outside Germany or search for a training company after arriving, they are allowed to work part-time jobs for up to 20 hours per week. They can also engage in trial jobs for up to 2 weeks.

Once an agreement is signed with a company, participants are granted a residence permit for the duration of the entire training program.

After completing the vocational training, there is the possibility of securing employment, with monthly salaries ranging from 2,400 to 3,500 euros, depending on the specific course.

High-demand professions include healthcare (especially nursing), IT (particularly network administrators and software developers), and various engineering fields such as electrical, mechanical, and automotive engineering.

In recent years, the rise in investments in renewable energy sectors in Germany had created a growing demand for skilled workers in the installation, maintenance, and development of sustainable energy solutions. Ausbildung plays a crucial role in supplying a large portion of this workforce.

Furthermore, successful candidates have the option to continue working with the company they trained with after completing the program. Those interested in pursuing higher education can also apply to German universities using their vocational training results.

Types of Ausbildung: A Deeper Dive

Ausbildung in Germany is primarily divided into two main types:

  1. Duale Ausbildung (Dual Ausbildung): This is the most common type of Ausbildung. It combines both practical on-the-job training and theoretical education.
  2. You spend a portion of your week working in a company (usually 3–4 days) and the rest attending classes at a vocational school (Berufschule). Typically, Berufschulen follows a block-unterricht system, where you attend intensive classes for 6-8 weeks, working full-time in the office before or after these blocks.
  3. Schulische Ausbildung (School-Based Ausbildung): This type of Ausbildung focuses primarily on theoretical and practical learning within a vocational school. Unlike Duale Ausbildung, there’s usually no direct work experience component in the office.
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Top-Paid and Top-Demand Ausbildung Fields

  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Nurse
  • Ship Mechanic
  • IT Specialist
  • Bank Clerk
  • Aircraft Mechanic
  • Mechatronics Specialist
  • Electronics Technician

These fields are generally considered high-paying and in demand due to their specialized skills and expertise

Application Process

Citizens of any country can apply for the Ausbildung program in two main ways:

  1. From Your Own Country: Candidates can secure a contract with a German company and then apply for an entry visa to participate in the training.
  2. After Arriving in Germany: Candidates can apply for an entry visa to search for a vocational training company upon arrival in Germany.

How to Find a German Company

There are various job portals in Germany for international job seekers where they can apply for training positions. Most of these sites are in German. For instance:

Additionally, candidates can directly apply on the official websites of various German businesses, such as:

Subscribing to newsletters on these sites can help candidates stay informed about job postings from renowned companies.

Required Documents for Application

  • CV in Europass format (make sure there are no gaps of more than one month in academic or employment history).
  • Cover letter (motivation letter) summarizing the purpose of the training and future career plans.
  • References or recommendation letters from previous employers, or at least their contact details (company name, phone number, email, and candidate’s position).
  • Certificate and mark sheet of secondary exams, including evaluation or comparative statements from ZAB.
  • Proof of German language proficiency, at least B1 level as per CEFR.
  • Completed Data Protection Declaration Form.

Employment Period

After submitting the application and required documents, candidates typically receive an email from the company scheduling an online interview.

The recruitment process, including the interview, may take a few weeks to several months. Candidates should follow up via email about the application status if there’s no response after 1–2 weeks.

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Visa Application

For long-term vocational training programs, candidates must apply for a long-term Type-D or national visa. This visa is necessary whether a company contract is secured.

The entry visa is valid for 90 days to a maximum of 1 year, allowing up to 9 months to find a company after arriving in Germany.

Fill out the Type-D visa form via the VIDEX portal: https://videx-national.diplo.de/videx. After completing the form, print it and sign it.

Documents Required for Visa Application

  • Signed and fully completed application form.
  • A passport valid for at least 12 months from the date of arrival in Germany.
  • A recent passport-size photo.
  • Signed consent declaration form
  • Health insurance for the entire duration of the training, with coverage of at least €30,000.
  • Proof of residence in Germany, such as an invitation letter from a family member or a hotel booking.

If candidates arrive without securing a company contract, they must provide proof of sufficient funds for living expenses, typically a blocked account with at least €10,836 for the first year.

Appointment and Interview

Appointments must be booked through the German Embassy’s website. After an initial email, further instructions regarding document submission and interview scheduling will be provided. On the day of the interview, candidates must bring all original documents.

Visa Fees and Processing Time

The visa processing fee for Ausbildung is €75. If the candidate has a contract with a German company before applying for the visa, the processing usually takes only 1–2 weeks.

Final Steps

Once candidates arrive in Germany, they must register their residence at the local registration office and schedule an appointment at the local visa office for their resident permit.

This permit allows them to stay in Germany for the duration of the Ausbildung. If they did not secure a company contract before arriving, they must begin searching for a company immediately, as the residence permit requires proof of a contract before the entry visa expires. The cost of obtaining the residence permit is approximately €100.