What is an Ausbildung? Dual Vocational Training in Germany for Foreigners

Germany’s renowned Dual Vocational Training System (Duale Ausbildung) is one of the pillars of its economic strength. It allows young adults and career changers to combine classroom education at a vocational school (Berufsschule) with paid on-the-job practical training at a German company.

Best of all: Unlike university students who pay for living costs, Ausbildung apprentices earn a monthly salary from day one!

Here is everything international applicants need to know about starting an Ausbildung in Germany.

How the Dual Ausbildung System Works

An Ausbildung usually lasts between 2 to 3.5 years, depending on the trade specialization:

  • Workplace Training (50–70% of time): You work directly at an employer’s workplace (e.g., hospital, IT company, hotel, factory, or bank), gaining hands-on professional skills.
  • Berufsschule Education (30–50% of time): You attend vocational school 1 to 2 days per week (or in block weeks) to study theoretical concepts, math, trade laws, and technical fundamentals.

Monthly Allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung)

Apprentices receive a monthly stipend paid by the employer:

  • Average Stipend: Between €900 and €1,400 per month gross (increasing with each year of training).
  • Fields like nursing (Pfpflegefachkraft), mechatronics, and IT (Fachinformatiker) offer higher starting stipends.

Top Ausbildung Fields for International Applicants

While hundreds of occupations exist, several industries actively recruit foreign candidates:

  1. Healthcare & Nursing (Pflege): High demand for hospital and elderly care nurses.
  2. Information Technology (IT): Roles like Fachinformatiker für Anwendungsentwicklung (Software Development) or Systemintegration (Systems Engineering).
  3. Engineering & Technical Trades: Electricians, automotive technicians, mechatronics engineers (Mechatroniker).
  4. Hospitality & Culinary Arts: Hotel management, restaurant specialists, chefs.

Entry Requirements for Foreign Applicants

To secure an Ausbildung position as a non-EU applicant, you must fulfill these key criteria:

  1. School Leaving Certificate (Schulabschluss): Minimum of a recognized 10th-grade high school diploma (Realschulabschluss equivalent). Certificates must be evaluated via the local state school authority or ZAB.
  2. German Language Proficiency (B1 or B2 Level): Because classes at the Berufsschule are taught exclusively in German, proving B1 or B2 German skills (Goethe, TELC) is mandatory for visa issuance.
  3. Training Contract (Ausbildungsvertrag): A signed apprenticeship contract from a host company in Germany.

Visa & Post-Graduation Career Paths

The Ausbildung Visa

Once you have a signed contract and proof of B1/B2 German, apply for a vocational training visa at your local German Embassy.

Settlement & Career Advancement

  • Job Guarantee: Over 70% of apprentices are offered permanent full-time positions by their host company upon graduation.
  • Fast-Track Settlement: Graduates of German vocational programs can apply for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after just 2 years of working in their trained profession!

Are you evaluating traditional academic degrees instead? Read our guide on Studying Tuition-Free at German Public Universities!