Ausbildung in Germany for International Students
Ausbildung (vocational training) is one of the most accessible routes into the German job market — you earn a salary from day one, graduate with a recognised German qualification, and often receive a permanent offer afterwards.
Guide by
Abdullah
Creator of Ankommo · Based in Germany
I moved to Germany and built Ankommo to help others navigate the same process I went through. I offer 1-on-1 video consultations on visas, Ausbildung applications, citizenship requirements, and German language — in English, Urdu, or German.
Book a 1-on-1 consultation2–3.5 years
Training duration
€620–€1,200
Monthly stipend
300+ fields
Recognised occupations
German language requirement
Most Ausbildung positions require B1 German. Some competitive programmes prefer B2. A few roles in hospitality or construction accept A2.
A2
Minimum for some hospitality / construction roles
✓ Required for most Ausbildung
Required by most Ausbildung programmes
B2
Recommended for competitive or language-heavy roles
Explore Ausbildung fields
Select a field to see stipend by year, language requirements, salary after training, and your PR path.
IT & Software
Highest demand. Blue Card salary threshold: €45,300/yr.
Monthly training stipend — 3 years total
After training
€3,500–€5,500/mo
typical gross salary
Training duration
3 years
company + Berufsschule
Path to permanent residence
Blue Card eligible → PR in 21 months with B1
How to get Ausbildung in Germany
Learn German to at least B1
Most employers require B1. Start now — Ankommo takes you from A1 to B2 with exam-aligned content.
Get your certificates recognised
Your secondary school qualification may need to be assessed for equivalence in Germany (anabin database or ZAB).
Find an Ausbildung position
Apply via the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), company websites, or Make it in Germany.
Apply for the Ausbildungsvisum
Once you have a training contract, apply at your local German embassy or consulate with language proof and the signed contract.
Start training and attend Berufsschule
Training splits between your employer and a vocational school. You earn a stipend from day one.
What is Ausbildung?
Ausbildung is Germany's dual vocational training system. You train at a company (praktische Ausbildung) while attending a vocational school (Berufsschule) for the theoretical part. Most programmes last 2–3.5 years.
Over 300 officially recognised training occupations exist — from IT specialist and mechatronics engineer to nurse, chef, and business administrator. Completing Ausbildung gives you a nationally recognised professional qualification.
Unlike university, Ausbildung pays you a monthly training stipend (Ausbildungsvergütung) from the first day. There are no tuition fees.
Frequently asked questions
- What German level do I need for Ausbildung?
- Most Ausbildung positions require B1 German. Some vocational fields, especially in healthcare and elderly care, may accept A2 with strong practical skills. B2 is recommended for competitive programmes.
- How much do Ausbildung trainees earn in Germany?
- Ausbildung trainees receive a monthly stipend (Ausbildungsvergütung) that varies by sector and year of training. The minimum is around €620 per month in year one, rising to €800–€1,100 in later years. Some sectors like IT or banking pay significantly more.
- Can I do Ausbildung in Germany without a degree?
- Yes. Ausbildung is a vocational route that does not require a university degree. You typically need a secondary school certificate (Hauptschulabschluss or Mittlere Reife) and sufficient German language skills.
- How long does Ausbildung last?
- Most Ausbildung programmes last 2 to 3.5 years depending on the field. Training combines practical work at a company with theoretical lessons at a vocational school (Berufsschule).
- Do I need a visa for Ausbildung in Germany?
- Non-EU applicants need an Ausbildungsvisum (§ 16a AufenthG). You apply at the German embassy in your home country with a confirmed training contract, proof of German language skills, and other documents.
Start your German for Ausbildung
B1 German is the key to unlocking Ausbildung in Germany. Start with Ankommo — free to begin.