Germany has various types of school, and these differ from one federal state to the next. Compulsory schooling applies to children between the ages of 6 and 18 in Germany. This means that they must attend school during this time.

Tipp:Good to know: Would you like to know whether your school-leaving qualification is equivalent to a qualification in Germany? These decisions are made by the Länder offices for certificate recognition (available in German).

In order to develop your initial work experience, you could complete a traineeship. In this way you can improve your German skills and learn the most important terms for the occupation you want to do. On our job board Jobsuche you can find traineeship places that suit you.

Germany has two systems of vocational training: dual vocational  training and vocational training within the educational system. In the dual vocational training system, trainees work at a company and attend vocational school on a regular basis. In this way, they become familiar with both practical and theoretical learning content. However, some occupations can only be learnt at school.

Would you like to begin vocational training? Then arrange meeting with your careers counselling service, which will help you find a training position. Your individual wishes and capabilities will be discussed. You will be given information about sought-after occupations in Germany.

However, you will also find out which vocational training scheme suits you best. If you don’t find a suitable vocational training scheme, your careers counselling service will suggest alternatives. You also have the option to complete sponsored internships with employers.

To be able to study in Germany, you need certain school-leaving qualifications: either the Hochschulreife (certificate of aptitude for higher education), the Fachhochschulreife (certificate of aptitude for specialised short-course higher education), or an equivalent qualification. The decision on admission to higher education is made by the universities and colleges themselves based on the school-leaving certificates you present from your country of origin. The Employment Agency and the universities or colleges’ advice centres will help you find a place in higher education. Arrange a face-to-face meeting with your careers counselling service or contact one of the universities or colleges’ international offices.

On meinBERUF, you can learn about options for studying in Germany. Based on your skills and interests, you will be guided through the education system in Germany in five steps – ending with the application.

Tipp:Good to know: Do you already have a foreign school-leaving certificate or a training qualification? Have your certificates recognised.