You’d like to go to school, take up training or higher education studies in Germany? Here you will find basic information about school, training and higher education as well as further information about the recognition of professional qualifications gained abroad and other educational support measures – in several languages.
Kindergarten (Kita)
Every child has a right to childcare ensuring their individual support. At kindergarten, commonly called Kita, children get to know their age peers and benefit from age-appropriate educational programmes. Early childhood educators provide support and supervision. The Familienportal website will help you find a contact person in your area. Pay a visit to different local authorities and Kitas to get information about childcare services.
School
Compulsory education in Germany generally begins for all children at age six and usually involves nine full-time school years. For more information about school education see here. In Germany, responsibility for school education lies with the 16 Länder. The website of the Standing Conference of Länder Ministers of Education (KMK) will provide you with information and contacts for school issues in the Land where you currently reside.
Training and work
In-company training (also known as ‘dual training’) is the most common form of vocational training in Germany. Training in one of more than 320 training occupations is provided both within a company and at a part-time vocational school. There are more than 320 training occupations in total. You will find more information and support on your path to finding a training programme at the local level via the KAUSA service centres, or via the BerufeNavi or zynd portals. Find out about other programmes of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) here. Young people with a refugee or migration history can prepare for training through the BOFplus – Career orientation for Refugees programme. Here’s a link to workeer, a job board for job-seeking refugees and hiring companies.
Higher education and support for people on an academic education track
You have university entrance qualifications acquired in your country of origin, have either started or finished your studies? There are numerous support measures on offer to facilitate access to higher education in Germany and the transition to the labour market. For more information about entrance requirements, universities and study programmes in Germany, visit Study in Germany.
Recognition of foreign professional and vocational qualifications
You studied in your country of origin or trained in an occupation? Certain professional qualifications need to be recognized in Germany. Find out here what that means for you. The Anerkennung in Deutschland portal for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications tells you how and where to have your professional qualifications recognized – in 11 languages.
Language courses
The vhs learning portal offers online German language courses at different levels, ranging from A1 to B2. These courses are suitable for self-learning. Learners are guided by online tutors who correct exercises, give feedback, and provide individual advice and motivation. No previous knowledge is required to make use of the learning portal. It has been adapted for use on a smartphone and can also be accessed via app in the case of a temporary interruption of Internet service.
More information and links
The website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) offers general information about asylum matters. Various other websites provide information about life, work and health.
Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024