School provides children and young people with basic knowledge and can prepare them for vocational training, higher education and everyday life. Vocational training (Ausbildung) usually leads to a recognized professional qualification, often takes 2 to 3.5 years, and in a dual model combines a company with a vocational school (Berufsschule). Higher education takes place, for example, at universities or universities of applied sciences and can end with a bachelor's degree, master's degree, State Examination (Staatsexamen) or another recognized qualification. Language skills support access to public authorities, school, vocational training and many jobs; language courses and everyday practice complement classroom instruction. Continuing education usually follows school, vocational training or higher education and can expand professional knowledge, prepare for advancement or support a career change. The applicable requirements, qualifications and responsibilities depend on the educational pathway, the federal state (Bundesland) and the respective institution.
Learning in Germany
Learning in Germany includes school, vocational training, higher education, languages and continuing education. These educational pathways provide general knowledge, professional skills or additional competencies and lead to different certificates and qualifications depending on the pathway. Responsibilities and procedures vary in some respects between federal states, institutions and educational pathways.
Tip
Choose an educational pathway according to your specific goal: a professional qualification, a higher-education degree, better language skills or additional professional abilities require different pathways. Before registering, check the admission requirements, place of learning, duration and intended qualification. For school-based programs, you must also take the rules of the responsible federal state into account.