Self-funding includes personal savings and regular income used to pay costs before and during training. Before it starts, you may have expenses for applications, travel to interviews, work clothing or a move. In dual vocational training covered by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz, BBiG) or the Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung, HwO), the training company must provide the necessary training materials free of charge; personal expenses such as commuting or housing are separate. During in-company training, trainees usually receive a monthly allowance. It increases over the course of training, but the amount depends on the occupation, industry, region, whether a collective agreement applies and the company. Compare the gross amount in your contract with the estimated net amount and your monthly costs. Tax and social security deductions may reduce the amount paid out. School-based training is usually unpaid; nursing training is an important exception. Tuition fees and other costs also depend on the occupation, federal state and school. Support from parents and child benefit may supplement your budget, but they are not the same as your own income. A part-time job can bring in extra money, but working hours, training performance, your contract and, for minors, youth employment protections all limit what is practical. Put expected income, fixed expenses and one-off start-up costs together in a monthly budget.
Self-funding before starting vocational training in Germany
Anyone preparing to fund vocational training in Germany from their own resources should plan for application costs, travel and possible moving expenses. During training, regular spending needs to match the allowance actually received, which varies by occupation, industry, region and company. Support from parents, child benefit and part-time work can supplement the budget, but each is subject to its own conditions.
Tip
Plan your training budget around the money that is likely to be available and keep a buffer for one-off start-up costs. Use the net amount you expect to receive rather than just the gross allowance in your contract, and separately check what support or part-time work is realistic.