Ausbildung Courses in Germany: A Complete Guide for Indian Students (2025)

The vocational training system of Ausbildung Courses in Germany has an interesting combination of classroom-based learning and a paid and non-academic practical work experience, which is an attractive option to Indian students who want to go to university but are looking at a more affordable and practical experience at the same time. In 2024, there were more than 370,000 international students in vocational apprenticeships as per Make It in Germany.

The trainees receive a wage of 850-1,300 euros gross per month (INR 77,000-118,000), and the average stipend amounted to 1,133 euros(INR 99,704) in 2024. Many of them will not require tuition, and they are needed in such fields as healthcare, IT, hospitality, and engineering.

Ausbildung gives the employment opportunity, good results, stable income, and a pathway to permanent residence in Germany, should you wish to live, learn, and work in Germany. This paper will discuss the best Ausbildung courses in 2025, qualification requirements, visa procedure, scholarships, and career opportunities.

If you're interested in exploring educational opportunities, you can Study in Germany with upGrad’s programs.

Explore career-enhancing German education programs with upGrad's study abroad platform.

Top Ausbildung Courses in Germany for Indian & International Students [2025]

Choosing the right Ausbildung course can help you quickly advance your career in Germany. There are over 300 recognized Ausbildung programs available, but some are more popular due to their high demand and good salaries, especially for international students. 

Such fields as Nursing, Engineering, Computer Science, and IT are among ones that are popular and in demand all over the country. Here are the most popular programs in 2025:

Ausbildung Course	Duration	Monthly Stipend (Avg.)
Nursing	3 years	€1,100–€1,300 ( INR 96,800– INR 1,14,400)
Engineering	3.5 years	€1,000–€1,250 ( INR 88,000– INR 1,10,000)
Business Administration	3 years	€900–€1,100 ( INR 79,200– INR 96,800)
Computer Science	3 years	€1,000–€1,200 ( INR 88,000– INR 1,05,600)
Dental Assistant	3 years	€850–€1,000 ( INR 74,800– INR 88,000)
Hospitality	3 years	€950–€1,100 ( INR 83,600– INR 96,800)
IT Specialist	3 years	€1,050–€1,200 ( INR 92,400– INR 1,05,600)
Mechatronics	3.5 years	€1,050–€1,270 ( INR 92,400– INR 1,11,800)
Agriculture	3 years	€850–€1,000 ( INR 74,800– INR 88,000)

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Also Read: Why Study in Germany – A Perfect Study Abroad Destination

Eligibility Criteria for Ausbildung in Germany

In order to obtain Ausbildung courses in Germany as an international student, some educational, linguistic, and immigration requirements need to be fulfilled. The major eligibility criteria for 2025 look as follows:

1. Educational Qualification

• Must have a high school graduate or have completed 10th or 12th grade or an equivalent qualification of a recognized board.
• Depending upon the number of years of school, it may be necessary to complete higher secondary (12 years) school in some Ausbildung programs, most often those in a technical or medical career.
• When seeking an IT or engineering-related Ausbildung, you can have an added advantage if when have a science or mathematics background.

2. German Language competence

• The fact that Ausbildung programs mostly use German as the language to teach means you should have at least a B1 to B2 level of German (according to CEFR).
• It can be demonstrated by such certificates as Goethe-Institut, OSD, or telc.
• There are some companies or schools that may ask even higher levels of language (B2 and C1), particularly when it comes to customer care or medical jobs.

3. Age Requirement

• Age range: 18-30 years (with no fixed upper age, younger applicants are normally preferred).
• You have to have attained the age of 17 before you can apply for a visa.

4. Visa and Finsical Evidence

• Apply for an Ausbildung visa (Vocational Training Visa).
• Provide a document of a training contract with a German company or institute.
• In case your training does not support the actual cost of living fully, it might be requested that you demonstrate money through a blocked account {~11,208/year (INR10,72,336)}.

5. Medical Fitness and Health Insurance

• Valid German health insurance has to be proved.
• A medical fitness certificate to work in the health or childcare industry.

How to Apply for Ausbildung Courses in Germany Step-by-Step

As an international student, taking part in Ausbildung courses in Germany involves a number of processes that include the selection of a desirable program through to obtaining a German visa. So, in terms of a smooth 2025 application, here it is in a simplified manner:

Step 1: Select the Right Ausbildung Program

• Find what you are interested in (healthcare, IT, engineering, etc.).
• Go to official sites such as ausbildung.de or make-it-in-germany.com.

Step 2: Is Eligibility Requirement Checked?

• Conform to Academic requirements (in general, current standard for Class 10 or Class 12).
• Through a B1 or B2 certification in the German language (Goethe, telc, OSD).

Step 3: Get Your Application Ready Documents

• Europass updated CV
• Educational certificates in school (German translation)
• Language qualification (B1/ B2)
• Motivation letter (in German, preferably)
• Valid passport

Step 4: Ausbildung Positions

Straight to companies or vocational schools (Berufsschule).

You may apply by:

• Just like Ausbildung.de, Indeed Germany is are job portal where students can find vacancies to search.
• Websites of companies (e.g., BMW, Siemens, Charite, etc.)
• LinkedIn or local forums, networking groups

Step 5: Visit Interviews or online tests

• Employers may perform an online or face-to-face interview.
• You can be asked about your knowledge of the German language or your professional inspiration.

Step 6: Obtain a Training Contract (Ausbildungsvertrag)

• When you are chosen, the company will offer you a formal training contract.
• This contract is a part and parcel of your visa application.

Step 7: Apply to get the Ausbildung Visa

You can also submit your documents to the German Embassy / Consulate.

Include:

• Ausbildung contract
• Accommodation evidence
• Financial evidence (blocked account in case it is necessary)
• Travel insurance

Time it takes to get a visa: 412 weeks

Learn more about the requirements to study in Germany for Indian students before starting your Ausbildung journey.

Ausbildung Visa Requirements for International Students in Germany

International students willing to study Ausbildung in Germany should apply for German National Visa (Type D) specifically to study vocational training. These are the full details of the visa documentation you will have to meet in 2025:

1. Valid Passport

• Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Should have at least 2 blank pages.

2. Ausbildung Contract (Ausbildungsvertrag)

• This is proof of your acceptance into a vocational training program.
• Must mention the stipend amount, training duration, and company details.

3. German Language Certificate

• B1 skills are normally required, B2 preferred.
• Approved certificates Goethe-Institut, telc, OSD

4. Proof of Educational Qualifications

• School leaving certificates, either class 10 or 12 (written in German)
• Legalized, notarized where needed.

5. Financial Proof

•  In case your monthly stipend is less than 903 2025 in INR, 86,336, then to fulfill German visa requirements, you will be required to open a Blocked Account in Germany where you will have a minimum balance of 11,000-12,000 2025 in INR, 10,51,60011,47,200.
• Alternatively, a sponsorship letter (Verpflichtungserklarung) by a German resident may be filed.

6. Proof of Accommodation

• A rental agreement or invitation letter stating where you’ll stay in Germany.

7. Health Insurance

• You need to present an attestation of travel and German public/private health insurance coverage during your stay.

8. Visa Application Form and Declaration

• Filled-in National Visa application form
• Signed Declaration on the accuracy of information

9. Biometric Photos

• Two most recent biometric passport size photographs(a photo in line with ICAO standards)

10. Visa Fee

• €75 (INR 7,169) (to be paid at the embassy during the application)

Additional Notes:

• Days to process Visa: 4-12 weeks (depends on the location of embassies)
• Interview Required: Yes, at the nearest German Embassy/Consulate
• Tip: Apply 3–6 months before the Ausbildung start date

Job Opportunities After Ausbildung in Germany [2025 Update]

After an Ausbildung course in Germany, a person gets a high chance of successful career development, particularly in industries, which are lacking skilled workers. The ageing factor and the problem of the lack of workers persists in Germany in 2025 and is calculated to increase up to 7 million by 2035, so vocational graduates become even more precious than before.

Top Industries Hiring Ausbildung Graduates (2025)

Sector	Starting Salary Range (EUR/month)	Starting Salary Range (INR/month)
Healthcare	€2,500 – €3,200	INR 2,39,000 – 3,05,920
Information Technology	€2,800 – €3,500	INR 2,67,680 – 3,34,600
Engineering & Tech	€2,700 – €3,400	INR 2,58,120 – 3,25,040
Skilled Trades	€2,200 – €3,000	INR 2,10,320 – 2,86,800
Hospitality & Retail	€2,000 – €2,700	INR 1,91,200 – 2,58,120
Green Jobs	€2,800 – €3,500	INR 2,67,680 – 3,34,600

Sources: Make-it-in-Germany.com, Reuters

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Work Permit & Full-Time Jobs Post-Ausbildung

• After completing your Ausbildung, you can apply for a residence permit to work full-time in your field.
• You are not required to leave Germany, and most trainees are directly offered permanent roles by their training employers.
• International graduates can later apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after just 2 years of working.

Long-Term Career Outlook

• Germany’s slow GDP growth (0.1% in early 2025) hasn’t reduced demand for skilled workers.
• Ausbildung programs are a gateway to stable, mid-level jobs and a smoother path to PR.
• Over 60% of Ausbildung graduates receive job offers before completing their course.

Top Reasons to Choose Ausbildung Courses in Germany

Germany’s Ausbildung courses offer international students a well-structured and cost-effective route to skilled employment. From financial benefits to long-term career growth, these programs are an excellent choice for those looking to Study in Germany in 2025:

1. Financial Advantage 

Among the most significant advantages of obtaining an Ausbildung course in Germany is the concept that apprentices are given financial assistance. They get a wage which adds up to a scale of 600 to 1200 euros (INR 57,450 to 1,14,900) every month, depending on the occupation and year of education. The earnings enable one to live and minimize dependence on credit. 

2. No fees to tuition!

Ausbildung programs do not have a cost unlike the traditional university education. The education costs are covered by training companies and thus it is among the most affordable education opportunities in Europe suitable to international students.

H3: 3. Good Future in Career

Ausbildung programs design needs of the real world industry. The graduates end up being offered a job in the same company where they worked during the practicals and this makes them easily enter the labor force.

4. A multitude of course options have been provided.

In Germany, there are more than 300 + officially registered occupations of Ausbildung, which are in spheres such as nursing, IT, hospitality, retail, automotive mechanics, electrical engineering, etc. This gives the students the option to pursue a career that is of their interest and that they are good at.

5. Strong Demand for Talented Workers

The situation in Germany is that there is an acute lack of competent employees in numerous fields. As stated by the Federal Employment Agency, in 2035, Germany will observe a shortage of approximately 7 million skilled employees. 

This qualifies the Ausbildung graduates as very demanding in various fields, including the healthcare sector, information technology, logistics sector, and the construction industry.

6. Pathway PR

Obtaining an Ausbildung and having a full-time German job means a quick route towards the permanent resident path. Most of the graduates, after a few years of work, are eligible for a German PR or even a Blue Card, which gives them long-term career and settlement opportunities.

7. International Recognition

The German double career system is admired in the world. Certificates obtained through Ausbildung can be used across Europe, and skills do not go to waste, particularly in labour-demanding professional fields such as technology and healthcare.

Conclusion

As the demand of skilled workforce increases and a well-structured system of learn and earn known as Ausbildung course in Germany provides a smart and cost effective way that one can be able to create a career in a foreign land. Whether it is medical and IT, engineering, and hospitality, there is a range of industries that international students can work in, and most land full-time jobs immediately after their graduation since these industries are also future-proof.

The reduced tuition fees, monthly allowances, and the employment opportunities given to them after the training period have turned Ausbildung into a very desirable program among students willing to study and establish themselves in Germany.

Ready to begin your Ausbildung journey in Germany? Talk to our experts at upGrad and get personalised guidance every step of the way.