Starting a Career in Germany Through Vocational Training or University Studies

Germany continues to face a shortage of skilled professionals, with more than 630,000 vacancies across various sectors. While certain areas like healthcare, technical trades, and social services remain in high demand, two particularly attractive entry routes stand out for international candidates for starting a Career in Germany: structured Ausbildung programs and university studies in Germany.

Digitalization and automation are transforming many job profiles, but Germany’s need for well-trained talent persists. “For the foreseeable future, there will be solid opportunities for internationals who prepare strategically,” says Wolfgang Sender, founder of Life-in-Germany.de. Sender has worked for many years with state education institutions and in international cooperation projects for Germany, giving him deep insight into how foreign professionals can integrate successfully into the labor market.

Starting a Career in Germany with Ausbildung (Dual Vocational Training)

The German Ausbildung system combines practical training in a company with classroom instruction in a vocational school. It is available in hundreds of occupations, from technical trades to healthcare and logistics. Participants earn a monthly salary during their two- to three-year training, which usually covers basic living expenses. Graduates have excellent prospects to stay and work in Germany afterward.

This pathway is open to applicants from anywhere in the world who have completed at least basic schooling (around nine years) and possess German language skills at level B1, as the training and exams are conducted in German. “It’s a very clear, well-structured route into a long-term career here,” Sender notes. “For school leavers or university graduates who want a practical start, it’s one of the safest ways into the German job market.”

Starting a Career in Germany with University Studies in Germany

German universities offer a wide range of degree programs taught entirely in English, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and business. This makes it possible for talented students from around the globe to start their academic journey without first mastering German. Tuition fees at public universities are low or even zero for most students, including internationals, making Germany one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe.

Graduates of German universities often benefit from a strong labor market connection. After completing a degree, non-EU students are typically granted an 18-month residence permit to search for a job related to their field. Many receive concrete job offers from German employers before graduation, particularly in sectors where demand is high. “A German degree carries weight internationally and opens doors to stable, well-paid positions here,” Sender explains.

Making Your Skills Visible for Starting a Career in Germany

Whether you apply through Ausbildung, a university program, or other entry options such as the EU Blue Card, both employers and universities in Germany expect transparent documentation of your skills and qualifications. This is not limited to diplomas — detailed proof of your abilities in specific subjects or tools can make a decisive difference.

To address this challenge, Sender recently created TopTest.ai, a new platform designed specifically to help international candidates prove their skills for applications in Germany and abroad. The platform, currently being developed in 10 languages, offers more than 1,000 short online tests — from industry knowledge to the latest digital tools — and issues German certificates that can be attached to applications or university enrollment documents. “These certificates give decision-makers an immediate understanding of what you can do,” says Sender. “They’re not a replacement for a degree, but they can help you stand out and demonstrate exactly the skills that matter for your goal.”