Ausbildung in Germany for Indians 2026/27: paid vocational training explained

Not everyone needs a master's degree to build a career in Germany. An Ausbildung is a paid vocational training in fields like nursing, IT, hospitality, logistics and skilled trades. You learn on the job, earn from the first month, and finish with a German qualification employers trust.

How an Ausbildung works

• You sign a training contract with a company.
• You work in the company and attend a vocational school, usually some days each week or in blocks.
• You receive a monthly training allowance. For training starting in 2026, the legal minimum is €724 a month in the first year, and it rises each year of training (BIBB). Many employers pay more.

The visa

1. Find a training place. Apply to companies directly or through the job board of the Federal Employment Agency.
2. Reach the German level. Usually B1, sometimes B2 in healthcare.
3. Have your school certificates checked. Your school leaving certificate must be comparable to a German one.
4. Show you can live on your pay. If your training pay is too low, you add a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment.
5. Apply at the German mission in India. The Federal Employment Agency also checks the training. Details in the official visa guide.

After your Ausbildung

You can stay in Germany to look for a job, then work as a skilled worker. As a graduate of German vocational training, you can apply for permanent residence after 2 years of work, with B1 German (permanent residence timelines). Read my permanent residence guide.

Is it right for you?

It suits people who are ready to learn German properly and want a stable long-term career. It is not a shortcut: the training is real work, and the first years pay less than a skilled job. If you already have a degree and experience, compare it with the skilled worker routes first.

Common questions