By Dr. Wolfgang Sender / 26. June 2022 26. June 2022
Reading time: 3 minutes.
Ausbildung age limit in Germany: What applies here for internationals in 2022? We provide information on the opportunities and current developments.
General remarks
An apprenticeship in Germany is mainly started by young Germans around the age of 15. This situation is increasingly changing. On the one side there is a trend that apprenticeships are given to persons with a higher age. On the other side apprenticeships are increasingly available for international applicants. Around ten percent of apprentices in Germany are already foreigners.
But is there actually an age limit for Ausbildung in Germany as international or German applicant?
Ausbildung age limit in Germany: Most important facts
Is there an Ausbildung age limit in Germany?
There is no fixed age limit for education in Germany – neither a minimum nor a maximum limit. In principle, an apprenticeship can be started at any age (typically starting at 15 or 16). This applies to applicants from Germany as well as from abroad. However, it is a different question whether German companies also accept older applicants. For a long time, it was not common to also hire apprentices over the age of 30 – but this is changing rapidly.
What is the minimum Ausbildung age limit in Germany?
The minimum age for an apprenticeship in Germany is not legally defined, but is usually 15 years. However, in most cases, foreigners entering Germany for training must be 18 years old to start training. This is due to the fact that as part of the training, contracts and documents must be signed for which there must be legal capacity. This concerns rental contracts, insurance policies, cell phone contracts, etc. In Germany, such legal capacity is generally only given to persons over the age of 18. Therefore, if you are a foreigner in Germany without parents, you may not be able to sign contracts.
Can I apply for an apprenticeship at any age?
There is no maximum age for an apprenticeship. As a German or a foreigner, you can apply for vocational training at practically any age. Traditionally, it is still common in Germany for apprentices to be of a younger age: most are between 15 and 25 years old. However, this is increasingly changing and more and more companies are also accepting older applicants.
In which apprenticeships are older applicants also accepted?
Older applicants, i.e. people over the age of 25, are particularly likely to be hired wherever there is a high shortage of apprentices. These include the following areas: Nursing staff, cleaning staff, IT, mechatronics, restaurants and hotels. Here, applicants over the age of 30 or even 40 are also regularly accepted.
How will the age limit for training develop in Germany?
It is to be expected that more and more older people will start training in Germany. The typical age for training between 15 and 25 will probably continue to change and there will be more trainees who are also 35 or older. At the moment, this is only really the case in the nursing sector. However, all occupational areas will probably have more older applicants in the coming years.
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Important information on the current situation on the training market in Germany
The current situation on the training market in Germany is very tight: statistically, there is just one applicant for every training place. This means that most companies in Germany have hardly any choice.
Quite a few companies are unable to fill their training positions at all. This affects certain industries but – also certain regions. While the applicant situation is still good in the cities and in certain sectors such as the automotive industry, it looks much worse in the countryside and in the skilled trades.
However, companies depend on apprentices for their continued existence: Today’s apprentices are tomorrow’s skilled workers who keep the business running. In the coming years, more and more skilled workers will retire who cannot yet be replaced by successor staff.
Since the number of applicants for training in Germany is unlikely to change even in the foreseeable future, companies therefore often have only two options:
- they change the age limit for training in Germany and also accept lateral entrants, career changers and university dropouts
- they use applicants from abroad
There are also only a manageable number of applicants from abroad with good German skills so far – so the chances for all applicants with good German skills from abroad will probably remain high in the next few years.
Why don’t companies hire more older apprentices?
In Germany, there is a tradition that apprentices are usually between 15 and 25 years old. Older apprentices have not been common for a long time, and companies also have to adapt their training to this first. It is sometimes somewhat difficult to convey that an apprentice may already be around 30 years old and have a lot of professional experience, while his or her trainer at the company or vocational school is just 25 years old and has less professional experience. Learning processes are required here, and these will certainly have to be completed in the coming years.
What other criteria are important for companies when it comes to trainees?
Companies that want to hire trainees all usually have a whole range of criteria that they apply when selecting personnel. Companies usually ask themselves one central question: how much does it cost to train a person and what is the likelihood that these training costs will come back to the company in the form of that person’s subsequent working hours.
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Companies therefore generally ask themselves how long a person will continue to work for the company after the training and what additional costs will arise besides the training (for example, additional costs for language training, tutoring in mathematics or physics).
Companies therefore usually pay attention to these criteria besides Ausbildung age limit:
- Are the school grades sufficient?
- How likely is it that the apprentice will stay with the company after the apprenticeship?
- Can the apprentice complete the training?
- Does the trainee fit in with our customers, suppliers and partners?
- Does the trainee fit into the team?
- If the apprentice comes from abroad: Does he or she have sufficient knowledge of German (for foreigners, this should be around level B1)?
In addition, there are of course a number of other criteria.
Where to find a suitable Ausbildung?
On this platform you can get more information on the following vacancies for Ausbildung:
- Auszubildende (m/w/d) Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte in München
- Auszubildende (m/w/d) Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte in Köln
- Auszubildende (m/w/d) Restaurantfachmann / Restaurantfachfrau in Sankt Englmar
- Auszubildende (m/w/d) Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte in Berlin Zehlendorf
- Auszubildende (m/w/d) Verkäufer/in in Bocholt
- Auszubildende (m/w/d) Fleischer/in in Bocholt
- Auszubildende (m/w/d) Fleischfachverkäufer/in in Bocholt
- Azubi (m/w/d) Restaurantfachmann / Restaurantfachfrau in Sundern
- Azubi (m/w/d) Restaurantfachmann / Restaurantfachfrau in Bad Elster
- Azubi (m/w/d) Koch im Raum Ulm/Memmingen
See all options
Stay informed
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You can also apply directly to companies in Germany online. You can also find many job advertisements for apprenticeships in Germany on specialist job exchanges, at the German Federal employment agency or via private employment agencies in Germany.
Get answers
- Free test: Can I do an apprenticeship in Germany?
- Is Germany good for migration?
- Best region for Ausbildung in Germany
- How to get a visa for Ausbildung in Germany?
- Which professions to learn in Germany?
- Is there an age limit for Ausbildung?
Alternatives
There are several alternatives available to Ausbildung for internationals:
- Studies in Germany (also in English)
- Dual Studies (Ausbildung and Studies together)
- Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr or Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr as well as Bundesfreiwilligendienst
- Internships
FAQs
Is there any age limit for doing Ausbildung in Germany? ›
Officially, there is no maximum age limit to do an Ausbildung in Germany. But, in maximum cases, German students do their duale Ausbildung from ages 16-25. However, some professions might have an age barrier, such as nursing.
How do I apply for Ausbildung in Germany 2022? ›Apply to an Ausbildung-Program after fulfilling the following criteria: - Having B1 German level, (Or at least visiting B1 course). - Translated and Legitimated your school certificate at the German embassy in your Home country. - Having recognition from the certification authority in Germany.
What is the age limit to work in Germany? ›Typically, the Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz (Youth Labor Protection Laws) apply to teenagers between 15-18, and children younger than 14 are not allowed to work and are required to attend school five days per week.
What are the requirements for Ausbildung nursing in Germany? ›To apply for the Ausbildung program in Germany, you only need a pass percentage in 12th-grade and a German Language proficiency of B2. If you are a school leaver, you only need to learn German Language and you're good to go!
What is the maximum age for Ausbildung? ›Age Limit: Up to 30 Years.
Can I study in Germany at the age of 40? ›No, there is no age limit to applying to study programs in Germany.
What is the age limit to study nursing in Germany? ›Entry Requirements
Higher Secondary School Certificate. Candidates who have completed a Bachelors degree in Nursing / ANM are very suitable. Age Limit: 18-25 Yrs.
- Dental Hygienists – 3,300 EUR.
- Real Estate Agents – 3,000 EUR.
- Nurse – 2,900 EUR.
- Truck Driver – 2,500 EUR.
- Air traffic controller – between 6,000 and 8,000 EUR.
- Aircraft mechanic – 3,100 EUR.
- Bank clerk – between 2,500 and 2,900 EUR.
Can I stay in Germany after Ausbildung? You can start working in the occupation you trained immediately after completing your training or apply for a 'job seeker's visa', stay back, and look for jobs. Once got a job and have worked for two years, you will be considered eligible for a PR.
Can a 50 year old get a job in Germany? ›Officially there is no age limit for Job Seeker Visa Application. You can apply at any age if you feel that you still have a chance to get a job in Germany. However, you shouldn't be older than 67; as it is the retirement age, no employer will hire someone at that period of life.
What is the maximum age limit to work in Europe? ›
There is no age limit to apply for EU careers and jobs. The maximum age, however, is determined by the retirement limits provided by the Staff Regulations of EU officials, which is 66 years (or in some special cases and on an individual basis, even before that).
How many types of Ausbildung are there in Germany? ›There are usually two types of Ausbildung in Germany. Dual (duale) Ausbildung is professional technical training or vocational training. A dual education system combines apprenticeships in a company and vocational education at a vocational school in one course.
Is nursing Ausbildung hard? ›It is a straightforward programme; it takes only three years to complete it and qualify for the nursing licensing examination.
What is a nurse salary in Germany? ›On average, nurses in Germany earn an annual gross salary of 33,000 EUR, which is between 2,800 EUR and 2,900 EUR monthly. The salary depends on the region, experience, qualifications, and working time (night shifts are paid better). There are very many factors that can influence the nursing salary.
Can I study medicine after Ausbildung in Germany? ›If not, they would need to take all required prerequisites, and then apply to medical school, get accepted, complete medical school, complete an internship, and then choose, apply, get accepted into, and complete a full residency.
Can I study in Germany at the age of 35? ›#Absolutely not, Germany places no sort of restriction on the age limit of students that may apply for a visa. In fact, surprisingly Germany has a reputation for having some of the oldest graduates.
What is maximum apprenticeship age? ›Apprenticeships are not age restricted. As long as you are above the age of 16 you are eligible for an Apprenticeship. There is a common misconception that to be an Apprentice you must be between the ages of 16-25. However, this is not true.
Is there an age limit to study in Italy? ›To obtain a student visa, the student must be at least 18 years old. There is no provision of an upper Italy student visa age limit. Hence there are no restrictions on Italy's student visa age limit. Italy is one of the top European countries to pursue higher education.
Is it too late to study at 45? ›Age is not a barrier when it comes to learning. About 40% of mature students studying at university are over the age of 30, some in their 50s and 60s. Many have mortgages, families and are in full-time employment.
Can a 50 year old study? ›It's never too late to go back to school. According to Forbes, going back to school after age 50 is the new normal. Pursuing an education later in life helps adults stay competitive in the workforce. If you have retired, you may have more time to earn a college degree now than you did while you were working.
Which course is best at the age of 40? ›
- Teacher. Don't get North American nation wrong, teaching is very demanding and difficult work. ...
- Hairstylist. ...
- Dietitian. ...
- Cybersecurity. ...
- Social Worker. ...
- Veterinary Technician. ...
- Marketing Manager. ...
- Patient Advocate.
While going back to school for nursing at 30 or 40 is a big change, you are never too old to change careers. Nursing provides a rewarding second career, and your life experience prepares you for nursing. Through the accelerated BSN program, you can become a nurse sooner.
What is the oldest age to become a nurse? ›There is no “appropriate age for nursing school.” We have had students from age 18 to 55 years old in our NCLEX Exam Prep Course and all of them go on to become great nurses.
Can I start nursing school at 45? ›The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!
Can I get visa for Ausbildung? ›Come to Germany to find an Ausbildung place
If you are currently abroad and want to complete Ausbildung in Germany, you can apply for a special visa to find a place. Hence, you can get to know your future employer and school personally. Furthermore, you can work for up to 10 hours per week.
The Meaning of Ausbildung in Germany
After that, you can pursue an education at one of Germany's many universities or colleges. German universities are known for their rigorous academic standards and excellent teaching facilities.
After having finished the Ausbildung, you will have access to a University of Applied Science (Fachhochschule) and to Universities (Universität/Hochschule) in the same filed of your vocational training but only under certain conditions.
Is Ausbildung a diploma? ›AUSBILDUNG is a form of vocational training or apprenticeship where a student attends school and works simultaneously. The student gains both theoretical and practical knowledge at the same time. It is a profession-related education which is leading you towards certain job. You can find Ausbildung for almost anything.
How can I get German citizenship in 3 years? ›Spouses or registered same-sex partners of German citizens are eligible for naturalization after three years of legal residence in Germany. They must have been married or in a registered partnership for at least two years at the time of application. The general requirements for naturalization also apply.
What is the minimum salary to get PR in Germany? ›The position must be appropriate for someone with your qualifications (higher education degree). The position in Germany must be remunerated with a gross annual income of at least €56,400 (as of 2022).
Can I get hired at 55? ›
One 2020 study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that workers over age 40 are only about half as likely to get a job offer as younger workers if employers know their age. But as Frear's experience suggests, it is possible to land an exciting new job in your 50s or later.
Can I get a job after 55? ›t's possible—and even common—to change your career at any age. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, people born near the early 1960s held an average of 12.4 jobs from ages 18 to 54. Older employees can successfully market themselves in today's workplace by emphasizing their experience and skills.
What job can I get over 50? ›- Graphic designer.
- Virtual assistant.
- Sales representative.
- Editor.
- Tutor.
- Writer.
- Researcher.
- Medical transcriptionist.
Although the retirement age for expat residents in Dubai and UAE is 60 years, they are allowed to continue working till the age of 65 years, provided their employers can secure the necessary permits. However, employees who are above 60 years need to apply for work permits via MoHRE.
What is the age limit to work in France? ›Minors are allowed to work from 16 years of age with parental consent. Working hours are strictly regulated by law. Night work is prohibited for minors. Minors between 14 and 16 years of age are allowed to do “light work”.
What is the age limit to work abroad? ›Minimum work visa age is generally 18 for many countries or 21 years old for some and you also apply separately for a residency permit which is issued to people at least 18 years old in a majority of countries.
Which job is demandable in Germany? ›According to deutschland.de, these are the most highly demanded jobs in Germany in 2022: Software developers, architects, and programmers. Electronics engineers, electricians, and electrical fitters.
Can I change my Ausbildung in Germany? ›In general, it's totally fine to decide to change the subject of your Ausbildung and/or the company you are doing it with. And of course you are free to do whatever you want in the meantime.
How much does Ausbildung cost? ›You will receive a monthly salary from your employer of about 700-1.200 Euros. This is enough to cover a basic standard of living in Germany. After successful completion of your ausbildung you will earn somewhere between 1.800 to 3.800 Euros per month. Ausbildung is free of charge – you pay no fees!
Can I study in Germany at the age of 35? ›#Absolutely not, Germany places no sort of restriction on the age limit of students that may apply for a visa. In fact, surprisingly Germany has a reputation for having some of the oldest graduates.
What is the age limit to study nursing in Germany? ›
Entry Requirements
Higher Secondary School Certificate. Candidates who have completed a Bachelors degree in Nursing / ANM are very suitable. Age Limit: 18-25 Yrs.
Who can do an Ausbildung in Germany? Any foreigner regardless of the age, speaking German on level B1 at least and having finished 9 or 10 years school education.
What is the highest paid Ausbildung in Germany? ›The air traffic controller is thus the highest paid job with Ausbildung as educational background. The entry salary ranges between 6,000 and 8,000 EUR gross per month.
Can a 40 year old go to university? ›Every year, thousands of mature students go to university or college. It's a great chance to develop new skills and career options – at any age.
Is it too late to go to university at 35? ›hell no it's never too late. you're the only person who can put limitations on yourself. it might be difficult if you've been out of the game for a while (it's been quite difficult for me; i am doing a masters but had been out of school for almost 2 years) but you can do it.
Can I do Masters at the age of 35? ›But there's no age limit to apply for masters degrees in USA and other countries. As long as you can demonstrate your purpose and seriousness in your MS statement of purpose.
Can I study nursing at age 40? ›While going back to school for nursing at 30 or 40 is a big change, you are never too old to change careers. Nursing provides a rewarding second career, and your life experience prepares you for nursing. Through the accelerated BSN program, you can become a nurse sooner.
What is the oldest age to become a nurse? ›There is no “appropriate age for nursing school.” We have had students from age 18 to 55 years old in our NCLEX Exam Prep Course and all of them go on to become great nurses.
Can I start nursing school at 45? ›The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!
Can I get PR in Germany after Ausbildung? ›Can I stay in Germany after Ausbildung? You can start working in the occupation you trained immediately after completing your training or apply for a 'job seeker's visa', stay back, and look for jobs. Once got a job and have worked for two years, you will be considered eligible for a PR.
Is Ausbildung a nurse? ›
What's Ausbildung nursing, and how is it different from the above? Ausbildung nursing unique! It is a straightforward programme; it takes only three years to complete it and qualify for the nursing licensing examination. No more adaptation training after the said three years of on-the-job learning.
Can I study after Ausbildung? ›Under certain conditions you can start studying after finishing such an Ausbildung (the requirements depend on the subject you want to study and where (in which federal state/university) you want to do it). But keep in mind that an Ausbildung usually takes 3 years.
Is 2500 a good salary in Germany? ›In Germany, a monthly net income between 2,500 EUR and 3,500 EUR is considered to be a good salary. You can afford a decent life in a large German city with that income, including renting a 2 bedroom apartment, regularly eating out, and weekends away.
What salary is rich in Germany? ›To reach the top 1 percent of earners, you would need a monthly take-home salary of 7.190 euros. This is equivalent to an annual net income of almost 86.000 euros, after taxes, or an annual gross salary of around 150.000 euros.
Which city in Germany pays highest salary? ›Frankfurt am Main accounts for the largest average gross salary at €66,529, followed by Stuttgart (€66,174) and Munich (€65,164).