Ausbildung vs Study in Germany – Which Route To Take?

Germany has emerged as a popular choice for Indians to obtain a quality education while keeping the costs affordable. Once you start exploring the options in Germany, however, you will encounter two very different routes, viz., Ausbildung and study. Each route will help you build a successful career in Germany, but each works differently.

What is Ausbildung?

Ausbildung is Germany’s dual vocational training program. It is a combination of theoretical study and practical hands-on paid work experience at an industrial or service company of your chosen industry. Think of it as an apprenticeship program which helps you prepare for a profession such as nursing, Information Technology (IT), hospitality, mechatronics, or retail management, among others.

The program lasts between two and three and a half years. In other words, you will spend some days of each week working in a company and other days attending classes at vocational schools. The best part of this program is the stipend you receive monthly while training in the program.

What is Studying in Germany?

The traditional way of getting a degree in a German university is pretty similar to what we know and what everyone experiences, which is, you get enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program at some public or private university, attend lectures, do homework and take exams, and get your degree at the end of the day.

Germany is famous for its free or low-cost education, world-class research infrastructure, and internationally recognized degrees. The duration of the programs ranges from three years for a bachelor’s program to two years for a master’s program depending on the course and a university.

Key Differences You Should Know

Cost Factor

Ausbildung has a significant advantage in terms of costs. As you receive a monthly allowance as a part of the training, all your living expenses are basically covered by it. However, although the study in the university is either free or costs less, you should pay some extra money for accommodation, food, health insurance, and other living expenses usually presented in the form of a blocked account.

Time to Employment

Ausbildung focuses on quick employment. Upon completion of your training, you get the chance to be employed by the very company you got your training from with some hands-on experience and possibly even a job offer from them. Whereas you may still need some more time to get a fitting job upon your graduation from university.

Career Path

For individuals who enjoy practical work and would like to earn money soon after, Ausbildung is recommended. It is fit for industries such as health care, engineering trades, hospitality, technical professionals. However, for people who are looking into getting into research careers, management, engineering design, or other specialized careers which involve theoretical knowledge, then the university route is recommended.

Language Requirements

Since most Ausbildung programs are taught in German, you will need a minimum of B1 or B2 level of German before joining the program. On the other hand, university programs give much more flexibility with many bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered in English, especially at the master’s degree level.

Long Term Growth

When it comes to the question of growth, a university degree always opens more opportunities for vertical growth, especially if you aim to occupy managerial posts or do some further studying such as a PhD program. Ausbildung guarantees job security and steady growth in your chosen trade, but you always have a chance to increase your skills through obtaining additional degrees such as Meister.

Which One Should You Choose?

Let’s sum up everything in one easy table. You should go for Ausbildung if:

– you want to start earning sooner;

– prefer practicing to learning theories;

– feel comfortable enough learning in German;

– you are looking for the quickest way to enter the German labor market.

And you should go for University Studies if:

– you need internationally recognized educational degree;

– are interested in research or some specific areas;

– are flexible in choosing education in English;

– can afford to spend extra time on studies.

Both options will give you a chance to gain Permanent Residency in Germany because the country gladly admits foreign specialists and graduates.

Concluding Remarks

As far as whether to undergo Ausbildung or opt for studies in Germany, there is no one-size-fits-all formula that will suit everyone equally. In the end, it all depends on your professional aspirations, financial conditions, command over the German language, and timing of the start of work. Fortunately, whatever option you choose, Germany will provide you with great prospects for a prosperous future within the European economic power.

Still unsure of the right path to take? Our counselors at BCES Admissions Abroad have years of experience in assisting students throughout all stages of choosing whether Ausbildung or university education suits better, obtaining visas, learning the language, and getting university or company admission. Contact us now at +91 9319996330.