How to Apply for a Dual Ausbildung in Germany

Duale Ausbildung is a vocational training program in Germany that combines theoretical instruction at a Berufsschule or Berufskolleg with practical training at an employer’s workplace. For applicants, this is not like applying to a university: first, they usually need to secure a position at a company, pass the selection process, and sign an Ausbildung contract; only then are the academic aspects of the training and administrative formalities addressed.

What is Ausbildung and how does it differ from duale Ausbildung?

In Germany, Ausbildung is the path to professional qualification. Broadly speaking, there are two main formats:

Schulische Ausbildung — training at a vocational school. An internship may be part of the program, but the main point of entry is more often linked to the school or educational institution.
Duale Ausbildung — training through an employer: you spend part of your time working at the company and part of it studying at a Berufsschule or Berufskolleg.

This article focuses specifically on duale Ausbildung, because the application process here does not start with a university or a single portal, but with a job opening at an employer.

Who Is the Dual Ausbildung Program Suitable For?

This path is often chosen by high school graduates, people who have recently moved to Germany, candidates without a German higher education degree, and those who want to enter the profession more quickly through practical training. During dual training, an Ausbildungsvergütung—a trainee’s salary or stipend—is usually paid, but the amount depends on the profession, region, industry, and employer.

Important: For international candidates, an Ausbildung may be tied to a visa or residence permit. In 2026, the official “Make it in Germany” portal states that a visa for vocational training typically requires a specific Ausbildungsplatz, proof of language proficiency, and evidence of financial support. If the trainee’s salary is insufficient to cover the minimum cost of living under visa regulations, the difference can be covered, for example, by a blocked account or a Verpflichtungserklärung.

When to Start Applying

Many programs start in August or September because that’s when the academic year begins at the Berufsschule. However, there is no single deadline for all of Germany: the dates are determined by the company, the industry, and the specific job opening.

Here’s a practical guide:

Large companies, banks, insurance firms, industrial conglomerates, and popular fields often open enrollment well in advance;
Small companies may post job openings later and close them as soon as they find a candidate;
Some openings become available outside the traditional application season, but this depends largely on the employer and the school.

It’s best not to wait for the “official application month.” If a job opening has already been posted and you meet the requirements, you should apply right away.

Where to Look for Dual Ausbildung Positions

Search not only for the word “Ausbildung,” but also for the German name of the profession. For example: Kaufmann/Kauffrau, Fachinformatiker/in, Pflegefachmann/Pflegefachfrau, Elektroniker/in, Hotelfachmann/Hotelfachfrau.

Main search channels:

Job search on the Federal Employment Agency website;
company websites under the “Karriere,” “Ausbildung,” or “Stellenangebote” sections;
The IHK Apprenticeship Exchange and regional chambers of commerce, if you’re interested in professions in retail, industry, or services;
Handwerkskammer and Lehrstellenradar for skilled trades;
major job portals, but make sure the job posting actually leads to the employer.

If you’re applying from abroad, also check whether the employer is willing to consider candidates who need to go through the visa process. This isn’t always mentioned in the job posting, but it’s important for timing.

What Documents to Prepare

To apply for a dual Ausbildung, you usually need a standard application package. Requirements vary by company, but most often they ask for:

Lebenslauf — a German resume in reverse chronological order;
Anschreiben — a cover letter tailored to a specific profession and company;
high school diploma and other certificates, with translations if necessary;
Proof of German language proficiency, if you have a certificate;
work experience, internships, recommendations, or an Arbeitszeugnis, if relevant;
a copy of your passport or proof of residency status, if required during the selection process.

Your resume should highlight not only your education but also why the profession is a good fit for you. For an Ausbildung, employers value attention to detail, motivation, German language skills, an understanding of the profession, and a willingness to learn in a work environment.

How the Selection Process Works

The selection process varies. At one company, it might be a short interview; at another, it could involve several stages.

The most common types are:

Online application or submission of documents via email.
Initial screening based on documents.
Phone or video interview.
A test of basic skills, logical reasoning, German language proficiency, or professional knowledge.
Interview with HR and the future department.
A trial day, a short internship, or a “Kennenlernen” (getting to know each other), if that’s how the company operates.
Job offer and signing the Ausbildung contract.

After signing the contract, the employer usually helps with registration at the Berufsschule or informs the candidate which school they partner with. However, the details depend on the state, the profession, and the company.

What’s Important for International Candidates

If you are not an EU citizen and need a German residence permit, check the visa requirements before sending out a mass of applications. In practice, four areas are particularly important.

Language

Official information on visas for vocational training states that a B1 level of German is usually required for qualified vocational training, unless the educational institution has assessed language proficiency differently or language training is provided. In competitive fields, employers’ actual expectations may be higher.

Finances

For company-based vocational training, the trainee’s salary is considered proof of financial means. For 2026, “Make it in Germany” provides the following guidelines: if the Ausbildungsvergütung is at least 1,048 euros gross or 822 euros net per month, living expenses are considered covered for this purpose. If the amount is lower, the difference can be covered by other acceptable forms of proof, such as a blocked account or a Verpflichtungserklärung.

The rules are different for school-based vocational training: it often requires separate proof of financial resources, since there may be no salary.

Educational Documents

Employers and schools may view foreign high school diplomas differently. Sometimes a translation is sufficient; other times, the document must be recognized or evaluated. It’s best to clarify this based on the specific profession, federal state, and the employer’s requirements.

Visa Validity Periods

If you’re applying from abroad, allow time for an interview at the consulate, document verification, and the possible involvement of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit in the internal procedure for in-company vocational training. The employer must understand that you won’t be able to start the day after signing the contract.

How to Improve Your Chances

Tailor your Anschreiben to each job opening; don’t send out a single generic version.
Show that you understand the profession: responsibilities, work schedule, physical demands, customer interaction, and technical tasks.
Don’t limit yourself to the most well-known companies. Competition is sometimes lower at smaller firms, and there are more internship opportunities.
Apply to several dozen suitable job openings if the field is competitive.
Prepare for the tests in advance: German, math, logic, and basic knowledge of the profession.
Don’t ignore interview invitations. Even a less-than-perfect interview gives you experience with the German selection process.
If your language skills are still weak, work on improving them at the same time and choose professions where your strengths are already evident on your resume.

Checklist before submitting your application

Check to make sure you have everything ready:

a resume in German with no errors and up-to-date contact information;
a cover letter tailored to the specific job opening;
Scans of high school transcripts, diplomas, and certificates;
translations of documents, if required;
a language certificate or a clear description of your current proficiency level;
a list of job openings and application deadlines to track responses;
a separate folder for each employer to avoid mixing up documents;
Understanding whether you need to go through the visa process and how much time it will add to the process.

Common Mistakes

Applying Too Late

If the program starts in August or September, many of the top spots may be filled long before summer. Late openings do happen, but basing your strategy solely on them is risky.

Writing the Same Letter to Everyone

Employers quickly spot a formulaic approach. It’s better to write a short but specific cover letter: explain why you chose this profession, why you chose this company, and what experience or qualities will help you learn specifically there.

Don’t Underestimate the German Language

Even if the formal minimum requirement of B1 is sufficient for a visa or a program, the actual job requires understanding instructions, communicating with coworkers, and studying at a Berufsschule.

Assuming that a blocked account is never needed

For dual Ausbildung, this is often not required if the salary meets the established minimum. However, if the compensation is below the required level or if it’s a school-based Ausbildung, financial proof may become an important consideration.

Waiting for a response from one company

It’s normal for some applications to go unanswered. Keep track of the responses and keep sending new applications until you receive a signed contract.

FAQ

Is it possible to enroll in an Ausbildung program after graduating from high school outside of Germany?

Yes, this is possible, but the requirements depend on the profession, the employer, the state, and your visa status. For some fields, an evaluation of your high school transcript or additional documentation may be required.

Who decides whether I’ll be accepted into a dual Ausbildung program?

The employer usually makes the key decision, because they are the ones offering the apprenticeship position and signing the contract. The Berufsschule becomes involved afterward or concurrently, depending on the system in the specific state.

Is a German B1 level required?

For a visa for skilled vocational training, the official language requirement is usually B1, unless language proficiency has been verified by the educational institution or language training is provided. The employer may expect B2 or confident spoken German, especially in professions involving customer service, medicine, working with children, or document processing.

When is the best time to submit applications?

As soon as a job opening is posted and you’re ready to submit a strong application package. To start in August or September, many candidates begin their search several months in advance, and large employers often begin recruiting even earlier.