Education
Challenges on the educational path
Throughout our lives, we acquire new skills - be it for our careers, personal development or to better participate in society. However, access to education is not always easy.
Lack of qualifications and educational pathways
Not everyone manages to complete a school-leaving qualification at the first attempt. Many people catch up on their secondary school leaving certificate, intermediate school leaving certificate or Abitur later - either part-time or full-time.
Professional development
In a constantly changing world of work, further education is often essential. However, not everyone knows what courses are available or how to access them. In addition, many find it difficult to organize work, family and further education at the same time.
Language as a barrier
People with a migration background or foreign qualifications face the challenge of improving their German language skills. Without sufficient language skills, access to education, work and social participation becomes more difficult.
Financial barriers
Educational opportunities cost money - be it for textbooks, course fees or examination fees. This can be a major burden for people on low incomes.
First steps: How to advance your education
- Catching up on qualifications: You can catch up on various qualifications part-time and part-time via evening schools and colleges, online courses and vocational training centers.
- Professional development: You can attend specialist courses and seminars, retrain or take online courses.
- Attend language courses: If German is not your native language or you would like to work in an international company, it is worth attending language courses.
- Apply for financial support: Offers such as BAföG, education vouchers from the employment agency or education bonuses can help you.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
Education and further training advice
- Education advice centers: They help you find suitable training courses and clarify questions about requirements, costs and funding options.
- Employment agency advice centers: Jobseekers can obtain information on retraining, further training and qualification measures here.
- Counselling centres for migrants: Specialized centres support people with a migration background in accessing education and recognizing qualifications.
Learning and support services
- Tutoring centers: Young people and adults can receive support with individual subjects or exams in learning centers.
- Professional development centers (BFW): They support adults who want to return to work after illness or unemployment.
- Language courses and integration courses: These courses offer a mixture of language support and orientation in everyday German life.
Financial support
- BAföG and Aufstiegs-BAföG: Pupils, students and participants in further education courses can apply for financial support.
- Education voucher from the employment agency: If you would like to continue your education, you can apply for the employment agency to cover the costs under certain conditions.
- Education bonuses and scholarships: Various programs provide financial support for educational measures.
Frequently asked questions about educational opportunities
There are many ways to continue your education or obtain a qualification. These include school-leaving qualifications (e.g. Hauptschulabschluss or Abitur), vocational training, further training and retraining. You can find offers at Volkshochschulen (VHS), education centers, specialist schools or via online learning platforms. The job center and educational counseling centers will help you find suitable educational paths.
If you would like to do further training, you can apply for financial support. This includes education vouchers (from the job center or employment agency), BAföG (for pupils and students) and education bonuses. The job center or an educational counseling center will help you find the right funding and submit the application.
If you do not have a school-leaving qualification, you can catch up on this at an evening school, an education center or via distance learning. Youth Migration Services (JMD) and educational advice centers provide support in the search for suitable courses. In some cases, the Jobcenter covers the costs. The subsequent acquisition of a school-leaving qualification opens up new opportunities on the job market.