Ausbildung: paid vocational training in Germany

The Ausbildung combines classes at a vocational school with paid work in a company. Here is what the embassy requires for the vocational training visa.

Prepare my German level Write to us on WhatsApp

Important Information

This guide summarizes the information published by the German Embassy in Yaoundé, consulted on 03/10/2026. Requirements, amounts and processing times change regularly: this information may be out of date by the time you read it. The only reliable reference is the embassy's official website: jaunde.diplo.de. Institut der Fuchs is not a visa agency and does not process any application on behalf of the embassy.

What is an Ausbildung?

The Ausbildung is Germany's vocational training system. In in-company (dual) training, you alternate between classes at the vocational school (Berufsschule) and work in a company that pays you a training allowance. There are also school-based programmes, completed entirely at a school, for example in certain health professions. Training usually lasts from two to three and a half years and leads to a qualification recognised in Germany.

What the embassy requires for the vocational training visa

  • In-company training: the training contract signed by you and the company, plus proof of enrolment at the vocational school (school stamp on the contract or written confirmation).
  • School-based training: the training contract signed with the school.
  • Employer declaration for the Federal Employment Agency ("Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis"), completed by the training company.
  • German level: generally B1 (ALTE certificate) for qualified training such as nursing, and A2 for other programmes; some regions may require more. The company and the school can also certify your level, but the embassy recommends attaching the certificates.
  • Diplomas: Probatoire, Baccalauréat or GCE O/A Level, and any university degrees. The embassy refers to the ANABIN database for the evaluation of diplomas.
  • CV and cover letter in German, one page each.
  • Financial means: the training allowance and, where applicable, benefits provided by the employer (for example accommodation).
  • Health insurance for your arrival, valid from one week before the start of the contract.

The steps, from Bafoussam to Germany

  1. Reach the required German level (A2 or B1, with B2 often recommended to succeed at vocational school) and obtain an ALTE certificate.
  2. Find a training place and sign the contract with the company or school.
  3. Register on the Auslandsportal, then submit your application according to the embassy's instructions (VFS Global in Yaoundé for vocational training).
  4. Pay the visa fees: 50,000 FCFA from age 18, 25,000 FCFA under 18, plus VFS service fees.
  5. Prepare your arrival: insurance, accommodation, registration at the town hall (Anmeldung) as soon as you arrive.

According to the embassy, the wait for an appointment for vocational training can exceed one year: start the process early.

How Institut der Fuchs prepares you

  • German courses from A1 to B2, in person in Bafoussam or online;
  • Preparation for Goethe, TestDaF, telc, ÖSD and ECL exams, module by module;
  • Help writing your CV and cover letter in German.

Frequently asked questions

What level of German do I need for an Ausbildung?

According to the embassy: generally B1 (ALTE certificate) for qualified training such as nursing, and A2 for other programmes. Some regions may require more.

Do I need a contract before applying for the visa?

Yes. For in-company training, you need the signed training contract and proof of enrolment at the vocational school (Berufsschule); for school-based training, the contract signed with the school.

What role does the German company play?

It completes the declaration for the Federal Employment Agency ("Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis") that accompanies the application.

Where is the application submitted?

Registration is done on the online Auslandsportal; the embassy states that applications for vocational training are submitted at VFS Global in Yaoundé.

Can my CV be in French?

No: for the Ausbildung, the embassy requires a CV and a cover letter in German, one page each.

Official sources

Last checked by the institute: 03/10/2026. In case of any discrepancy, the embassy's website prevails.