Ausbildung 101: Your one-way ticket to Germany!

Heard mention of a great way to get a professional education without paying any tuition fees and, instead, getting paid? That's right: it's an Ausbildung!Ausbildung is becoming a topic of discussion nowadays among students. An Ausbildung is a German word which translates to "vocational training or apprenticeship" in English. It is a dual professional-based education system, a combination of practical and theory, which is available for all nationalities, whether German, EU, or non-EU citizens, including Namibians, between the ages of 16 and 25.Tanya Botshiwe (20), a Namibian currently pursuing a three-year nursing Ausbildung in Ulm, Germany, says that the application process is very simple. "Since I applied while already in Germany, it was even simpler, but one can also apply if they are in Namibia, and if they struggle along the way, agencies such as Afterbreak Abroad (@afterbreakabroad) also help students get an Ausbildung in Germany."As for Botshiwe, she did not wait long to get accepted into the Nursing Ausbildung. However, she advises applicants to apply months in advance."Ausbildung usually starts in April (summer semester) or October (winter semester), so you should apply at least three to six months prior."Easy and freeIn contrast to other educational sectors, Ausbildung in Germany is completely free. Not only that, but your employer pays you a monthly salary. In addition, depending on the type of apprenticeship you are doing, additional benefits such as travel tickets, meals at the office, and accommodation can be expected.Ausbildung in Germany has very few admission requirements, unlike programmes for higher education. One is required to have sufficient knowledge of the German language (at least level B1) and a school-leaving certificate which is equivalent to the Namibia senior secondary certificate and or AS Levels."It has been a good experience for me to learn how to be independent, and since the programme is work-integrated, I already know what to expect after graduating," says Botshiwe.Once you write the exam and graduate, the certificate is also recognised in many other countries, including the EU, so you don't have to work only in Germany.The Ausbildung exposes one to so many opportunities, worthwhile connections, and international experience, which can make you stand out from the crowd when you decide to come back home to Namibia.So, if you ever wanted to leave the country but didn’t have enough funds, the Ausbildung might be the right opportunity for you!

Ausbildung 101: Your one-way ticket to Germany!

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-04

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Ausbildung 101: Your one-way ticket to Germany!

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-04

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