Eligibility
There is no single checklist that applies to every Ausbildung. Requirements depend on the profession, on the employer or school, and on your own situation. This page shows the five areas to check, and links to the detailed guides.
The five things to check
- School qualification. What employers expect differs by profession and by employer. Each profession page shows what is typically asked.
- German language level. Employers set a minimum level, and it differs by profession and employer. See our Language section.
- Age. Age conditions can apply depending on the profession and the type of training. The detailed guide explains this.
- Foreign certificates. If your school certificate is from outside Germany, it may need to be assessed. How this works depends on the country and the certificate.
- Application documents. Employers commonly ask for a CV (Lebenslauf), a cover letter (Anschreiben) and copies of your school certificates, often with translations.
Quick self-check
- I know which profession or professions I want to apply for.
- I know my highest school qualification and have the certificates.
- I know my current German level.
- I have checked what employers usually expect for my chosen profession.
- I have started a CV in German format (see How to Apply).
What this site does not cover
We do not give advice on entry or residence rules. They are set by German authorities and change often. For these questions, use the official sources, such as Make it in Germany, and check the current rules directly.
Detailed guides
Detailed eligibility guides will be listed here as they are published.
Next steps
- Compare careers: Professions
- Check which German level you need: Language
- Learn how to apply: How to Apply
Last updated: Oct, 9th 2026. Requirements change, so confirm details with the official source or the employer before you apply.