Financing Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany 2025

External financing of Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany is provided through scholarships, regional funding, and education loans. Scholarships are awarded by foundations, companies, and public institutions and are aimed at trainees with exceptional performance. Regional funding varies depending on the federal state and industry, offering grants and loans. Education loans represent another option and provide flexible terms to support training costs.

State funding for vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany includes housing benefits, vocational training allowances (BAB), and student financial aid (BAföG). Housing benefits provide apprentices with rent subsidies when their income is insufficient. Vocational training allowances assist trainees financially when personal and parental income are inadequate. BAföG combines grants and interest-free loans to finance vocational training (Ausbildung) and studies. All benefits are income-dependent and aim to prevent financial difficulties during vocational training (Ausbildung).

Vocational Training Financing (Ausbildung) through training companies in Germany includes Vocational Training Compensation (Ausbildungsvergütung), trainer subsidies, and other financial support measures. Vocational Training Compensation (Ausbildungsvergütung) varies depending on the industry and region and is paid monthly. Additionally, many companies offer travel cost reimbursements and learning material subsidies to alleviate the financial burden on trainees.

Self-financing of Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany is achieved through child benefits, parental support, and part-time jobs. Child benefits are paid until the age of 25 as long as the trainee is in Vocational Training (Ausbildung). Parents are obliged under the German Civil Code (BGB) to financially support their children's Vocational Training (Ausbildung) if they are able to do so. Part-time jobs in sectors such as retail and hospitality provide trainees with the opportunity to cover their living expenses but must comply with legal regulations.