Ausbildung
Is Ausbildung Free in Germany? Costs, Salary & Hidden Expenses (2026 Guide)
Yes — vocational Ausbildung in Germany is tuition-free at public Berufsschulen, and apprentices earn a monthly salary from day one. Here's exactly what you pay, what you earn, and what to budget for as an international trainee.
Short answer
A dual Ausbildung in Germany is free of tuition at public vocational schools (Berufsschulen), and you are paid a monthly training salary by your employer for the entire duration (typically 2–3.5 years).
What you earn (Ausbildungsvergütung)
- Year 1: €900–€1,200/month gross (varies by sector)
- Year 2: €1,000–€1,300/month
- Year 3: €1,100–€1,400/month
- Nursing, public sector, and industrial trades pay at the higher end; hospitality and retail at the lower end.
What is actually free
- Tuition at public Berufsschule — €0
- Health insurance contribution — deducted from salary, no separate bill
- Public transport — many Länder include a Deutschlandticket for trainees
Hidden costs to budget
- Visa & document translation: €200–€600 one-off
- German course to B1/B2 before arrival: €800–€2,500
- Blocked account (if required): €11,904 for the first year (refunded monthly)
- Rent in a mid-size city: €350–€600/month for a shared flat (WG)
- Books, uniforms, tools: €100–€300/year (often reimbursed by employer)
Can you live on the salary alone?
In cities like Leipzig, Dortmund, or Bochum — yes. In Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg — tight; most trainees share flats or apply for Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB), a government top-up.
Next step
Book a free 30-minute consultation with Academia Germany to check your eligibility and get a personal cost plan.
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