Ausbildung in Germany
If you're considering Ausbildung in Germany, this blog will provide you with essential insights into the costs associated with the Ausbildung visa. Understanding these financial aspects is crucial for anyone looking to establish a career in Germany.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of applying for an Ausbildung visa in Germany, detailing the necessary steps and documentation required. Additionally, we will outline the total costs involved in securing your visa and undertaking your vocational training. With this information at your fingertips, you'll be better prepared to navigate the Ausbildung journey and make informed financial decisions as you plan your future in Germany.
How to Apply for Ausbildung Visa in Germany?
- Ausbildung VISA Application Fee in Germany
The fee for a long-term visa, including the Ausbildung visa, is €75, which is roughly ?6,500 to ?7,000, depending on the current exchange rate. This fee must be paid at the time of submitting your visa application at the German Embassy or Consulate.
- Requirement of Blocked Account
To obtain an Ausbildung visa, students must demonstrate financial stability, usually by creating a blocked account (Sperrkonto). As of 2024, the required amount in this account is €11,208 per year, which is approximately ?9.5 to ?10 lakhs. This sum ensures that you can meet your living expenses in Germany. You’ll need to transfer this amount to the blocked account before your visa application can be approved, allowing you to withdraw about €934 per month while residing in Germany. Additionally, some Ausbildung programs offer a monthly stipend, which could lessen the financial burden by reducing the amount needed in the blocked account if the stipend sufficiently covers living costs.
- German Language Course and Certificate (Optional)
Students must possess at least a B1/B2 level of German language proficiency to pursue an Ausbildung in Germany. The costs for learning the German language can vary depending on the institution and the level of certification, typically offered by recognized organizations like the Goethe-Institut.
For German language courses, students can expect to spend anywhere from INR 30,000 to INR 70,000, with costs influenced by factors such as the course level and the type of institution offering the program. In addition to course fees, students will also need to consider the cost of certification exams. The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 exam typically costs around ?8,500, while the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 exam is priced at approximately ?9,500.
Investing in German language proficiency is crucial not only for securing an Ausbildung visa but also for enhancing your overall experience in Germany, as it opens up better opportunities for communication, social integration, and career advancement.
- Travel Insurance
When applying for an Ausbildung in Germany, students must have travel health insurance that will protect them from the moment they arrive in Germany until they switch to German Statutory Health Insurance. This type of temporary travel insurance typically costs between €30 and €60, which is roughly ?2,500 to ?5,000, depending on the insurance provider.
Having travel health insurance is essential, as it ensures that you are covered for any medical emergencies or health issues during your initial period in Germany. This coverage is particularly important because students may need medical attention before they are eligible for the local health insurance system. Therefore, securing travel health insurance is a vital step in the application process for an Ausbildung.
- Flight Cost
The price of a one-way flight from India to Germany can vary significantly, usually falling between ?35,000 and ?55,000. This cost depends on factors such as the time of year you are traveling and the departure city in India.
For example, flights may be more expensive during peak travel seasons, such as summer or around major holidays, while booking in advance or traveling during off-peak times can help you find more affordable options. Additionally, the specific airline and route you choose can also influence the ticket price. It’s a good idea to compare different airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal for your journey.
- Accommodation Cost
When applying for Ausbildung visa in Germany, you must provide proof of accommodation in Germany. If the company offering the Ausbildung does not provide housing, you'll need to find a place to live on your own.
The cost of accommodation can vary depending on the city or region where you will be living. Generally, you can expect to pay between €300 and €600 per month (around ?25,000 to ?50,000) for shared housing or student residences. It’s important to note that this accommodation expense is ongoing rather than a one-time cost associated with the visa application.
Finding suitable housing is essential for settling in and can significantly impact your overall living experience in Germany. Therefore, it’s wise to start your housing search early and consider factors such as location, accessibility, and budget when making your arrangements.
- Visa Interview and Documentation Cost
Document Translation: To pursue Ausbildung in Germany, document translation shall also take place. So, if you submit the necessary documents in language other than German, then all your documents shall be translated into German or English by a certified translator. The cost for translation can vary, typically ranging from ?500 to ?1,500 per document. It’s important to ensure that these translations are done accurately, as they will be required for your visa application process.
Passport Photos: Along with document translation, student will also need to provide biometric passport photos which shall meet some necessary requirements for official documents. The cost for these photos usually falls between ?200 and ?500, depending on where you go for the service. It's advisable to check the photo requirements in advance to avoid any issues with your visa application. Planning ahead for these additional costs will help ensure a smoother application process.
So, for Ausbildung in Germany, the above steps includes the process of Ausbildung Visa Cost in Germany which every student must have to
Total Ausbildung VISA Cost in Germany
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the various costs that Indian students can expect to incur when pursuing an Ausbildung in Germany:
Expense | Estimated Cost (INR) |
Visa Application Fee | INR 6,500 to 7,000 |
Blocked Account | INR 9,50,000 to 10,00,000 |
Language Course (Optional) | INR 30,000 to 70,000 |
Language Certification Exam | INR 8,500 to 9,500 |
Travel Insurance | INR 2,500 to 5,000 |
Flight (One Way) | INR 35,000 to 55,000 |
Document Translation (per document) | INR 500 to INR 1500 |
In total, the cost for an Ausbildung visa in Germany will be approximately INR 10.1 lakhs to INR 10.7 lakhs. Below is a simple breakdown of the different expenses that Indian students can expect while pursuing an Ausbildung in Germany.
Is Blocked Account Compulsory for Ausbildung in Germany?
A blocked account is not universally required for all Ausbildung programs in Germany; its necessity varies based on specific financial circumstances. In some cases, whether or not a blocked account is needed depends on the financial support provided by the training company.
A blocked account is typically mandated when the monthly stipend, known as Ausbildungsvergütung, falls below the living expenses threshold. For instance, in 2024, this threshold is estimated to be around €934 per month. If your stipend is insufficient to cover these basic living costs, opening a blocked account becomes essential.
The purpose of a blocked account is to ensure that students have access to sufficient funds for their living expenses while in Germany. This financial safeguard can help avoid situations where students struggle to meet their basic needs. Thus, if your stipend is low and cannot sustain your living expenses, securing a blocked account is a practical and often necessary step to ensure financial stability during your Ausbildung.
Cost of Living in Germany
The cost of living in Germany during an Ausbildung program can vary a lot depending on the city. In larger cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin, expenses are generally higher, while smaller towns and cities tend to be more affordable. Here’s a simple breakdown of common monthly expenses a student may need to cover, including rent, food, transport, and other costs.
City | Rent | Food & Groceries | Transport | Health Insurance | Miscellaneous | Total Monthly Cost |
Munich | € 500 - €800 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €900- €1300 |
Frankfurt | €400 - €700 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €800- €1200 |
Berlin | €400 - €700 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €800- €1200 |
Hamburg | €400 - €700 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €800- €1200 |
Stuttgart | €400 - €700 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €800- €1200 |
Cologne | €400 - €650 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €800- €1150 |
Dusseldorf | €400 - €600 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €800- €1100 |
Heidelberg | €350 - €550 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €750- €1050 |
Leipzig | €300 - €500 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €700- €1000 |
Dresden | €300 - €500 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €700- €1000 |
Aachen | €350 - €500 | €150-200 | €50- €60 | €100 - €120 | €100- €150 | €750- €1000 |
Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Living
Several factors influence the cost of living, including the following:-
- Rent
For most of the students, rent is the largest expense, with significant variations depending on the city. In high-cost cities like Munich, rent for a shared apartment (WG) or student dormitory can range from €500 to €800 or higher. In more affordable cities, such as Leipzig or Dresden, rent begins around €300 to €500.
Students can lower their rental expenses by opting for student dormitories (a less costly option but with limited availability) or by sharing apartments (WG).
- Food & Grocery
Students typically spend between €150 and €200 monthly on food and groceries. Purchasing groceries from discount supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, or Netto can help manage costs, whereas eating out often will lead to higher expenses.
- Transportation
Germany has a well-established public transportation system, and students can often take advantage of discounted transit passes. Monthly transportation expenses typically range from €50 to €60, varying by city. Many universities offer semester tickets, enabling students to travel for free or at a reduced rate within the city or surrounding area.
- Health Insurance
Health Insurance is considered mandatory for every student who has come to study Ausbildung in Germany. Student health insurance costs around €100 to €120 per month through statutory health insurance providers like TK, AOK, or Barmer. Private insurance might be slightly more expensive but offers different coverage options.
- Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous expenses such as mobile photo recharge, internet, entertainment, gym membership and other expense. In total, the miscellaneous charges comes to be around €100 to €150 per month.
Conclusion
The primary cost for Ausbildung Visa Cost in Germany is that of Blocked Account Deposit of around 9.5 Lakhs to 10 Lakhs which is basically a security amount to ensure a student’s living expense during stay.
The other cost involved for Ausbildung in Germany includes visa application fee, flight and travel insurance which are at an affordable site. Additionally, if you are already proficient in Germany, you can avoid the expense of language course.
However, once you start the Ausbildung program, the monthly stipend you receive can help cover living costs, reducing the financial burden.