Study Nursing in Germany
Would you like to become a nurse in Germany while earning money during your training? Germany's Ausbildung vocational training system combines classroom learning with practical experience, allowing eligible trainees to develop professional skills while receiving a monthly training allowance.
The nursing programme at Ludwig Fresenius Schools is one option to explore. The three-year, full-time training is tuition-free, and trainees receive remuneration through a separate training contract with a healthcare facility. However, this is not a universal scholarship or a guaranteed offer for every international applicant: you must meet the admission requirements, secure the required training arrangement and, if applying from abroad, obtain the appropriate visa.
Ausbildung Germany 2026: Programme Summary
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | German Nursing Ausbildung |
| Training Provider | Ludwig Fresenius Schools, among other providers in Germany |
| Host Country | Germany |
| Category | Vocational Training / Apprenticeship |
| Field | Nursing and Healthcare |
| Eligible Applicants | Candidates who meet the school's admission, language and immigration requirements |
| Duration | 3 years full-time; part-time routes may take 5 years |
| Tuition Fees | The Ludwig Fresenius nursing programme is advertised as tuition-free |
| Monthly Training Salary | Paid through the training employer; the amount varies |
| German Language | Usually B1 for the vocational training visa; B1 or B2 may be required for nursing training, depending on the state and provider |
| English IELTS | Not normally the central language requirement; German proficiency is essential |
| Application Deadline | Applications are possible throughout the year for the Ludwig Fresenius nursing programme, but start dates vary by location |
| Official Programme Page | Ludwig Fresenius Schools – Nursing Ausbildung |
What Is Ausbildung in Germany?
Ausbildung is Germany's vocational education and training system. It helps trainees prepare for a specific occupation through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical experience.
In a dual vocational training programme, you study at a vocational school and gain hands-on experience with an employer. You also receive a monthly training allowance under your training contract.
Unlike a traditional university degree, Ausbildung focuses on preparing you for employment in a particular occupation. It is available in fields such as nursing, engineering, information technology, construction, hospitality and other technical or professional areas.
For international applicants, the nursing route is particularly worth exploring because it combines practical healthcare experience with a recognised professional qualification. However, admission, salary and visa requirements must be met before you can start.
You can learn more about the system through the German government's official guide to vocational training in Germany.
About the Ludwig Fresenius Nursing Ausbildung Programme
Ludwig Fresenius Schools offers vocational programmes in different areas, including healthcare, nursing, medical laboratory subjects, therapy and technical fields.
One of its programmes is the three-year qualification for Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann, commonly translated as nursing professional.
The nursing programme combines lessons with supervised practical training in a healthcare facility. Students learn to care for patients, support medical treatment, document nursing activities and work with people who need assistance because of illness, age or other care needs.
The official school website states that the general nursing qualification is tuition-free. Students also enter into a separate training contract with a nursing or healthcare facility, through which they receive their training allowance.
This distinction matters: the school provides the educational programme, while the practical employer is responsible for the paid training arrangement.
Ausbildung Nursing Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the educational, language, health and documentation requirements for the programme and training employer.
1. Educational qualifications
For the Ludwig Fresenius nursing programme, applicants generally need a recognised intermediate school-leaving qualification or an equivalent educational background.
The school's published requirements include one of the following routes:
A recognised intermediate school-leaving certificate, such as the German Realschulabschluss, or successful completion of ten years of general education.
A basic school-leaving qualification combined with at least two years of completed vocational training.
A recognised qualification in nursing assistance or nursing support.
Applicants educated outside Germany should ask the school or relevant authority whether their secondary school certificate meets the requirements. The acceptance of a Nigerian WAEC certificate or another foreign qualification depends on the applicable recognition and admission rules.
2. German language proficiency
German language skills are essential. Nursing involves communicating with patients, understanding medical instructions, documenting care and working with other healthcare professionals.
For a German vocational training visa, the standard requirement is normally German proficiency at B1 level, unless the relevant conditions for an exemption are met. Nursing training providers or state-specific rules may require B2.
Before applying, check the language level required by your particular school and practical training employer. Do not assume that B1 is sufficient for every nursing placement.
Recognised language examination providers may include Goethe-Institut, telc and ÖSD, depending on the certificate accepted by the relevant authority or employer.
An English-language IELTS certificate does not replace the German proficiency required for nursing training.
Official visa information: German government's vocational training visa guidance.
3. Health and physical fitness
Nursing trainees work with patients and may need to assist people with mobility, personal care and medical needs. Applicants must therefore meet the relevant health and fitness requirements.
Ludwig Fresenius Schools asks for a medical certificate confirming fitness for the programme. Its published checklist indicates that the certificate should not be older than three months at the start of training.
Additional health documentation may be requested depending on the training location and employer.
4. Criminal record and reliability
Nursing applicants may need to provide evidence of good conduct or a criminal-record certificate from the relevant authorities.
The specific document and whether it must be obtained in Germany or from your country of origin depend on your circumstances.
International applicants should check the requirements early, as obtaining and preparing official documents can take time.
5. Practical training placement
The Ludwig Fresenius nursing programme requires applicants to have a practical training placement, for example at a hospital, nursing home or outpatient care service.
The school states that an arrangement with a practical training provider is part of the nursing Ausbildung. Some locations offer support or an arrangement that connects applicants with a participating healthcare facility.
Confirm the process for your chosen location before submitting your application.
How Much Can You Earn During Nursing Ausbildung in Germany?
One of the main attractions of dual vocational training is that trainees receive a monthly allowance while learning.
However, there is no single salary that applies to every nursing Ausbildung in Germany. Your allowance depends on the training employer, region, collective agreement and year of training. The amount in your signed training contract is the figure to rely on.
The opportunity information supplied for this article advertises the following estimated monthly amounts:
| Training Year | Amount Stated in the Supplied Information |
|---|---|
| First year | €1,341 per month |
| Second year | €1,402 per month |
| Third year | €1,503 per month |
These figures should not be treated as guaranteed rates for every Ludwig Fresenius student or every employer in Germany.
For comparison, a nursing training vacancy published by Germany's Federal Employment Agency lists a particular employer's 2026 allowance as €1,461.78 in the first year, €1,555.06 in the second and €1,679.47 in the third year, plus possible additional payments. This demonstrates why applicants should check current employer-specific salary details instead of relying on a single national figure.
Is the training allowance gross or net?
Training salary figures are commonly advertised as gross amounts, before deductions. Trainees generally pay social security contributions, including contributions towards health insurance, pension insurance and unemployment insurance.
The amount paid into your bank account will therefore be lower than the gross salary. Rent, transport, food and other living expenses must also be taken into account.
Is the Ludwig Fresenius nursing programme tuition-free?
Yes. The Ludwig Fresenius nursing professional programme is advertised as tuition-free. The school also states that trainees receive an allowance through their training contract with a healthcare facility.
Nevertheless, tuition-free training does not mean that every expense is covered. Applicants may still need to budget for travel, visa costs, document translation, accommodation before their allowance begins and other relocation expenses.
Benefits of Nursing Ausbildung in Germany
1. Earn while learning
In a qualifying dual nursing programme, you receive a monthly training allowance while completing theoretical and practical training. This can help you cover living expenses during your studies.
2. Gain practical healthcare experience
The programme combines classroom teaching with practical placements. Trainees develop skills in patient care, healthcare communication, documentation and the support of medical treatment.
3. Obtain a recognised professional qualification
The full-time nursing programme generally takes three years and concludes with a state examination. The German government states that the general nursing qualification is recognised across the European Union.
Recognition in another country is still subject to the relevant professional and registration rules.
4. Access opportunities in different healthcare settings
After qualification, nursing professionals may work in hospitals, care homes, outpatient services, rehabilitation facilities and other healthcare settings.
Further training and specialisation can open additional career pathways.
5. Potential employment after graduation
Germany has a continuing need for qualified healthcare workers, and the Ludwig Fresenius Schools website describes nursing as a field with good employment prospects.
However, graduation does not guarantee an immediate job, a particular salary or permanent residence. Employment depends on the available positions, your qualifications and the applicable employment and immigration rules.
Nursing Ausbildung Duration and Application Deadlines
The standard full-time nursing professional programme lasts three years. Part-time training may take around five years, depending on the programme arrangement.
The Ludwig Fresenius Schools website indicates that applications for its nursing programme are possible throughout the year. However, training starts are location-specific, and not every location necessarily has an available place for every intake.
Some programme listings show start dates in 2027 and later years. Applicants looking to begin in 2026 should therefore check the current location-specific availability rather than assuming a place is open for immediate entry.
Check available locations and start dates: Ludwig Fresenius Nursing Ausbildung.
Required Documents for Nursing Ausbildung in Germany
The exact document checklist depends on the school, practical training employer and visa application. For the Ludwig Fresenius nursing programme, the school's published list includes:
Tabular CV: A structured résumé containing your education, work experience and relevant skills.
School-leaving certificate: A copy of your graduation certificate or most recent school certificate.
Training, work or internship certificates: Include relevant evidence where available.
Medical fitness certificate: Evidence that you meet the health requirements for nursing training.
Measles immunisation evidence: The school includes proof of measles immunisation in its checklist.
Practical training placement evidence: Proof of an arrangement with a hospital, nursing home or outpatient care service.
For applicants educated outside Germany, additional documentation may be required, including certified translations, qualification recognition documents and proof of German language proficiency.
For the visa application, you will generally need a valid passport, a confirmed vocational training place or contract, evidence of language ability and proof that you can cover your living expenses. Additional documents may be requested by the German mission handling your application.
Prepare your documents carefully and confirm the current checklist before submitting them.
German Ausbildung Visa Requirements for International Applicants
If you are a Nigerian citizen or another non-EU applicant who needs a visa to enter Germany, securing admission is only one part of the process. You must also qualify for the appropriate national visa or residence permit for vocational training.
1. Obtain a training place
You will generally need a confirmed training place in Germany. For a dual nursing programme, this means arranging the required training contract with the healthcare employer and meeting the school's admission requirements.
Do not book non-refundable travel or pay an intermediary on the assumption that a visa will automatically be granted.
2. Meet the language requirements
The German government normally expects B1 German proficiency for a vocational training visa when the relevant exemption conditions do not apply. Nursing schools and employers may ask for a higher level, such as B2.
Check both the immigration requirement and the language requirement specified by the training provider.
3. Prove that you can support yourself
Your training salary can be considered when assessing whether you can cover your living costs.
Under the German government's 2026 guidance, a company-based vocational training allowance of at least €1,048 gross or €822 net per month generally satisfies the financial livelihood requirement. If the allowance is lower, you may need to demonstrate additional funding through an eligible blocked account or a declaration of commitment.
The rules differ for school-based training, where applicants generally need at least €959 net per month in available funds under the 2026 guidance.
These are immigration financial thresholds, not salary promises. Confirm the current requirements for your circumstances before applying.
4. Arrange health insurance
You must provide appropriate health insurance documentation for the visa process. Trainees in paid vocational training generally enter statutory health insurance, but coverage arrangements before that insurance begins may also need to be demonstrated.
Check the insurance evidence required by the responsible German mission.
5. Apply for the national visa
Once you have the required training documentation, submit your application using the appropriate German visa procedure. Depending on your country and case, you may be able to start through the German Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal.
Official visa resources:
How to Apply for the Ludwig Fresenius Nursing Ausbildung Programme
Follow these steps to explore and apply for the nursing programme.
Step 1: Visit the official Ludwig Fresenius website
Start with the official nursing Ausbildung page. Review the programme details and select a location where the training is available.
Step 2: Check your eligibility
Confirm that your school qualifications meet the admission requirements. Check the language requirements and determine whether you need your foreign certificates recognised or officially translated.
Applicants outside Germany should contact the school to confirm whether their qualifications and immigration circumstances are suitable.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Prepare your CV, school certificates and relevant internship or employment records. Ask the school which additional documents are required for your chosen location and whether German translations or certified copies must be provided.
Step 4: Arrange the practical training place
Confirm the practical training arrangements required for the programme. If the location offers support in finding a partner healthcare facility, follow its instructions. Otherwise, you may need to secure a suitable practical placement yourself.
For the paid portion of the training, ensure that you understand the employer's contract, salary, working conditions and start date.
Step 5: Submit your online application
Complete the online application through the Ludwig Fresenius website. The school says that applicants receive an email with access details for its document-upload centre so that they can submit the required supporting materials.
Check your email and spam folder for the next steps.
Step 6: Follow up on the admission process
The school may contact you regarding the application or invite you to an admission discussion. Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Do not assume that your application is complete until the school confirms the next steps.
Step 7: Apply for your visa, if required
After securing the necessary admission and training arrangements, prepare your German vocational training visa application. Confirm the required language certificate, proof of funds, health insurance and supporting documents with the relevant German mission.
Start here: Apply to Ludwig Fresenius Schools for Nursing Ausbildung.
Where Else Can You Find Ausbildung Opportunities in Germany?
If the Ludwig Fresenius programme is not suitable for your location, qualifications or preferred start date, you can search for nursing and other vocational training positions through these resources.
1. Make it in Germany
The German government's portal explains vocational training routes and provides guidance for international applicants.
Explore vocational training in Germany.
2. Federal Employment Agency Job Search
Use the official German employment service to look for apprenticeship and nursing training vacancies. Read each listing carefully to confirm the language, educational and salary requirements.
Search vacancies through the Federal Employment Agency.
3. Ludwig Fresenius Schools
Explore nursing and other healthcare-related vocational programmes, available locations and application arrangements.
Browse Ludwig Fresenius vocational programmes.
4. Hospitals and care facilities
You can also check the careers pages of German hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient care services. Many dual nursing programmes involve a separate employment or training contract with a healthcare facility.
Always verify that a vacancy is genuine and that it accepts applicants who need immigration sponsorship.
Tips for a Successful Ausbildung Application
Start learning German early
German is essential for training, exams and communication with patients. Reaching the required level can take substantial preparation, so begin language study before searching seriously for a training contract.
Apply to suitable locations
Do not limit yourself to one city. Compare the available training locations, start dates, employers, language requirements and living costs before deciding where to apply.
Make your CV relevant to healthcare
Emphasise relevant school subjects, healthcare volunteering, caregiving experience, internships or transferable skills. Be honest about your experience and explain why you want to work in nursing.
Confirm the salary and contract terms
Ask for the monthly gross allowance, expected deductions, working arrangements, insurance details and accommodation arrangements, if available. A training allowance is not the same as a scholarship covering every expense.
Budget for the visa and relocation process
Even if the programme is tuition-free, you may need money for translations, official certificates, visa-related costs, travel and initial accommodation. Confirm how your salary will cover your expenses and whether additional proof of funds is required.
Avoid recruitment scams
Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed admission, a guaranteed visa or a fixed salary in exchange for a large upfront payment. Use the official school and government websites, and carefully check any private placement agency before signing a contract or paying fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ausbildung in Germany
Can I study nursing in Germany and earn money during training?
Yes. The German nursing Ausbildung combines theoretical and practical training, and trainees in the qualifying nursing professional programme receive a monthly training allowance from their healthcare employer. The amount varies by employer and location.
Is the Ludwig Fresenius nursing Ausbildung fully funded?
The nursing programme is advertised as tuition-free and includes paid training through a separate contract with a healthcare facility. However, it is not a universal scholarship that automatically covers all living, travel and visa expenses.
How much can I earn during Ausbildung in Germany?
The allowance depends on your employer, region, collective agreement and year of training. The information supplied for this article lists €1,341, €1,402 and €1,503 per month for the three years, but actual offers may differ. Check the salary in your training contract.
Do I need IELTS for nursing Ausbildung in Germany?
IELTS is not normally the main language requirement for German vocational training. Instead, you will need to meet the German language requirement set by the school, employer and immigration authority. Nursing programmes may require B1 or B2 German depending on the location and provider.
Can Nigerians apply for nursing Ausbildung in Germany?
Nigerians may explore nursing Ausbildung opportunities if they meet the educational, language and employer requirements and qualify for the appropriate visa. However, eligibility is not automatic, and applicants should confirm that the specific school and healthcare employer can accommodate their circumstances.
How long does nursing Ausbildung take?
The standard full-time nursing professional programme lasts three years. Part-time options may take around five years, depending on the arrangement.
Is the application deadline open throughout the year?
Ludwig Fresenius Schools lists year-round applications for the nursing programme, but availability and start dates depend on the location. Applicants should check the current programme page and contact the school about the next available intake.
Can I remain in Germany after completing Ausbildung?
Graduates may qualify to remain in Germany to seek qualified employment or move into another eligible residence route, provided they meet the applicable immigration rules. Successful completion of training does not automatically grant permanent residence.
Final Thoughts
Nursing Ausbildung in Germany offers a practical way to gain a recognised professional qualification while receiving a training allowance. The Ludwig Fresenius Schools nursing programme is advertised as tuition-free, lasts three years full-time and requires a separate training contract with a healthcare facility for paid practical training.
For international applicants, the most important steps are to confirm that your school qualifications are accepted, meet the German language requirements, secure the right training arrangements and prepare for the visa process.
Never miss an opportunity
Get new scholarships and jobs sent to you the day they open.
ScholarJobs Hub is not the employer or provider and never charges any fee. Always apply through the official link above, and never pay anyone who promises you a place.
