Finding a new Path: Dropping out as an international student

Changing your degree programme or university can be a good option if your subject no longer feels right, the study environment does not suit you, or your goals have changed.

Before making a change, you should:

• Check whether your language skills are sufficient for the new degree program and whether you need specific certificates.
• Find out well in advance about the requirements and application deadlines for the new degree program or at the new university.
• Find out whether your previous academic achievements can be recognized.

Your residence permit is tied to your degree program and, if applicable, to the location where you study. Changing your program of study therefore has implications for this. You should therefore contact your local immigration office in advance.

Important for students who are not from the EU: A change is generally possible within the first 18 months. After that, the immigration office decides on a case-by-case basis. Clarify the change with your local immigration office in advance.

A dual degree program combines university studies with practical training periods at a company. You study at a university while simultaneously holding an employment contract with a company. This allows you to gain both theoretical and practical experience at the same time.

What should you keep in mind?

• Find out what language skills or documentation are required.
• For a dual degree program, you generally need a residence permit for study purposes (Section 16b of the Residence Act). It is legally considered a degree program—even if you are also working at the company.
• If you want to switch from a traditional degree program to a dual degree program, check with your local immigration office or a legal advice center beforehand to see how this will affect your current residence permit.

Taking a leave of absence can be helpful if you need a break from your studies for personal or health-related reasons. Examples of such reasons include: a prolonged illness, caring for a family member, or pregnancy.

What do I need to keep in mind?

• You remain enrolled at the university during a leave of absence.
• Find out about the possible duration, deadlines, and conditions for a leave of absence at your university.
• You need approval from your local immigration office for the leave of absence.

Vocational training is a practical alternative to a university degree and offers good job prospects. In Germany, vocational training is highly valued, and well-trained skilled workers are in high demand on the job market. There are over 320 vocational training programs. These are usually organized by professional associations, such as the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

There are two types of vocational training in Germany:

1. Dual vocational training
   Combination of practical training in a company and theoretical instruction at a vocational school
   Compensation: monthly salary
   Duration: usually 2–3.5 years
   
   
2. School-based vocational training
   Full-time instruction at technical or vocational schools
   Practical experience is usually gained through internships
   Often no remuneration; school fees may apply
   Duration: usually 2–3 years

Both types of vocational training lead to a state-recognized qualification.

What you should consider before switching to vocational training:

Residence permit
Are you not from the EU/EEA/Switzerland? Then you need a residence permit for vocational training.
If you already have a residence permit for studying: Under certain conditions, you can switch to a different type of residence permit (“Zweckwechsel"/change of purpose), e.g., so that you can pursue vocational training. (Find out more about the legal requirements for a “change of purpose” here or at immigration advisory centers.)

Important: Contact the advisory centers in good time while your current residence permit is still valid (before you deregister

If you are not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you usually need a new residence permit for vocational training.

Planning & Time
Making a quick transition is often difficult; it can take up to 18 months before you can start an apprenticeship, for example, due to language courses, the search for apprenticeship positions, and the application process.

Language Skills
For the vocational training visa, you need German language skills at least at the B1 level. In practice, however, B2 or even C1 is recommended, especially for classes and exams at the vocational school. With B1, you can usually communicate well in everyday situations at the training company. Here, it’s important that you can express yourself clearly and understand what is being explained to you. But this is usually not enough for vocational school, since you’ll also have to take exams there. The training company initially decides whether your German level is suitable for the training. However, many vocational schools now expect at least B2. Language courses before or during your training will help you improve your level in time.

You can find more information on German for the workplace, for example, here at Handbook Germany.

Where to get support

• Federal Employment Agency (“Agentur für Arbeit“): Advice on professions, vocational training options, finding positions, and possible financial support (e.g., vocational training allowance – “Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe”)
• Chambers of Industry and Commerce / Crafts: (“IHK/HWK”): Information on training professions, companies, and how to find openings
• Make it in Germany
• anabin: Check if your qualifications are recognised in Germany

And after completing vocational training?

Many trainees continue working at their training company after graduation, but you can also change employers.

If you are not from the EU, you can usually apply for a residence permit to look for a job for up to 18 months after finishing vocational training in Germany.

There are also many options for further education, such as becoming a Meister*in, Techniker*in, or Fachwirt*in. With work experience, starting a university degree later may also be possible.

Find more information at our section "Ausbildung"

If you leave your studies but already hold a professional qualification (“berufsqualifizierenden Abschluss”) that is recognized in Germany (e.g., a bachelor’s degree from Germany or your home country), you may be able to start working in your field right away. In some cases, you’ll need to complete a recognition procedure so that your qualification is officially acknowledged in Germany. This depends on whether your profession is regulated or non-regulated.

• Check whether you need a recognition procedure  (regulated / non-regulated professions)
• A job offer and approval from the Federal Employment Agency (“Agentur für Arbeit“) are required

Requirements for a residence permit as a skilled worker

• You have a job offer in Germany.
• The Federal Employment Agency (“Bundesagentur für Arbeit”) agrees to the working conditions.
• Your salary is comparable to that of local employees.
• You may work in any qualified position - it does not need to match your previous field of study.

For further details on recognition, visit Make it in Germany.