Nable India Content Team
German Language Training & Ausbildung Guidance Team
October 2026
If you are a student or recent school graduate in Kerala planning vocational training in Germany, this guide shows you how to apply for Ausbildung in Germany from Kerala. It covers eligibility, German level, employers, documents, stipend and visa, in the order you will need them.
Quick answer: Build your German to at least B1, choose a trade, apply to employers, sign a training contract, then apply for the vocational training visa. Language preparation often takes 9 to 12 months, though this varies by learner.
This guide is for students and recent graduates in Kerala who want to pursue Ausbildung in Germany and need guidance on German language levels, applications, salaries, and visa requirements.
Check your current level and identify your next step towards B1 or B2. Free assessment.
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Key terms: Duale Ausbildung is training split between a company and a vocational school. Ausbildungsvertrag is your training contract. Lebenslauf is a German-style CV.
This guide covers company-based (dual) training. School-based training, which includes some healthcare courses, can follow different visa and financial rules.
Often yes, but it depends on the employer and the occupation. Some trades accept Class 10 or 12 results, while others prefer certain subjects or marks. Ask each employer what they accept before you apply.
B1 is generally the standard level for the vocational training visa when language ability is not already confirmed another way, according to official guidance. Employers may ask for B2, especially in roles with heavy patient or customer contact. Check your employer’s requirement and the current German mission checklist.
IELTS is generally not the relevant test for German dual training. German proficiency is the key language factor, and your employer or visa route may specify how to prove it.
Start from A1 and work towards B1, then B2 if your trade needs it. A certificate in hand strengthens your application.
Match the trade to your interests, marks and language level. Search the Make it in Germany job listings, the Federal Employment Agency’s job board and IHK or HWK chamber portals. Apply to a well-researched selection of employers and tailor each application. The number you need varies by trade and profile.
First interviews are often online. Prepare short answers about yourself, your subjects, why Germany and why this trade. Clear, honest German beats memorised long sentences. Applications and interviews can be done from Kerala, and you travel after the visa is approved.
Read the Ausbildungsvertrag carefully. It states your trade, duration, hours and monthly pay. For qualified training, the Federal Employment Agency’s approval is usually obtained as part of the visa procedure, according to Make it in Germany. Ask your employer what they will handle.
You apply for a national visa for vocational training (Section 16a of the Residence Act) through the online Consular Services Portal, then attend an appointment at the German mission serving Kerala. Typical documents:
German missions have listed a €75 fee. Confirm the current amount on the mission’s website before paying. Processing depends on your case, document completeness, appointment availability and approvals, so plan generously. Book flights only after the visa is approved.
Arrange insurance and first-month accommodation, and learn basic vocabulary for your trade.
These are two different figures, and mixing them up causes problems.
For qualifying dual contracts starting in 2027, the minimum is €764 gross a month in year one, then €902, €1,031 and €1,070, according to BIBB. Collective agreements and legal exceptions can change this, and many employers pay more. Rent, food and transport come out of what you earn after tax.
Make it in Germany states that, as of 2026, a company-based training allowance of at least €1,048 gross or €822 net per month counts as proof that you can support yourself. If your allowance is lower, the shortfall can be covered with a blocked account or a declaration of commitment from a sponsor in Germany.
So a first-year allowance at the statutory minimum may not meet the visa threshold on its own. The 2026 figure may change before your application, so check it again when you apply.
On mobile, swipe horizontally to view all table columns.
| Employer | Trade | Deadline | Documents sent | Interview date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (example) | Hotel management | [date] | CV, letter, B1 certificate | [date] | Waiting |
German A1 to B1
Research trades and prepare CV, letter and translations
Apply and interview
Visa steps, with varying timing
The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 has four modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking. They can be taken individually or in combination.
Close grammar gaps and build topic vocabulary.
Read and listen daily, using free Deutsche Welle material.
Learn writing templates (formal letter, opinion post) and linking words like weil, obwohl and deshalb. Record yourself speaking for three to four minutes.
Take timed mock tests and work on your weakest module.
Timed practice shows you where you need work on pacing, comprehension, writing and speaking before exam day. Goethe and telc are widely recognised, so ask your employer which they accept.
It depends on your German level, employer recruitment and visa processing. No fixed duration can be promised.
Ask for written fee details and a clear list of services. Speak to past students, and be wary of anyone promising a guaranteed job or visa.
No. Language training prepares you to apply. Employer selection and visa approval remain separate decisions.
Applying from Kerala comes down to order and patience: language first, then applications, then contract, then visa. Students who start early and keep their documents organised usually avoid costly delays.
If you want support with the German side, Nable India in Thrikkakara, Ernakulam, offers German courses from A1 to C1 and Ausbildung guidance. A level check is a simple way to see how far you are from B1 or B2.
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