DEGREE CONVERSION PROGRAM: SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN GERMANY 2024

Have you completed your university program in Vietnam and are now dreaming of conquering the dynamic job market in Germany? The “Berufsanerkennung” (Professional Recognition) program is the key to turning your dream into reality!

To work and develop in Germany, candidates need to prove their skills and qualifications through degrees, certificates, or licenses recognized by this country. The professional conversion program in Germany allows individuals with foreign qualifications to access a wide range of job opportunities with attractive incomes here.

What is the professional conversion program in Germany?

To facilitate individuals with formal qualifications from other countries entering the German labor market, the professional conversion program was established so they can become a significant part of Germany’s workforce.

The most common conversions are for vocational degrees in fields such as engineering, healthcare, IT, retail, etc., as Germany is experiencing a significant shortage of young professionals. To successfully convert your qualifications, candidates need to submit applications, relevant documents, and provide information about their degrees, certificates, and work experience. Professional conversion organizations in Germany will assess and compare your documents with German qualification standards.

Depending on your actual capabilities, the organization/school may require you to participate in additional training to meet the criteria for working in Germany. This ensures that foreigners have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice their profession properly in Germany.

The professional conversion program in Germany applies to various fields, including engineering, IT, healthcare, hospitality, and many other sectors.

• Foreign Qualification Recognition Centers: These centers are responsible for assessing and recognizing foreign degrees, certificates, and work experience to determine their compatibility with German professional standards.
• Assessment Process: During this process, applicants will provide documents and information about their educational background and work experience. This process may require time and assessment fees.
• Benefits and Limitations: When foreign qualifications are recognized in Germany, candidates will receive an equivalent certificate, may be exempt from some training requirements, or can undergo paid internships. However, specific benefits and limitations depend on the profession and individual cases.
• Professions Requiring Additional Certification/Training: For some specialized professions such as nursing, law, education, and IT, candidates may be required to take additional courses, certification exams, or supplementary training to meet German requirements.

Requirements for Professional Qualification Conversion in Germany

Several conditions need to be met to convert foreign qualifications in Germany. These are general requirements, and specific requirements may vary by profession. You can contact reputable vocational education centers for more detailed information:

1. Recognition of qualifications by the German government: Your degree must be valid from your home country and meet the requirements and standards for the profession in Germany.
2. Proof of language proficiency: Certificates in German or English, such as TOEFL, IELTS, TELC, DSH, etc., are required to demonstrate your language skills. If you do not have these certificates, you can enroll in a course at New Life.
3. Work experience and educational credentials: This includes copies of degrees, transcripts, professional certificates, letters of recommendation from institutions/companies, and related documents.
4. Assessment fees: The process of recognizing foreign qualifications in Germany usually requires paying an assessment fee. This cost may vary depending on the profession and the foreign qualification recognition center you contact

Fixed fees for Degree conversion program in Germany

• Assessment fees: Typically range from approximately 100 to several hundred Euros, depending on the recognition center and the complexity of the assessment process.
• Translation and notarization fees: If your documents are not in German or English, additional costs for translation and notarization will be required.
• Tuition and examination fees: For some professions, you may need to participate in additional courses or exams to meet the German work requirements.
• Travel and accommodation costs: If you do not reside in Germany and need to send documents by mail or travel to Germany for the assessment process, you should consider expenses for transportation, accommodation, and living costs such as meals and room rental.

Please note that these figures are estimates and may vary depending on exchange rates.

Job opportunities after Degree conversion program in Germany

After converting your qualifications in Germany, you will have numerous opportunities to advance yourself in this “promised land”:

• Career development: Converting foreign qualifications to German standards can open up career opportunities in Germany. You may become an attractive candidate for large companies, organizations, or corporations in Germany and benefit from training programs to advance in your field.
• Increased job prospects: Holding a recognized German qualification enhances your job search success not only in Germany but also in other European countries, as this qualification has international value. Companies and employers often favor applicants with German qualifications, making you a preferred candidate in the hiring process.
• Excellent benefits and conditions: Conversion to a German qualification allows you to enjoy benefits and working conditions similar to those of German citizens, including social benefits, health insurance, and retirement plans, as well as salary and working conditions in line with German standards.
• Networking and connections: By converting your qualifications and joining the German education and professional system, you will have opportunities to expand your network and connect with industry communities. This can lead to valuable experience, collaboration opportunities, and long-term relationships.

Note that specific opportunities and benefits after qualification conversion in Germany depend on your profession and field.

Criteria for obtaining a work visa in Germany

• Your qualifications must be recognized in Germany or equivalent to those of a German higher education institution. If seeking employment in a specialized field such as healthcare or nursing, you need a professional license.
• Ensure that your German qualifications allow you to perform the job for which you have been hired, meaning you can be employed in related professions.
• If you are over 45 and coming to Germany for the first time for work, your annual salary for the intended position must be at least €48,180 (as of 2024), or you must provide evidence of sufficient pension provisions.

Why obtain a work visa for Germany?

A visa or residence permit for employment is granted for a maximum of four years. If the employment contract is shorter, the residence permit will be issued for the duration of the contract.

If you have held a residence permit for employment for at least 4 years, you may apply for permanent residence if you meet certain requirements to live in Germany with your family and relatives.

Requirements for an EU Blue Card

• You must have a recognized qualification in Germany, an equivalent higher education qualification from abroad, or a foreign vocational qualification equivalent to a German qualification. Information about equivalence and recognition of foreign higher education qualifications can be found in the Recognition section.
• You must have a specific job offer from a company/organization/corporation in Germany.
• Your job in Germany must offer an annual gross salary of at least €58,400 (as of 2024). For employees in fields such as mathematics, IT, natural sciences, engineering, and human medicine, the minimum annual salary is €45,552 (as of 2024). In such cases, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) must approve your employment request.

Through this article, New Life has provided essential and comprehensive information about the Professional Conversion Program in Germany. The dream of reaching the European skies will no longer be as daunting once you successfully convert your qualifications.

To quickly set foot in the promising land of Germany for your future journey, contact New Life now for dedicated advice on the Professional Conversion Program in Germany!

NEW LIFE – GERMAN VOCATIONAL STUDY ABROAD

• Website: https://newlife-jsc.com/
• Hotline: 028 6286 3699
• Email: info@newlife-jsc.com