You’ve decided to emigrate to Germany and your children will be joining you. It’s important to understand how the education system in Germany works and how it differs from that in Poland. We encourage you to read the article below.
Education in Germany
The education system in Germany, which is highly regarded in international rankings, focuses on the comprehensive development of students tailored to their individual needs and abilities. German vocational education model is considered a benchmark in Europe. Schooling system has its own educational structure and is based on a federal model, meaning that the organization of teaching can vary significantly across different states.
The state administration individually determines:
- The curriculum, including which subjects will be taught
- Exam dates and assessment
- Admission criteria
- The budget for educational purposes
- Teacher qualification requirements
Remember! Before arriving in Germany or relocating to another state, it is advisable to check the list of available schools assigned to that specific state and the educational regulations that apply there.
The Education System in Germany
Compulsory education in Germany lasts from 9 to 10 years, depending on the choice of secondary school. The start dates for the 2024/2025 school year in different states are listed in the table below:
| The land | Start of the school year |
| Baden-Württemberg | 09/09 |
| Bavaria | 10/09 |
| Berlin | 02/09 |
| Brandenburg | 02/09 |
| Brema | 02/09 |
| Niedersachsen | 05/08 |
| Hamburg | 29/08 |
| Hesse | 26/08 |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | 02/09 |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 21/08 |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 26/08 |
| Saarland | 26/08 |
| Saxony | 05/08 |
| Saxony Anhalt | 05/08 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 02/09 |
| Thuringia | 01/09 |
Preschool
Preschool is not mandatory, and it is up to the parents to decide whether their child will be enrolled. It is advisable to start the registration process as soon as the child is born, due to the long waiting period for a spot in preschool.
Primary School (Grundschule)
Children begin their education in primary school at the age of 6. This stage of education is mandatory and typically lasts 4 years (6 years in some states). Upon completing primary school, children receive recommendations from their teachers, indicating which type of secondary school they should enroll in.
Types of Secondary Schools in Germany
- Gymnasium – Prepares students for the Abitur (the high school diploma) and lasts from grades 5 to 12 or 13. This is the most demanding educational track, involving additional study at home. It is aimed at young people planning to attend university.
- Realschule – Offers a more varied curriculum, concluding after grade 10. It prepares students for vocational training or higher education.
Hauptschule – These are vocational schools focused on practical education. The duration is from grades 5 to 9. Students transitioning to vocational schools can pursue dual education, combining theoretical learning in school with practical experience in companies across various sectors.
Higher Education
After completing secondary school, students are required to take the Abitur exam, the results of which are essential for admission to higher education institutions in Germany. These include:
- Universitäten, Technische Universitäten, Pädagogische Hochschulen, and Theologische Hochschule (universities, technical universities, pedagogical colleges, and theological colleges)
- Kunsthochschulen and Musikhochschulen (art and music academies)
- Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences)
Holidays in Germany
In addition to differing start dates for the school year across states, the periods for holidays and breaks also vary. Below is a table of school holidays for the 2024/2025 academic year. Dates may still be subject to change by the schools.
| The Land | Summer holiday | Autumn holiday | Christmas holiday |
| Baden-Württemberg | 29.07 – 07.09 | 28.10 – 30.11 | 23.12 – 04.01 |
| Bavaria | 25.07 – 13.09 | 28.10 – 31.10 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
| Berlin | 24.07 – 06.09 | 21.10 – 2.11 | 23.12 – 31.12 |
| Brandenburg | 24.07 – 06.08 | 21.10 – 2.11 | 23.12 – 31.12 |
| Bremen | 3.07 – 13.08 | 4.10 – 19.10 | 23.12 – 04.01 |
| Hamburg | 24.07 – 03.09 | 21.10 – 1.11 | 20.12 – 03.01 |
| Hesse | 07.07 – 15.08 | 14.10 – 25.10 | 23.12 – 10.01 |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | 21.06 – 31.07 | 21.10 – 26.10 | 23.12 – 06.01 |
| Niedersachsen | 3.07 – 13.08 | 4.10 – 19.10 | 23.12 – 04.01 |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 14.07 – 26.08 | 14.10 – 26.10 | 23.12 – 06.01 |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 07.07 – 15.08 | 14.10 – 25.10 | 23.12 – 08.01 |
| Saarland | 07.07 – 14.08 | 14.10 – 25.10 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
| Saxony | 28.06 – 08.08 | 07.10 – 19.10 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
| Saxony Anhalt | 28.06 – 8.08 | 12.10 – 30.10 | 23.12 – 04.01 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 21.06 – 31.07 | 21.10 – 01.11 | 19.12 – 07.01 |
| Thuringia | 28.06 – 08.08 | 30.09 – 12.10 | 23.12 – 03.01 |
How to Enroll a Child in a German School?
Legal guardians and parents are required to enroll their child in any chosen school. It is advisable to apply to several educational institutions at once, as the number of available spots is limited. A completed application must be submitted directly to the school between July and August, after which you will wait for information regarding your child’s enrollment.
What is the process for a Pole enrolling a child in a school in Germany?
For foreigners, the situation is quite similar. The school application must include notarized translations of documents into German, such as the child’s birth certificate and the parents’ identification documents. If the child does not know the German language, they will be directed to additional language classes at school.
Cost of Education in Germany
Public education in Germany is fully funded by the state budget. The monthly cost of private secondary schools ranges from 300 to 1500 euros, depending on the location, reputation of the school, and the educational programs offered. Additionally, some schools may charge one-time registration fees or extra fees for educational materials and extracurricular activities. Approximately 90% of students in Germany attend public schools.
Higher education at public universities is mostly free for both German citizens and citizens from other EU countries. In some states, there are semester fees ranging from 100 to 400 euros. Education at private institutions is paid, with costs varying between 1500 and 7000 euros per semester.
