What you will do
- Application development: programming, testing, and deploying software
- System integration: networks, servers, and IT infrastructure
- Data and process analysis, or digital networking (specialization tracks)
- User support and IT security basics
Requirements
Mittlere Reife (or Abitur for competitive spots) with good math grades. B2 German is expected; much of the documentation is in English, but the Berufsschule exams are in German. A small portfolio or hobby programming projects help a lot at interviews.
Why this trade is popular with international applicants
IT is the most international of the classic Ausbildungs: English-friendly workplaces, strong post-training salaries, and employers used to sponsoring non-EU hires. Four specialization tracks (application development, system integration, data and process analysis, digital networking) let you steer toward software or infrastructure.
The visa path
This trade qualifies for the Section 16a training residence permit (B1 German, signed training contract, up to 20h/week side work). Full walkthrough on the Ausbildung hub.