Information for Internationals
Information for teachers trained outside Germany
If you have started or completed your teacher training abroad, or if you have already worked as a teacher at schools abroad, you will find information here on how to become a teacher at a Gymnasium (a secondary school type in Germany) or a vocational school (Berufliche Schule) in Baden-Württemberg. The University of Freiburg only offers degree programmes for Gymnasium and vocational schools. The University of Education Freiburg is responsible for teacher education programmes for other types of schools in Germany.
Gymnasium and Berufliche Schulen in Baden-Württemberg
A Gymnasium leads its students directly to the Abitur (general higher education entrance qualification in Germany). The objectives of the Gymnasium include high-level education in several languages, in the natural sciences and humanities, and in art and music, as well as enabling school students to learn independently, autonomously and throughout their lives.
The objective of vocational schools, which are divided into various educational programmes, is to prepare their students for a career either alongside or prior to vocational training. Even during or after vocational training, students have the opportunity to obtain additional qualifications, including the Abitur.
Teacher education programmes at the University of Freiburg with subjects of general education also qualify graduates to enter the practical training phase for teacher education at vocational schools (with the exception of geography, economic science, Latin, Greek and the combination of political science and history).
More information
Das Schulysystem in Baden-Württemberg [DE]
More about teacher education at the University of Freiburg
General information for international students by the university
You have completed a teacher education degree abroad and are authorised to teach there:
If you have completed a teacher education degree abroad and are authorised to teach at state schools there, your first point of contact is the Regierungspräsidium (regional council) in Tübingen. The Regierungspräsidium in Tübingen is in charge of recognizing degrees in teacher education – worldwide – for all types of schools throughout Baden-Württemberg. Further information, contact details and application documents can be found here and here (information in German only).
If your degree is recognised by the Regierungspräsidium in Tübingen, you will receive a letter of recognition informing you of any additional requirements you may need to fulfil in order to enter the teaching profession in Baden-Württemberg.
If you have not studied a second subject or have not earned enough ECTS credits for it, you must study a second subject related to teacher education. Please note: To study at the University of Freiburg, you must prove that you have a C1-level of German language proficiency. A German language proficiency at level C2 is required when teaching at secondary schools in Baden-Württemberg.
Please also note: Citizens of the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (EEA citizens) and Switzerland can work as teachers with a civil servant status or as pay-scale employees. Citizens from other countries can generally only work as pay-scale employees.
For assistance with the next steps, please contact the advisory service for teacher education programmes at the University of Freiburg.
You have started studying abroad but have not yet completed your studies:
If you have started studying abroad but have not yet completed your degree and would like to become a teacher at a Gymnasium or a vocational school in Germany, you can apply for a teacher education programme at the University of Freiburg.
Depending on your previous studies, you may be eligible for the polyvalent dual-major bachelor’s degree programme or a Master of Education programme.
Please note: In Germany, you must always complete studies in two (school) subjects in order to qualify as a secondary school teacher. Here you can find more information about teacher education at the University of Freiburg.
As a general rule, you must prove that you have a C1-level of German language proficiency in order to study at the University of Freiburg.
After completing your Master of Education degree and a practical training phase for teacher education (Vorbereitungsdienst) with a state examination (Staatsexamen), you can enter the civil service as a secondary school teacher.
Please also note: Citizens of the EU or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (EEA citizens) and Switzerland can work as teachers with a civil servant status or as pay-scale employees. Citizens from other countries can generally only work as pay-scale employees.
For assistance with the next steps, please contact the advisory service for teacher education programmes at the University of Freiburg.
You have not yet taken up a teacher education programme and would like to become a teacher at a Gymnasium or a vocational school:
If you have not yet taken up a teacher education programme, you can apply for the polyvalent dual-major bachelor’s programme at the University of Freiburg following the regular application procedure. Here you can find more information about teacher education at the University of Freiburg. Please also note general information for international students by the university.