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Germany or Austria

Both destinations offer equivalent pathways, each with its own terminology and procedures. This table gives a first point of reference.

Summary comparison of pathways between Germany and Austria, updated on September 5, 2026.
Pathway	Germany	Austria	Explanation
Vocational training	Ausbildung	Lehre	Dual training combining work at a company with classes at a vocational school, leading to a recognised professional qualification.
Higher education studies	Higher education studies	Higher education studies	Enrolment at a university or university of applied sciences, with a residence permit specific to international students.
Skilled work	Skilled work	Skilled work	Salaried employment in a recognised skilled occupation, generally conditional on recognition of the original qualification.
Voluntary service	Voluntary service	Voluntary service	Temporary engagement with a social, cultural or environmental organisation, under a status specific to international volunteers.
Au pair	Au pair	Au pair	A stay with a host family in exchange for helping with childcare, with time set aside for language classes.
Learning German	German courses	German courses	German is common to both destinations. The level required depends on the pathway, institution or employer targeted.

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See the pathways in detail on the corresponding portal.

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Campus Allemagne | Autriche does not issue any visa and does not decide on any admission. Applications are made exclusively on AZUFA.