Berufsbegleitende Weiterbildung
Balancing work and additional study in Germany

With rapid changes in the labor market, studying while working (Berufsbegleitende Weiterbildung) has become a smart option for ambitious employees who want to develop themselves without giving up their current jobs. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding this path and how to balance professional and educational commitments.

What does Berufsbegleitende Weiterbildung mean?
These are professional development courses or supplementary university studies carried out alongside work, and they are often:

• Evening classes (Abendkurse)

• On weekends

• Or online (Fernstudium)

Main goals

• Improving professional qualifications

• Promotion on the career ladder

• Transitioning to a new professional field

• Meeting employer or legal requirements

Possible study/learning types while working

Type | Details

• Weiterbildung (professional courses) | Short or medium-term with certificates (IHK, HWK, TÜV…)

• Fernstudium (distance learning) | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or specialized online programs

• Aufstiegsweiterbildung | Meister, Techniker, Fachwirt

• Zertifikatslehrgänge | Specific courses in marketing, management, IT…

How do you organize your time between work and study?
Practical tips:

• A clear weekly plan: set fixed study times

• Use break times: study during commuting or breaks

• Communicate with your company: try to arrange schedule flexibility or special leave

• Set up a suitable study environment at home

• Use digital tools: time-management apps, Google Calendar, note-taking tools

Key providers offering berufsbegleitend programs

Institution | Program type

• FernUniversität in Hagen | Distance-learning Bachelor’s and Master’s

• IHK Akademien | Professional certificates as evening courses

• WBS Training | Digital Weiterbildung, fully funded

• Euro-FH, IUBH, FOM Hochschule | Flexible university study alongside work

• TÜV Rheinland Akademie | Technical and administrative courses with recognized certificates

How do you fund your studies?

Support type | Benefits

• Bildungsgutschein | Full funding from Agentur für Arbeit

• Aufstiegs-BAföG | Funding for Meister, Techniker, Fachwirt courses

• Employer support | Some companies cover costs as part of development

• Tax deduction (Werbungskosten) | Deduct education costs from annual tax

Are these programs suitable for everyone?
Yes, but…

• They require high discipline and strict time management

• It’s best to have a clear professional motivation

• Support from family or the company makes the path much easier

Real example:
Maha (Marketing employee – 30 years old)
She decided to study a Master’s in “Marketing Management” via IU Internationale Hochschule as a Fernstudium.
She dedicates two hours every evening + Saturday, and plans to complete the program in two years without leaving her job.
→ She gets an annual tax deduction + partial support from her company.

ـ* The writers and editors on the website strive to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources; however, errors may occur or unconfirmed information may appear. Therefore, please consider the information in articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.