Berufsbegleitende Weiterbildung – Balancing work and continuing education

Berufsbegleitende Weiterbildung
Balancing work and continuing education 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?
It refers to professional development courses or supplementary university studies carried out alongside work, and they are often offered as:

• evening classes (Abendkurse)

• weekend formats

• or online distance learning (Fernstudium)

Main goals

• improving professional qualifications

• advancing on the career ladder

• moving into a new professional field

• meeting employer requirements or legal obligations

Possible study formats alongside work

• Weiterbildung (professional courses): short or medium duration with certificates (IHK, HWK, TÜV …)

• Fernstudium (distance learning): bachelor’s, master’s, or specialized online programs

• Aufstiegsweiterbildung: Meister, Techniker, Fachwirt

• Zertifikatslehrgänge: focused courses in marketing, management, IT, and more

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

• Create a clear weekly plan: set fixed study times

• Use breaks efficiently: study during commutes or breaks

• Communicate with your employer: coordinate for flexible schedules or special leave

• Set up a suitable study environment at home

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

Key providers of part-time (while-working) programs

• FernUniversität in Hagen: distance bachelor’s and master’s degrees

• IHK Akademien: professional certificates, often as Abendkurse

• WBS Training: digital Weiterbildung, fully funded options

• Euro-FH, IUBH, FOM Hochschule: flexible university study alongside work

• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: technical and administrative courses with recognized certificates

How can you fund your studies?

• Bildungsgutschein: full funding from the Agentur für Arbeit

• Aufstiegs-BAföG: funding for Meister, Techniker, and Fachwirt programs

• Support from your employer: some companies cover costs as part of development plans

• Tax deduction (Werbungskosten): education costs can be deducted from annual taxes

Is this suitable for everyone?
Yes, but …

• it requires strong discipline and strict time management

• it helps to have a clear career motivation

• support from family or the employer makes the journey much easier

Real-life example:
Maha (marketing employee – 30 years old)
She decided to pursue a master’s in “Marketing Management” via IU Internationale Hochschule as a Fernstudium.
She studies two hours every evening plus Saturdays, and plans to finish within two years without leaving her job.
→ She receives an annual tax deduction plus partial support from her company.

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