School exchanges and attending school , Date: 2024.03.01, format: Article, area: Migration and residence

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There are various ways in which you or your children can attend school in Germany.

School exchange

Make it in Germany: Working and Living in Germany Link to the information hotline "working and living in Germany" Source: © Make it in Germany

If you are at school outside Germany, you can go to school in Germany for up to a year through a school exchange programme. The following requirements must be met:

  • agreement with a German school or a school exchange organisation which is recognised in Germany, and
  • consent of your guardians (if you are a minor).

The school exchange does necessarily need to be bilateral.

Residence for an extended period of schooling

You or your children may also live in Germany for the purpose of long-term schooling in special cases, such as to go to boarding school.

Good to know!

All children and juveniles living in Germany are required to attend school. Depending on the Federal Land, you normally have to attend a general education school for at least nine years from the age of six onwards. Children and juveniles with disabilities or special educational needs are also able to attend school.

The competent education authority is responsible for deciding on the enrolment of newly-immigrated children. Children may also be enrolled intra-school year.

The majority of schools are state-run and free of charge.

The legal basis

Section 16f of the Residence Act