Educational system
Learn quickly - about the German school system
There is much to learn: Germany is proud of its great variety of school forms and learning opportunities – and Munich is no exception. Here, you will find out more about the different schools in Munich and the structure of the German education system.
Learn about learning:
Navigating the German education system
Germany boasts a world-renowned education system, and here’s your guide to understanding its key features.
Decentralized approach:
Education in Germany falls under the purview of each of the 16 federal states (”Bundesländer“). This decentralized system allows for some variation in school structures across the country. However, a national conference of state education ministers (”Kultusministerkonferenz“) works to ensure a certain degree of national coordination and common practices.
Education essentials in Germany:
Germany takes education seriously, with nine years of compulsory schooling for all children. The school year typically runs from August or September to June or July, depending on the federal state.
Most children go to public schools, which are free to attend. While there are no school fees, there may be some small charges for things like learning materials or school trips. If you choose to send your child to a private school, however, you will need to pay tuition.
Schools in Munich: this is how it works
Every child’s educational path begins at primary school, typically starting at age 6 or 7. After four years, students transition to secondary school, where Germany offers a diverse range of options.
In Munich, education follows the Bavarian school system. At a glance, here is how it works:
Primary school (”Grundschule”):
Every child’s educational adventure begins here, typically at age 6 or 7. After four years, students move on to secondary school.
Secondary school tracks:
Munich’s secondary school system offers three main paths:
- ”Mittelschule“: Geared towards practical skills and vocational training preparation.
- ”Realschule“: Provides a strong academic foundation with a focus on preparing students for secondary vocational schools or higher education tracks.
- ”Gymnasium“: The most academically rigorous track, preparing students for university entrance.
Additional options:
- Commercial schools (”Wirtschaftsschule“): From year 6, students with a talent for business can consider this specialized track focused on commercial subjects.
- Special needs schools (“Förderschulen“): These schools cater to children and young adults with special educational needs, offering tailored support in various areas like language, learning, and social development.
Flexibility and opportunity:
The Bavarian system allows for some movement between tracks based on a student’s academic development. Importantly, all school leaving certificates open doors to further education and exciting possibilities.
School Zones and Sprengelschule
In Munich, children are typically assigned to local public schools based on their residential area, known as Sprengelschule. Changing schools or transferring to a different zone is a challenging process and requires specific circumstances or approval. It’s important to be aware of this when planning educational pathways.
Source: https://www.mein-bildungsweg.de/infografik-englisch
Find more information on the Bavarian school system here.
More questions? Multilingual school counseling in Munich
Are you from abroad and have questions about school and education? The Pedagogical Institute, with its ”Department of International Education counseling”, will be happy to advise you. They offer support on a range of topics:
- Which different schools there are in Bavaria
- How to get admitted to school after immigration
- How and where to learn German after immigration
- Which special offers and regulations are in place at schools for international students
- Which international schools are located in Munich
- How to achieve a higher educational degree
- How to get approval for foreign school leaving certificates or vocational certificates
- How to qualify for a profession or higher professional certificate
Their advice is free of charge and multilingual. They speak Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Farsi/Dari (Persian/Afghan), English, French, Croatian, Kurdish, Russian, Serbian, Turkish and Ukrainian.
Here, you will find out how to contact them.
