FSJ
The Federal Voluntary Service (FSJ) is a one-year program for individuals aged 17 to 27 who have finished high school. It allows participants to explore vocational or academic interests while contributing to society. FSJ volunteers gain legal status similar to apprentices and have opportunities to learn about Germany’s social services sector, improve their German language skills, and gain valuable professional and philanthropic experience.
FSJ (Voluntary Service Year) Program
The Federal Voluntary Service (FSJ) is a one-year program for individuals aged 17 to 27 who have completed high school. It offers young adults the opportunity to explore their vocational or academic interests while contributing to society.
FSJ participants gain legal status similar to apprentices (Ausbildung) and have the chance to learn about Germany’s social services sector, improve their German language skills, and acquire valuable professional and philanthropic experience.
Eligibility:
- Completed high school education
- Maximum age of 27
- Basic German language knowledge
FSJ in Nursing
FSJ programs in nursing are available in most major German cities, including Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hanover, and Hamburg. Smaller towns often offer lower living costs.
Job opportunities in the nursing field
- Hospitals
- Retirement homes
- Mobile care services
- Child care
- Personal assistance for people in need of care
FSJ in Germany for applicants from abroad
A prerequisite for international applicants is that they already have German language skills, if possible German at level B1. Applicants who are not from the European Union must also note that a visa is required. Applicants who are older than 27 may be eligible for the BFD.
Facts and Figures About FSJ in Germany
- Annual Positions: Over 90,000 FSJ positions are available each year.
- Monthly Allowance: Participants can receive a monthly allowance of up to €402.
- Funding: The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth supports and funds FSJ programs
- Benefits: FSJ offers valuable work experience and skill development.
- Further Education: Approximately 40% of FSJ participants continue their studies after completing the program.
- Popular Fields: Social work, education, and healthcare are among the most popular FSJ areas in Germany.
Roadmap to Germany for the FSJ Program
- Register with Great Lessons: Submit all necessary documents. Upon verification, your registration will be confirmed via email.
- Online Interview Preparation: Receive a day of online interview preparation.
- Mock Interviews: Participate in mock interviews with German representatives to assess your suitability. Selected candidates will proceed to employer interviews.
- Employer Interview: Conduct an online interview with the German employer. Successful candidates will be notified via email.
- Contract: The employer will provide a detailed contract outlining program information, pocket money, insurance, and company details.
- Prepare Documents: Have the required certificates ready for the visa process.
- Blocked Account: Deposit approximately Rs. 4 lakhs into a blocked account as per the employer's instructions.
- Visa Application: The employer will submit a visa application online, including copies of necessary documents and the contract.
- Embassy Interview: After document verification, you'll schedule an embassy interview. Bring original copies of required documents.
- Visa Approval: Based on the submitted documents, you'll receive a visa. Prepare for your trip with travel tickets and insurance.
Documents required for registration
- SSLC
- Plus Two (Science Only)
- B2 Module Certificate( 2 / 3 )
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
What Comes After FSJ?
3Non-EU citizens should be aware that staying in Germany for work after an FSJ can be challenging. Many participants struggle to achieve the necessary German language proficiency and secure a follow-up job. We recommend exploring vocational training as an alternative.
Vocational training in Germany offers higher earnings than FSJ and significant improvements in technical skills. This makes graduates highly sought-after in the job market.
Vocational training programs combine theoretical knowledge from trade schools with practical experience in companies. Unlike FSJ, these programs provide structured vocational training.
FAQ
You will receive at least 360 euros per month (at least 320 euros pocket money plus 40 euros allowance for meals). Some places also pay more. You have to negotiate this with the provider of the FSJ position.
With an FSJ you can get socially involved in Germany and do good. You can develop professionally and personally. Many people make contact with employers during their FSJ and then decide to take up vocational training or dual studies with this employer. You can also improve your language skills and use the time for general orientation in Germany.
Search for suitable positions on Arbeitsagentur.de and apply directly. You can also search for suitable positions via Google. You can also subscribe to our newsletter: You will then always receive current advertisements for FSJ positions.
An FSJ usually starts in the fall (August 1 or September 1). Some providers also offer other starting dates. You should note that you can apply at any time – even well before these dates. The duration of the FSJ is usually one year.
You can do a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) or Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ), for example, in child and youth work, in health and elderly care, in sports clubs, in cultural institutions and schools. It is also possible in the field of environmental protection and nature conservation, in landscape conservation and monument preservation. Other areas are also possible.
Of course, the FSJ is open to women, men, and people who classify themselves differently.