Can foreign applicants apply for the Ausbildung program in Korea?
Unfortunately, the Korean Ausbildung program currently accepts only:
- Graduates in the field of automotive engineering, including mechanical engineering and related disciplines, from technical high schools in Korea
- Graduates from technical training centers or equivalent institutions with a qualification as automotive mechatronics technicians and successful completion of the skilled worker examination (proof of certification in a related occupational field is required)
Therefore, non-Korean applicants who completed their education outside of Korea are not eligible to participate in the Ausbildung program in Korea.
Which Ausbildung training occupations does AHK Korea offer?
The Ausbildung program in Korea is currently available exclusively in the automotive sector.
What are the requirements to join the Ausbildung program in Korea?
Our target group consists of
- third-year students in technical majors at vocational high schools in Korea (referred to as “직업계고등학교” in Korean)
- Qualification by obtaining the Korean certificate for automotive mechanics (자동차정비기능사).
Although there are a few foreign participants in the program, all of them have completed their vocational education in Korea. Very good Korean language skills are also a prerequisite for participation.
Is visa support available for foreign applicants?
To participate in the Ausbildung program as a foreign national, you must first determine the appropriate visa type and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements for obtaining it.
While the training company may assist you during the visa application process, there is no guarantee that the Ministry of Justice will approve the visa.
Does AHK Korea provide accommodation during the Ausbildung program?
Dormitories at partner colleges are available through a separate application process. Rental fees vary by college but generally range between 600,000 and 800,000 KRW per semester.
Accommodation provided by the colleges is only available during the OFF-JT phase (the period when trainees attend college and are not working at the company). During the practical training phase at the company, trainees must arrange their own accommodation independently.
Please note that this housing information applies exclusively to individuals who have been officially accepted into the Ausbildung program in Korea through AHK Korea.
What costs do trainees have to cover during the Ausbildung program?
The Ausbildung program offered through AHK Korea is free of charge. However, participants are responsible for paying the tuition fees at the partner colleges they attend during the OFF-JT period (Theoretical education at college).
How much are the college tuition fees during the Ausbildung program?
Tuition fees vary depending on the college. It is therefore recommended to check the exact fees on the respective college’s official website.
Further Information on Job Hunting and Internship Opportunities in Korea
In addition to the Ausbildung program, below is an overview of relevant websites for job searching in Korea:
(Korean)
- Saramin, Job Korea: Two of the most widely used job portals in Korea
- Superookie: Popular platform for internships and entry-level positions; some job postings available in English
- Alba Heaven, Albamon: Common platforms for part-time jobs
(English)
- PeoplenJob: Frequently used by foreign companies operating in Korea; mainly Korean, some job postings available in English
- LinkedIn: Korean companies increasingly use LinkedIn to recruit global talent
(Specifically for Foreign Applicants)
- https://www.klik.co.kr/ (Platform operated by Job Korea)
- https://komate.saramin.co.kr/ (Platform operated by Saramin)
- https://global.seoul.go.kr/web/work/workListPage.do (Platform by the City of Seoul)