German for Your Future
Why German - German for Your Future

Deutsch für die Zukunft
Increase your life chances now and in the future with German on your CV.
Australians who speak German can take advantage of the many personal, social, work and career opportunities in Australia and around the world.
Schools that offer German provide their students with access to local and global opportunities.
Here you will find out about why learning German is a smart choice for your future.
Learning German is Easy
Greater levels of proficiency can be reached in a shorter time and this will provide the foundation for learning additional languages.
Opportunities for Young People in Germany
Find out about the diversity of ideas, careers and education and more.
German: A significant World Language to Learn
German is the most widely spoken first language in Europe and ranks second as the most learnt language in Europe after English.
- Learn German in Australian Primary Schools - video
- Choose German - video testimonials from Victorian students
- Choose German - AGTV Posters 2018 (1)
- Language Testimonials - DET FUSE
- The Benefits of Learning German - GI Canada (applicable to AUS)
- Germany - New Horizons - students studying in Germany
- Just Add German
- The Smart Choice
- See Teaching: Promoting German
In 2010 Germany exported goods worth 951.9 billion euro and imported goods worth 797.6 billion euro. The foreign trade balance achieved a "surplus" of 154.3 billion euro.
Germany is looking for investment opportunities in our region and is being encouraged to do so. Intercultural skills is a core element of establishing global partnerships.
- Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business - Perth 2017
German is being learnt throughout the world for the advantage it gives you to improve your life chances around the globe.
- DaF: Learning German - Global statistics about the demand for German
PASCH - Schools: Partners for the Future
The German Foreign Office initiated the PASCH - Schools: Partners for the Future - program around the globe.
“Responsibility, partnership, dialogue – these are the pillars of Germany’s value-based foreign policy. Education is a key resource in our globalized world. This is why the Federal Foreign Office and its partner organizations have established sustainable education partnerships with a global network of 1500 partner schools. We want to inspire young people at these schools to learn the German language and open doors to German culture, science and business. The sooner we realize we are an international learning community, the more successful we will be in utilizing future opportunities. We want to remain open to the diversity of different cultures and demonstrate tolerance for other ways of life. In order to achieve this, we more than ever need places where young people can meet and get to know one another, where they can be creative together and learn alongside one another. Our partner schools abroad serve as such places. I invite you to get to know these schools." Source
- PASCH - An initiative of the German Foreign Office
Impress Future Employers with Skills in German on your CV
Enhance your job application to one of the 135 German companies in Victoria alone.
Impress any future employer by listing skills in more than one language on your job application.
Study and Work in German-speaking Europe
- Make It In Germany
- EU Blue Card - work and live in Europe
- Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte - further options in Austria
- Living in Switzerland - as a foreign national
German is a Language of Opportunity in Australia
Germany is Australia's fifth largest source of foreign direct investment and Australia's fourth largest investment destination.
There are more than 300 companies in Australia with 135 branches in Victoria alone.
In 2010, the Federal Republic of Germany invested 7 million dollars in education in Australia through the provision of educational services to teachers, students and academics.
German-speaking Europeans take up opportunities to study, travel, work and invest in Australia.
160,000 German tourists travel to Australia each year.
Around 17,000 German students spend their GAP year in Australia, many gaining international work experience in their chosen field as part of their studies e.g. in national parks or education.
- German is For You - Australia - Facts and figures
German is a widely used and taught across Victoria and Australia.
Why Learn German at School
The opportunities for learners and speakers of German in Victoria and beyond are significant and real.
- See Students: Scholarships & Exchanges
- See German and Careers - on Germanlinx
Save time and money by making the most of the opportunity while at school, it's all part of the service.
Keep your options open to take up the opportunities for German such as applying for an exchange or the SAGSE scholarship, or bonus to your ATAR score for entry to tertiary study.
Your skills develop over time and the rewards are great if you continue to Year 12.
German is Scaled Up for the ATAR
Boost your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) with including German in your VCE pathway in Victoria.
Your raw score in German will be worth more when scaled up for the ATAR.
The scaling report is available to the public on the VTAC website.
- VTAC: ATAR Scaling Report 2017 - some scaling results may surprise you
Opportunities for German at University in DE - AT and CH
- Scholarships to Germany with a DAAD scholarship - All fields of study for all levels of tertiary study and research.
- DAAD 6-week German Winter Courses - Prior knowledge of German required for this language and culture course.
- DAAD Scholarships - A complete listing of academic scholarships across disciplines
- Study in Germany - Information for international students
- Austrian Academic Exchange Service - Study in Austria, scholarships available
- Study in Austria - Information about grants and scholarships
- Swiss Australian Academic Network - A network facilitating bilateral collaboration and exchange
- Swiss Scholarships and Grants - Study in Switzerland, scholarships available
RMIT Industry Experience and Research Programs with DACH Companies
- Gain International Industry Experience
- Global paid international internships
- 2018 RIIERP & STUDENT EXCHANGE - List of companies and partner institutions
- About RIIERP
German at University
- German at Monash University
- German at the University of Melbourne
- German at RMIT
- Climate and Energy College - University of Melbourne collaborating with universities in Germany
Study Overseas at Partner Institutions in German-Speaking Countries
Every Australian university has links with universities in the German-speaking countries in Europe across disciplines.
International experience is highly regarded by employers and companies. Explore the opportunities available.
- Australian Catholic University
- Australian National University
- Deakin University
- Federation University (Ballarat)
- Monash University
- RMIT University - (incl. VET)
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Swinburne Study Abroad
- University of Melbourne
- Victoria University
When studying in DACH there is a service to assist you in this process
- Uni-assist
- Study in Austria - information
- Study in Germany - all the information and tips about student life
- Study in Switzerland - information
German and Careers
German is a valuable skill to list on your CV.
German companies in Australia such as Siemens and Hugo Boss want their employees to learn German and provide opportunities to learn German for their work.
Scholarships, Awards and Opportunities for German and Careers
- Be a Teaching Assistant for English in a school in Germany - Open to graduates under 29 with a good knowledge of German
- Scholarships for Teachers of German - Goethe-Institut Australia
- Annual German Grant for Journalism - Funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through the National Press Club since 1986
- Annual German-Australian Opera Grant - Win a 12 month contract with the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden.
- Australian German Association Goethe Educational Development Fellowship - A generous grant for professional research in Germany
- Australian Association of von Humboldt Fellows - Australian recipients of a prestigious von Humboldt fellowship or award to work or research in Germany
- Kooperation International - Germany
- Scholarhips for Artists in Germany - DAAD
- Tanja Liedtke Foundation - opportunities for contemporary dance theatre honouring Tanja Liedtke
- Verein Deutsche Ingenieure - Engineer Freundekreis Australien
Travel and Work with German
Many Australians go to Europe on holiday and speaking the language makes it a richer experience. Many young Australians live in German-speaking countries.
There are many ways to get to German-speaking Europe for young people to gain valuable international experience.
If you are planning some time off after you complete Year 12, why not consider Germany as a destination to increase your global networks. Around 17,000 German students spend their GAP year in Australia.
- Taking a GAP Year - Advice from Youth Central
Work as an au pair (nanny) in German-speaking Europe
- European Youth Portal - Au Pair
- Austria - Au Pair World
- Germany - Au Pair World
- Switzerland - Au Pair World
With the suspension of national and civil service for young people, there are opportunities for students from overseas to complete a year of social service in Germany.
Volunteering and experience in Austria
If Germany is your destination, then this site will provide advice on living and working in Germany.
Recognition of Qualifications in Germany
Permission to Work in the EU
- Blue Card - for highly skilled migrants
Learn German for Love
There are many speakers of German living in Australia and around the world.
Impress a potential life partner or their family in Australia or abroad.
- When only German will do: Video Clip on YouTube
You Never Know When You Might Need German
- You might need it one day: Video Clip on YouTube
Goethe-Institut
The German government promote German language and culture through the Goethe-Institut, founded in 1951. There are 149 institutes and 10 liaison offices in 92 countries developing global connections with German. The first Goethe-Institut was opened in Australia in Melbourne in 1972.
- Global Network - Reflecting the global reach of German
Those who learn German are building intercultural networks and opportunities.
- Multilingualism - Languages without Borders - Respect for languages and cultures
Further Reasons Why You Need to Learn German
You can start learning German at any time.
- Think German - UK
- 10 reasons to learn German - Goethe-Institut
- 8 reasons why German is 4U - USA
- Why learn German - Canada
- Reasons to learn German - Vistawide
- Good reasons to learn German - DAAD
- Why learn German - General
- Why learn German - Dartmouth, USA
Thinking about the Future?
- Youth Central - advice for job seekers, career profiles and more - Victorian State Government
- Youth - advice on many topics, including jobs and careers - Federal Government
- Das ABC der Ausbildungsberufe - short films about a range of jobs
- BEROOBI - Erlebe Berufe Online - a Schatzkiste about jobs and careers
- Berufsinfo und Weiterbildung - Arbeitsmarktservice, Austria