Adaptation course (ApaLe)

Have you studied social work, curative education or childhood education outside Germany? Your German language skills are at least B2 level? Would you like to gain state recognition in the state of Berlin so that you can work in your profession here and be paid appropriately? Then our free ApaLe programme is the right place for you!

Zwei Studierende stehen nebeneinander und betrachten Unterlagen.
Graduation
Certificate for applying for state recognition
Application period
Ongoing application possible
Semester fees
free of charge
Duration of study
6 months
Practical phase
100 days (if required by Senate Administration)
Study start
February to May
Study places
55 per year
International Bridge Course Social Professions

ApaLe, the international bridging course for social professions, facilitates integration into the labour market. People with foreign degrees in social professions can use the certificate to apply for state recognition in accordance with the Social Professions Recognition Act (SozBAG) in the state of Berlin. This is necessary in order to have the same rights in working life as people with degrees in these regulated professions obtained in Germany.

ApaLe makes it possible to learn the special features of the German social system and professional fields in a compact course of 6 to 10 months in various modules with supplementary online teaching. ApaLe starts twice a year. One course is specially designed for people who only lack the legal modules required for state recognition.

ApaLe video

Get to know our adaptation course in our film with participants from the first hour.

Adaptation course Apale - International bridge course

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Contents of the course

In the ApaLe bridging course, you will specifically learn the content required for your recognition process for social professions. The Senate Department for Youth, Education and Family determines the content required for you individually in advance and specifies this as a requirement.

Exemplary contents can be

  • Language, play and media,
  • Inclusion, integration and diversity,
  • Methodological skills,
  • Organisations, social management,
  • Introduction to the German legal system,
  • Child and youth welfare law,
  • Benefits to secure livelihoods,
  • Rehabilitation and participation law.
Prerequisites
  • A foreign degree in social work, curative education or childhood education,
  • a valid certificate from the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family, Bernhard-Weiß-Str. 6, 10178 Berlin,
  • a language certificate at B2 or C1 level (depending on the respective ApaLe course),
  • an accompanying practical activity, corresponding to the activities of the recognised occupation, supervised by a specialist from the respective recognised occupation (optional / can be funded by the Employment Agency).

Form of study

The course takes place on a part-time basis. The attendance time is 24 course days, each Friday and Saturday. The course days may vary depending on previous knowledge. There are also dates for supervision and practical reflection.

"I liked that it was weekends, Fridays and Saturdays. There are a lot of people who work every day, which made it easier for us not to compromise our work."
Participant
Adaptation course ApaLe
Career prospects

Successful participation in the adaptation course is considered proof of compensation for significant professional differences in accordance with § 9 Para. 2 No. 1 BQFG and fulfils the legal training requirements for the granting of state recognition as a B.A. Social Worker, B.A. Social Pedagogue, B.A. Curative Pedagogue or B.A. Childhood Pedagogue.

You can work in the fields and institutions corresponding to your degree in social work, curative education or childhood education and your reference profession.

You can apply throughout the year. Send us your application with your collected application documents by e-mail. We will then get in touch with you.

Contact persons

Do you have any questions? We will be happy to help you.

Prof. Dr. Meike Guenther

Prof. Dr. Meike Guenther

Professur für Theorien / Konzepte und Methoden der Sozialen Arbeit
Appointment by arrangement
Room 1.084