FAQ – Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions
Are you an international doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or nurse looking to work in Germany? The FIA Academy will guide you every step of the way, answering any questions you may have about our courses and our comprehensive services relating to the professional recognition process.
Consultations and registration
At FIA Academy, we provide a comprehensive range of services to support international healthcare professionals on their path towards professional recognition and employment in Germany.
These include, among other things:
- Support with visa procedures
- Help with registration
- Advice on financing options
- Language and professional qualifications to prepare for recognition exams
Our services target international healthcare professionals in the following areas:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing (professionals residing in Germany only)
We recommend attending the free info events where we provide a detailed explanation of all available services and pathways for each specialty, along with direct answers to your questions.
To the registration for the info event for Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists
Yes, definitely. We offer targeted support for nursing professionals residing in Germany, even if they have not yet begun the recognition process.
We start with a detailed info event, where we provide information on the following topics:
- How to apply for recognition
- Which language certificates and documents you need
- What types of financing are available for the courses
We will then provide you with individual advice to determine the appropriate qualification plan based on your current situation.
To the registration for the info event for Nurses – only for people residing in Germany
- By telephone: +49 (0)761 458 911-110
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
10:00 – 14:00
Wednesday:
9:00 – 10:30 and 14:30 – 16:00 - Via WhatsApp
- Via Telegram
- Via email: info@fia-academy.de
- Via our social media channels:
Take the following steps to register for our courses:
- If you want to book a qualification program with FIA register free of charge first.
- After your documents have been reviewed you will receive a personal qualification plan with specific course dates, course location and a contract from our consulting team.
- If you wish to accept the course offer sign the contract and return it to the consulting team. You will then receive a binding confirmation.
Detailed information on the registration can be found here.
We will contact you by email or phone within 48 hours of submitting your registration.
Please check your email regularly and answer phone calls to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Visa
Yes, the FIA Academy provides comprehensive support for international healthcare professionals residing outside Germany – especially regarding visa applications and preparing the required documents.
Here you will find information about visa types and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a visa.
Yes, this is possible – provided that there is a person in Germany who can submit an official letter of commitment ("Verpflichtungserklärung") on your behalf. However, this person must meet the requirements of the German diplomatic mission in your country of origin. Please check the official requirements of the relevant embassy or consulate.
Through FIA Insurance, you can quickly and securely set up insurance coverage and a blocked account with the help of our partners. You can find all the relevant information here.
The FIA Academy does not offer direct translation services, but we can provide a list of certified translators.
You must register with the Jobcenter or the Employment Agency in person.
Once you have registered for a course, we will provide you with comprehensive information and support on all further steps required.
Housing
Yes, the FIA Academy offers assistance with finding suitable accommodation, whether you are moving to Germany or relocating within Germany to attend a course.
This assistance is provided after you have registered for one of our courses.
Here you will find a collection of addresses and links that can help you find a room or apartment at the FIA training locations.
The FIA Academy does not have its own housing facilities, but it will assist you in finding suitable accommodation during the course through a network of local partners – at the fairest possible rates.
We recommend that you start your search as soon as you have decided on the start date of your course, as the housing market in some cities is very tight.
After you register, we will provide you with targeted support to help you prepare for this step in the best possible way.
Course offers
The FIA Academy offers a wide range of qualification programs for international healthcare professionals, including:
- General German courses (from A1 to B2)
- Specialized language courses C1 (BAMF) for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy
- Communication and interaction courses as an alternative to traditional preparation courses for the professional language test (Fachsprachprüfung), with a focus on professional communication with patients and colleagues in a German work environment
- Preparation courses for the professional knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung) – theoretical and practical
- Simulation courses for professional language and knowledge test, which prepare students for real-life situations, professional terminology, and reporting
Beyond pure preparation for the professional language test (Fachsprachprüfung), these courses offer practical training in:
- Doctor-patient communication
- Case presentation
- Medical documentation
- Typical everyday situations in the German healthcare system
The goal is optimal integration into everyday professional life.
The FIA Academy offers both in-person courses in various cities in Germany and online courses. The exact course locations can be found in the individual course descriptions and in our course calendar.
- General language courses: 8 – 12 weeks
- Professional language / communication courses: 3 – 6 months
- Professional knowledge courses: 3 – 6 months
- Simulation courses for the professional language und knowledge test: 2 weeks
The language requirements vary depending on the course. As a rule, you need a valid B2 certificate (telc, Goethe, ÖSD, DTB).
Alternatively, you can take a placement test with us (also online). We will assess your level and advise you on the appropriate course.
Yes, in some cases, it is possible to start the course before receiving the recognition notice ("Bescheid"). After your registration, we will review your individual situation and work with you to determine the next steps.
Yes, the simulation courses and the preparation courses for the professional knowledge test include practical training on presenting cases, writing reports, and handling situations similar to those encountered in the official exam.
Financing / course funding
Yes, many of our courses can be financed (funded) by the following institutions:
- Employment Agency
- Job Center
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
After reviewing your documents and language skills, we will issue you with an official qualification offer, which you can submit to the relevant authority to apply for an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein, at the Employment Agency or Job Center) or eligibility certificate (at BAMF).
Detailed information on funding opportunities can be found here.
Yes, we offer funded courses. After you register, we will be happy to advise you individually on the financing options that suit your personal situation or on the costs of the courses for self-payers.
To be eligible for funding, you must have your place of residence in Germany, have a valid residence permit, and provide proof of the recognition procedure. It may also be relevant whether you are registered as a job seeker with the Employment Agency or Job Center and can demonstrate sufficient language skills.
After you register, we will review your documents and guide you step by step through the funding process.
Yes, participation in the courses is also possible for self-payers. In this case, we will create a suitable payment plan tailored to your financial situation.
Registration on our website is completely free of charge. Our goal is to support international healthcare professionals in their decision-making process in a transparent manner and without any obstacles.
After registering, you will receive a personalized qualification offer from us. Only when you decide to make a binding course registration will a one-time registration fee of €500 be charged for people residing outside of Germany. This fee does not apply to people residing in Germany.
General questions
No, the Academy does not offer university degree programs. Our services are aimed exclusively at international healthcare professionals and focus on linguistic and professional qualification as part of the recognition process in Germany.
Currently, the FIA Academy does not arrange direct employment contracts. However, we are establishing reliable partnerships with medical and nursing facilities in Germany. If you register on our website, we will inform you as soon as suitable job vacancies become available.