For many adults, obtaining their Abitur later in life is the key to better career opportunities and new life perspectives. Whether you want to achieve your Abitur in one year or study part-time alongside your job – here you will find all the pathways, prerequisites, and practical tips for your successful second educational path. From proper preparation to modern aids for challenging exam phases.
Why obtain your Abitur later in life? Your advantages at a glance
Before we delve into the different pathways, you should know: Obtaining your Abitur later in life is worthwhile at almost any age. With the general university entrance qualification, you not only open up all degree programs at universities, but also better career opportunities in your profession.
Professional and personal advantages
A subsequently obtained Abitur provides access to all degree programs and higher positions. Employers value the discipline and perseverance demonstrated. Statistically, people with an Abitur earn significantly more than those with a secondary school leaving certificate.
Many people who have obtained their Abitur later in life report increased self-confidence and new perspectives. If you are unsure whether you can master the challenge, professional support can also help. For example, for exam anxiety, there are proven natural remedies for exam anxiety that have helped many.
Who should obtain their Abitur later in life?
Especially suitable for people with completed vocational training who want to advance. Also, anyone looking for new paths after an unsuccessful apprenticeship will find an opportunity here. Age doesn't matter!
Obtaining your Abitur later in life: All pathways explained in detail
You want to get your Abitur and are wondering which path is right for you? The good news is: there are several proven ways to obtain your higher education entrance qualification later in life. The choice depends on your current life situation, available time, and financial possibilities. Here are the most important options in detail:
| Educational path | Duration | Costs | Flexibility | Especially suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening school | 2-3 years | Mostly free | Part-time alongside work | Working people with regular working hours |
| Online Abitur | 2-4 years | 100-200€/month | Very flexible | Parents, shift workers, self-employed |
| Kolleg (full-time) | 2-3 years | Mostly free | Less flexible | People not employed |
| Berufsoberschule (vocational upper secondary school) | 1-2 years | Low | After vocational training | With completed vocational training |
Evening school: The proven classic
Evening school is the most traditional way to obtain your Abitur alongside your job. Classes usually take place between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, so you can work during the day. The duration of evening school Abitur is typically 3-4 years, but can be shortened with prior knowledge.
Evening School Abitur Costs
State evening schools are usually free – you only pay for books and materials (approx. €200-400 per year). Private evening schools can cost between €100-300 monthly, but often offer smaller classes.
Online Abitur: Maximum flexibility
Obtaining your Abitur online is becoming increasingly popular. You learn from home, whenever it suits you. Especially for parents or people doing shift work, doing your Abitur online is often the only realistic option. Most providers combine self-study with live webinars and personal support.
Which path suits me?
If you want to do your Abitur alongside your job, evening school or obtaining your Abitur online are ideal. If you have more time and want to finish quickly, the Kolleg is a good option. With completed vocational training, the Berufsoberschule leads to the goal fastest.
Can you really obtain your Abitur in one year?
The question "Can you obtain your Abitur in one year?" concerns many. The honest answer: Yes, but only under certain conditions. Obtaining your Abitur quickly is possible if you already have a solid educational foundation or are willing to study very intensively.
Realistic assessment: Abitur in 1 year
Obtaining your Abitur in one year requires extreme discipline and usually 40-60 hours of study per week. Only about 10-15% achieve this without prior knowledge. 1.5-2 years is more realistic.
Abitur in 2 years: The golden mean
For most, obtaining their Abitur in 2 years is the optimal compromise between speed and feasibility. You have enough time for thorough preparation without being tied down for years. Especially obtaining your Abitur in 2 years via distance learning works well alongside a job.
Obtaining your Abitur later in life offers excellent career opportunities
Obtaining your Abitur later in life: Prerequisites and registration
The prerequisites for obtaining your Abitur later in life vary depending on the chosen educational path. In general, you need at least a Realschulabschluss (secondary school leaving certificate) or an equivalent qualification.
Obtaining your Abitur later in life with a Realschulabschluss
With a Realschulabschluss, all paths are open to you. Most providers also require completed vocational training or several years of professional experience. Retaking your Abitur then usually takes 2-3 years, depending on the intensity of the chosen program.
Fachabi as an intermediate step
Many initially opt to obtain their Fachabitur later in life, as it is quicker to achieve. Obtaining your Fachabi later in life usually takes only 1-2 years and already opens up many study opportunities at universities of applied sciences. Later, you can then do your Abitur after Fachabitur and complete the general Abitur. This path is particularly sensible if you are still unsure about your resilience.
Fachabi vs. General Abitur
The Fachabitur qualifies you for studying at universities of applied sciences and in Bachelor's degree programs. The general Abitur additionally opens up all universities and traditional degree programs such as medicine or law.
Abitur after vocational training: Your chances
Doing your Abitur after vocational training is a proven path. You already bring life experience and perseverance. Many vocational upper secondary schools even credit parts of your vocational training. Especially if your vocational training is thematically aligned with your desired course of study, you can obtain your Abitur quickly.
Advantages of completed vocational training
With vocational training, you automatically meet the prerequisites for obtaining your Abitur later in life from almost all providers. You can often use shortened programs and have financial security through your qualification.
Prerequisites for obtaining your Fachabitur later in life
For obtaining your Fachabi later in life, you need a secondary school leaving certificate and usually completed vocational training in the corresponding field. The prerequisites for obtaining your Fachabi later in life are often slightly lower than for the general Abitur.
Online Abitur vs. Classroom Instruction
Obtaining your Abitur online is becoming increasingly popular. Especially for working people, doing your Abitur online offers decisive advantages: You learn flexibly from home and can set your own pace.
Distance learning is a great way to obtain your Abitur later in life
Costs and financing for obtaining your Abitur later in life
The costs for obtaining your Abitur later in life vary greatly. While state evening schools are usually free, private providers can cost several thousand euros. For evening school Abitur costs, usually only material costs are incurred.
Financing options
BAföG: Also possible for the second Abitur. Education loan: Favorable financing for further education. Tax deductibility: Costs often deductible as business expenses.
Successfully mastering difficult exam phases
Obtaining your Abitur later in life brings special challenges. Adult learners are often out of study mode for years and have to get used to exam situations again. Especially in complex subjects like mathematics or natural sciences, exam anxiety can arise.
Support in critical moments
If you feel insecure during exams despite good preparation, discreet support can make all the difference. Our SpickProfi-Set was specially developed to give you the necessary confidence in difficult exam moments. Further information on legal aspects can be found in our article on consequences of cheating attempts.
If you become insecure in exams despite good preparation, discreet support can make all the difference. Our SpickProfi-Set was specially developed to give you the necessary security in difficult exam moments. It is completely discreet and can be used in all types of exams. Further information on legal aspects can be found in our article on consequences of cheating attempts.
There is also help for exam anxiety. Our guide on natural remedies for exam anxiety shows you proven strategies. For special exam formats such as practical exams, we also have helpful tips. If you are concerned about possible exam retakes, you will find important information in our guide to retake exams.
Step-by-step: How to start successfully
To successfully start obtaining your Abitur later in life, you should proceed systematically. Many ask themselves "how can I do my Abitur" and "can I obtain my Abitur later in life" - the answer is a clear yes, at any age! Here is your practical guide:
Observe important registration deadlines
State schools often have fixed dates in spring for a fall start. Private providers and online courses are usually more flexible. Inform yourself at least 6 months before your desired start about the deadlines.
Success factors for obtaining your Abitur later in life
Doing your Abitur as an adult requires different strategies than in youth. You have the advantage of life experience and motivation, but you also have to balance family, work, and studying. Time management is crucial.
Tips for adult learners
Create a realistic study plan and stick to fixed study times. Use modern learning methods such as apps and online videos. Network with other "late learners" for mutual motivation.
Observe Important Deadlines
Enrollment deadlines for retaking the Abitur vary depending on the provider. State schools often have fixed deadlines in spring for a fall start. Private providers are usually more flexible. Inform yourself in good time about the enrollment deadlines in your region.
"Retaking the Abitur was one of the best decisions of my life. It not only opened new professional doors for me but also strengthened my self-confidence. The second educational path is achievable - even with family and a job!"
