Hello all,

Is it possible to start a masters course outside Germany (within europe though! ) while being on arbeitslosengeld ? The masters course in this case is one year long.

I have heard that in some cases the arbeitsamt acutally funds certain trainings in order to improve an unemployed person's employability. However, not sure if arbeitsamt allows one year courses during that period, while still paying the arbeitslosengeld, even if the person funds the course entirely himself.

Any thoughts on this situation ???

Cheerz
Jane

Hallo Jane:

Privately you may study any time.

But, Arbeitsamt normally dont sponsor for such a degree or Master program, I asked it myself.

What they do sponsor, are some Trainings, by certain firms (Like SAP etc.) which help you get an employment. They have their site, where you may find such trainings/courses and if you are selected by the company for such training/course, then you may apply at Arbeitsamt and they will then pay (not sure 100%), but will sponsor you for such a course.

So, better go Arbeitsamt and ask for such a link. I got this info on CEBIT from Arbeitsamt.

Gruss,
A.T

Thanks AT !
You mentioned that privately I could do my masters. That brings the next question... Will I continue to get the arbeitslosengeld while I am the course specially when (a) the master course is in another european country and (b) I am not really employable during that period (even if the period is one year).

Thanks !

Dear Jane,

In your case the maximum duration for Arbeitslosengeld would be 12 months, provided you fulfill the two basic conditions:

1. You maintain your residence in germany
2. You make reasonable efforts to search and find an employment in germany

Arbeitslosengeld given to you is only to finance above two conditions.

Apart from these what you do in your 12 months is none of any concern to Arbeitsamt. In my personal opinion, going for a german language course would help you more than a masters degree.

Akshay:

Isnt there a clause which says you have to be available to the job-market during the time you get ALG? Isnt that what your 2nd point says?

-Fred

@fred

If you maintain your stay in DE and search for a job in DE then you are making yourself available to the job-market in DE.

No!! if you ar enrolled as a student you will not be entitled to get Arbeislosgeld!!

Good Luck!!

Thanks Guys !!!!

@Rajesh: Do you mean if you change the visa status to a student,
or
just the case of immatrikulation will cancel the ALG?

@fred,

In both case you loose your ALG immediately..After working for a year in an industry, i came back to finish my uncompleted studies in 2002 and in principle, i thought i should apply for the ALG, but the arbeitsamt plainly refused after seeing my 'Beurlaub Immatrikulation' and my subesequent student status..

They told me that it can be given only if i search a job!!!

Regards
Rajesh