The Importance of Adult Education for Migrants in Germany and the EU
Adult education is a cornerstone of successful integration policies across Germany and the European Union. For migrants, the opportunity to continue learning after arrival—especially through language training and vocational upskilling—is essential not only for entering the labor market, but also for participating fully in society. These programs help bridge gaps in qualifications, foster social inclusion, and promote economic self-sufficiency.
Germany has made considerable efforts in adult education. According to Eurostat, 60.4% of adults aged 25–64 in Germany participated in some form of adult learning in 2022, compared to the EU average of 46.6%. Much of this includes informal and non-formal learning—community-based initiatives, integration courses, and workplace training programs that often remain outside formal education systems.
However, challenges remain. The recognition of prior learning—especially non-formal and informal education—is still limited. According to CEDEFOP’s 2023 report on Germany, the national validation framework is fragmented, with limited outreach and awareness. Programs like ValiKom Transfer aim to validate vocational skills acquired informally, but uptake has been modest, with only 1,248 procedures carried out between 2018 and 2021.
For migrants, this is particularly critical. Many arrive with skills and experience that are not easily recognized within formal German structures. Without validation, they often face underemployment or long delays before reentering their profession. Strengthening mechanisms for the recognition of non-formal learning would significantly boost their integration prospects.
The EU’s Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways (2016) and initiatives like the European Skills Agenda encourage member states to create flexible learning routes for adults. Germany, while making progress, still has room to better link informal education with formal qualification pathways. Investing in inclusive, accessible adult education—especially for vulnerable groups like migrants—is not only socially responsible, it’s economically smart. With labor shortages affecting many sectors, especially healthcare and construction, empowering migrants through education and skill validation is key to sustainable development across the EU.
Key sources:
• Eurostat: Adult learning statistics
• CEDEFOP: Validation of non-formal and informal learning – Germany
• European Commission: Upskilling Pathways”