Continuing Education

In Germany and Austria: everything from short certificate courses (2 days) to multi-year IHK advancement (master craftsman, business specialist, accountant). In Switzerland separately regulated: CAS, DAS, MAS are university continuing education with ECTS points and academic recognition. Accredited university certificates count as continuing education with degree-credit potential in all three countries.

CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) has 10 to 15 ECTS, lasts four to six months, costs CHF 6,000 to 10,000. DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies) has 30 ECTS, often three CAS bundled, costs CHF 14,000 to 20,000. MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) has 60 ECTS plus thesis, lasts two to three years, costs CHF 25,000 to 40,000. MAS is an academic continuing-education master, but NOT a consecutive master and usually not doctorate-eligible.

At NQR level 7 yes (same level classification). But: a consecutive master gives the right to a doctorate and counts in public service as a higher-level university degree. MAS is a continuing-education degree with different career implications, primarily for the private sector. In Germany, MAS does NOT automatically count as a master under Bologna. Practically, however, the career impact is very similar if the MAS is thematically clearly profiled.

Bildungskarenz allows two to twelve months of leave from your employer for continuing education, during which you receive education benefit at the level of fictitious unemployment benefit. Requirements: six months of prior employment with the employer, 20 weekly hours of education, hour proof from a university or educational institution. Application four to six weeks before start at AMS.

Depending on federal state between 0 (Bavaria, Saxony) and 10 days per year or 20 days over two years (Berlin, Hamburg, Brandenburg). Entitlement typically arises after six months of employment. Recognized: political, professional, and job-related continuing education. Salary continues, the course provider must be recognized in your federal state. Different per state, I have the table ready.

In Germany: for job-related continuing education unlimitedly deductible as work-related expenses. First study only as special expenses with a 6,000-euro cap. In Austria: work-related expenses with professional connection. In Switzerland: since 2016 federally uniform CHF 12,000 per year flat deduction for professional continuing education. Important: keep receipts, justify clearly job-related, deduct consultation costs and material costs as well.

DE: Aufstiegs-BAföG (up to 75 percent subsidy for IHK advancement), Weiterbildungs-Stipendium, Bildungsprämie, Bildungsgutschein for AZAV courses. AT: Bildungskarenz, Fachkräfte-Stipendium, AK-Bildungsbonus. CH: federal subject funding (50 percent up to CHF 9,500 for professional examination, 10,500 for higher professional examination), cantonal scholarships. In the initial consultation we check what fits your situation.

Yes, if the continuing education is accredited and at university level. CAS can be credited toward MAS or master. IHK advancement training is credited at some universities with 30 to 60 ECTS. University certificates with ECTS points directly to bachelor or master. Pure practice certificates without ECTS and without accreditation: usually not creditable. Before the continuing education I check whether the stacking model works for you.

Stacking means: choose smaller continuing education programs so they later add up to a larger degree. Example: three CAS (12 ECTS each) yield a DAS (36 ECTS), the DAS plus two more CAS plus thesis yields a MAS (60 ECTS). Advantage: quick wins, financial split, abandonment anytime without loss. Disadvantage: only possible if providers offer clear stack paths. I plan this with you in advance.

IHK advancement (master craftsman, business specialist, accountant) is state-regulated, NQR level 6 or 7, cost-effective, fundable with Aufstiegs-BAföG. University certificate is academically positioned, has ECTS points, can be credited toward a master, but is more expensive and rarely funded. For commercial career: IHK. For academic career or transition into studies: university certificate. Both have high market value, context decides.

AZAV course is state-certified, fundable up to 100 percent with Bildungsgutschein, often lasts 3 to 12 months, has strong practical relevance. University certificate is academically positioned, has ECTS, can be credited toward studies, usually not fundable. For re-entry, industry change, or gaps in CV: AZAV. For advancement in qualification-oriented positions or as a stack module: university certificate.

Four indicators: provider accreditation (in DE: ZFU for distance courses, AZAV for Bildungsgutschein, university accreditation for CAS/DAS/MAS), clearly defined ECTS or hours, transparent costs without hidden fees, references from graduates with similar profiles. Red flag: salvation promises, missing provider information, online reviews identical everywhere. When in doubt: I know the DACH continuing education market and can classify seriously.