A gap year after school pays off when you have a goal for it, such as career orientation, a language or money for your studies. Without a plan, the time passes quickly. The costs depend on the country, the duration and the programme, and you should also clarify your health insurance before you start.
The key points at a glance
- A gap year is a deliberate break between school and university or vocational training, which you can fill with travel, work, voluntary service or an internship.
- The biggest gain is orientation: you learn what suits you before you choose a subject.
- The main risks are a lack of budget, a lack of structure and a later start to your career.
- Plan early: goal, budget, application deadlines for university or training, and health insurance.
What is a gap year after school?
A gap year is the time between finishing school and starting university or training, which you spend deliberately in a different way. Some people travel, others work, do voluntary service or take internships. You decide how long the break lasts. What matters is that at the end you know what you take from it.
What opportunities does a break after school offer?
Orientation before choosing a subject
Those who go straight from school to university often decide without any practical experience. An internship or a job shows you whether a field of work suits you. That can save you a later change of subject.
Independence and language practice
Anyone who travels alone, works or lives in a project organises their everyday life themselves. Abroad, many people also practise a foreign language in real use.
Money and experience for your studies
With a job before university you can build up savings. Practical experience also strengthens your application for training or study.
What risks does a gap year carry?
Most risks can be limited through planning. They lie in the costs, in a lack of structure and in the feeling of falling behind others.
- Costs: flights, accommodation, visas and insurance add up. Without a budget, the year can end abruptly.
- Lack of structure: without a goal, you may not use the time well.
- Later start: studies and career begin a year later than for your peers.
- Disappointed expectations: homesickness, loneliness and organisational problems are part of it.
- Getting back into study: after a break, your learning rhythm may take time to return.
What options are there for a gap year?
| Option | Best suited for | What to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Work and Travel | Travel combined with jobs on site | The country’s visa and work permit, start-up capital |
| Voluntary service, for example a voluntary social year | Social engagement within a fixed framework | Provider, duration, conditions as stated in the contract |
| Internship or job | Career orientation and earning money | Pay, duration, reference |
| Language course | Intensive foreign language learning | Costs, accommodation, course level |
Work and Travel after school
With Work and Travel you combine travel with casual jobs, for example in hospitality, hostels or on farms. Which visas and age limits apply depends on the country. Find out early from the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
Voluntary social year and other voluntary services
A voluntary service offers a fixed framework, supervision and a clear task. The conditions are set by the respective provider. Have the duration, tasks and pay confirmed in writing.
What does a gap year cost?
The costs depend on the destination, the duration and the programme. Plan every item before you book.
- Travel to and from your destination, and domestic flights
- Accommodation and food
- Visa, fees and programme costs
- Insurance, including travel and health insurance
- A reserve for emergencies
It is better to calculate generously and finance the year from savings or a job before you start. Speak openly with your parents if they are meant to support you.
How does a gap year affect your CV?
A gap year does no harm to your CV if you explain it clearly. List what you did on your CV and attach evidence, such as internship certificates or confirmations from providers. In the interview, explain what you learned and why you chose exactly this degree or training afterwards.
How is health insurance arranged during a gap year?
Whether you stay family insured or have to insure yourself depends on your situation, above all on what you do during the gap year and where. Abroad you also need suitable cover for the trip. The details are explained in the guide health insurance during a gap year (in German). Clarify this with your health fund before you start.
How do you apply for university or training during a gap year?
Do not wait until you return to apply. Application deadlines for university and training fall before the start, and programmes with admission restrictions follow their own rules. Everything about NC and waiting times (in German) is in a separate guide. For the question of which type of university suits you, the overview on choosing the type of university (in German) helps.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a gap year last?
There is no fixed duration. What matters is that you fill the period with a goal. Internships, voluntary service or Work and Travel have their own periods depending on the provider and the country. Plan so that you meet application deadlines for the start afterwards.
What does a gap year cost?
That depends on the goal, the duration and the programme. A flat sum would be misleading. Draw up a cost plan with travel, accommodation, visa, insurance and a reserve, and check whether you can finance it from savings or a job.
How do I put a gap year on my CV?
List it as its own section with the period and the activity, for example an internship, voluntary service or Work and Travel. A confirmation or certificate helps make the time traceable.
Am I health insured during a gap year?
That depends on your situation. Family insurance, your own insurance and cover abroad are all options. Ask your health fund before you start and read the guide on health insurance during a gap year.
So proceed now
- Formulate a goal for your gap year and choose a suitable form.
- Draw up a cost plan and clarify how you will finance it.
- Find out the application deadlines for university or training before you leave.
- Clarify your health insurance. If you want to talk through your situation, you will find the way to advice on the Academycon homepage.
- Keep evidence along the way for your CV.
Experiences with us can be found on ProvenExpert, Trustlocal and Trustindex. Academycon was mentioned, among other places, in a press release by the General-Anzeiger Bonn. An overview of all mentions is on the press page.
Related reading
- Health insurance during a gap year: how you stay covered (in German)
- Studying at 30: opportunities, funding and everyday life (in German)
- Online study or on-campus study: pros and cons (in German)
- University of applied sciences or university: what suits you better? (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
