Professional Training in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the leading financial, trading, and logistics centres in Asia and the world. The Special Administrative Region with a population of 7.5 million is not only considered an important link between China and the global market, but also a launching pad for international companies venturing into emerging markets across Southeast Asia. With a professional education in Hong Kong, graduates can improve their career opportunities, both in Germany and internationally.

How does the Professional Training Programme work?

Each year, around 30-40 young trainees begin their professional training in Hong Kong. The training programme takes 22 months. Like in Germany, the trainees work in a company for 3.5 days per week for practical on-the-job training and attend classes for 1.5 days for theoretical education. The professional training and examinations follow the guidelines of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

Practice

The training companies are large international trading, transport and logistics companies, as well as industrial enterprises either based in or with representative offices in Hong Kong. The companies enter into training contracts with the trainees. The salary is HK$8,000 for the first year of the training programme and HK$9,000 for the second year. In accordance with the vocational training ordinance and training guidelines, training takes place by rotation through all relevant departments of the company. The business language at the training companies is English.

Theory

The subjects taught at the German Business School (GBS) include: General Economics; Accounting; Business Administration; Organization; Data processing; Conversational German; Conversational English; Mathematics; and Politics. The professional training teacher and Head of the GBS is delegated to Hong Kong by the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen, ZfA). The school fees are HK$50,000 p.a. as of the academic year 2025-26.

Below is an overview of the three dual vocational training programs currently offered:

Wholesale and Foreign Trade Management Specialist
Kaufmann / Kauffrau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement

This program prepares you for professional activities in international trade. You learn how goods and services are purchased, sold, and distributed across borders, with a particular focus on the Asian market and Hong Kong as a global trading hub.

You work at the interface between producers, suppliers, and customers and are involved in planning and processing import and export transactions, contract and price negotiations, and the coordination of logistics and customs procedures. The training combines company-based practice with theoretical instruction in areas such as foreign trade, business administration, accounting, economics, law, marketing, and digital trade processes (including SAP and Business English).

Graduates are qualified for positions in purchasing, sales and customer management, logistics and supply chain management, foreign trade, process management, and project coordination in national and international companies.

Digitalization Management Assistant
Kaufmann / Kauffrau für Digitalisierungsmanagement

This program focuses on the structured use of digital technologies in companies. You learn to analyze business processes, identify potential for digitalization, and support the development and implementation of suitable IT-based solutions.

The dual vocational training program lasts 22 months and takes place both at the training company and at GBS Hong Kong. During your time in the company, you work in various departments, gain insights into different business areas, and participate in real digitalization projects in an international environment.

At GBS Hong Kong, you gain theoretical knowledge in digital business models, IT fundamentals (hardware, software, networks, cloud technologies), data and information systems, IT security and data protection, as well as process analysis, optimization, and digital workflows.

Digitalization Management Assistants work at the interface between IT and business. Typical fields of activity include IT project support, process and requirements analysis, coordination between specialist departments and IT, and participation in digitalization and innovation projects.

Transport & Logistics Management Assistant
Kaufmann / Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung

This program provides a practical and theoretical introduction to international transport and logistics. Hong Kong, as a leading logistics hub with one of the world’s largest cargo airports and close links to the Chinese market, offers an ideal learning environment.

You learn to plan and organize the transport, handling, and storage of goods across different modes of transport (sea, air, rail, and road). Your tasks include coordinating logistics and customs processes, preparing quotations, and maintaining relationships with customers and business partners.

At GBS Hong Kong, you study topics such as transport modes, warehouse logistics, import/export and international trade agreements (including Incoterms), management and control (accounting), economics, social studies, legal basics, Business English, and digital tools such as SAP and ICDL.

Graduates can work in transport and logistics companies, freight forwarding, warehouse and distribution centers, as well as in logistics departments of industrial and trading companies.

Curriculum designed for fast-paced learning

  • International Environment in Hong Kong

  • Learn from professional teachers

  • Real World Business Discussion

40+

Years of teaching

70+

Students in 2025/2026

A Message From Our Principal

For generations, Hong Kong has been a beacon of economic dynamism and a long-standing tradition of vocational training. In this unique environment, competence, practical relevance and innovation are the cornerstones of success.

It is with great pleasure that we look back on a special milestone in Hong Kong this year: after more than 40 years, dual professional training in Hong Kong is now firmly established in the education system with the founding of the German Business School (GBS) as an independent German school abroad. This step underlines our maturity, our strong roots in Hong Kong and our clear commitment to excellence in German-international professional training.

It is an honour for me to lead this unique school. Our community thrives on the combination of German thoroughness and Hong Kong’s agility. We focus on flexible learning formats, innovative methods and academic excellence that challenge and encourage each individual.

Whether from Hong Kong or anywhere else in the world, our experienced teachers and trainers offer you an intensive, tailor-made learning experience. Our goal is to create an inspiring environment that fosters growth, collaboration and sustainable professional success.

As a certified German international school, we are proud to be a vibrant bridge between cultures and economic areas. Together with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce Hong Kong and numerous training companies, we educate the practice-oriented specialists and managers of tomorrow – equipping them with the knowledge, ethics and international outlook that are crucial in a globalised world.

I would like to thank our entire school community, our partners in the business world and all our supporters for their trust and for joining us on this journey.

Yours sincerely,

Thorsten Rauhut

Thorsten Rauhut (Acting Principal)

German Business School offers a transformative educational experience that caters to the diverse needs of modern learners, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for success in today’s business world.

  • Practical courses curriculum

  • Global students enrollment

  • Business study & discussion

  • Professional teachers

Meet Our Team

Our team offers first-class, learning field-oriented teaching and provides our trainees with up-to-date knowledge and first-hand experience.

Thorsten Rauhut

Acting Principal

Responsible for the Dual Professional Training Program in Hong Kong since 2017. He has been recognized with a number of awards and Certificates.

Our teachers

With a mix of part-time and full-time teachers, our team brings first-hand experience and subject-matter expertise to GBS.

Board

The Board provides guidance on the overall school direction and serves as direct connection to the German business landscape in Hong Kong and beyond.

Our Partners