With numerous support policies from the German government as well as superior advantages compared to vocational education in Vietnam, dual vocational study in Germany is currently attracting a lot of attention from Vietnamese students. So what is the German vocational study program like, what are the requirements, and how much does it cost? These are the questions that most students are concerned about. Let's explore the pathway to studying in Germany together with Thien Tan Academy!

What is Vocational Study in Germany?

Vocational study in Germany is a dual training program. When participating in this program, students will spend about 45% of their time studying theoretical specialized programs at vocational schools and the remaining 55% of their time practicing at training facilities. After graduating from the dual vocational training system, the majority of students can immediately find employment. According to a report on the dual vocational training system by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Federal Republic of Germany, approximately 60% of students receive job offers within 6 months after graduating from the dual vocational training system, with indefinite-term contracts, meaning contracts for 3-4 years, followed by the possibility of renewing or signing permanent contracts if both parties desire.

Why Choose Vocational Study in Germany?

1. Doubling the Savings

Based on the principle of "non-profit education," most schools in Germany provide entirely free programs for all students, including international students. Therefore, coming to Germany means you can save a significant amount of tuition fees without needing to invest a lot of effort and time in searching for scholarships like in many other countries around the world. This saving can be doubled if you choose the dual vocational study program in Germany because:

• You receive vocational training allowances of about 800 – 1300 Euros per month. You can comfortably spend without needing financial support from your family thanks to this allowance. Moreover, you can even save a considerable amount of money if you know how to spend wisely.
• Work up to 20 hours per week with the minimum wage being 9.35 Euros/hour depending on the city.

2. Suitable for Students with Moderate Academic Abilities

For higher education studies in Germany, students must meet many criteria regarding academic ability, academic achievements, and university entrance exam scores. The university programs in Germany are also very demanding due to high exit requirements. Therefore, if you have moderate to good academic abilities, the vocational study program in Germany will be a highly recommended choice to consider.

3. Many Career Opportunities

It won't be difficult for students to find a job they love as there are about 300 dual training occupations offered in Germany. Even if you feel that you are no longer suitable for the field you initially chose, you can easily switch to another field.

4. Shorten Study Time

While a university student may take up to 4-6 years to complete a university program, and sometimes may not even graduate due to the difficulty of the program, vocational students only take 3 years to graduate. Graduating early also means that you can start earning money sooner.

5. Immediate Employment Opportunities after Graduation

During vocational study in Germany, you are both studying and practicing at companies, hospitals, restaurants, etc. Therefore, after graduation, you can easily find employment because practical work experience is highly valued by employers.

6. Permanent Residency Opportunities in Germany

Although the number of foreigners settling in Germany is rapidly increasing, the German government still maintains an open policy. According to regulations, for students participating in dual vocational study, after 3 years of vocational training and 2 years of work in the field they studied (paying taxes and having full insurance during these 5 years), you can apply for permanent residency in Germany. After 8 years, you will have the opportunity to become a German citizen. University students after graduation have a maximum of 18 months to apply for internships in companies, and cannot apply for permanent residency.

Pathway to Vocational Study in Germany

In Vietnam

• Students spend 7 – 9 months to start learning German from level A1 to B1.
• Alongside learning German, students will also learn about the culture, local people, develop soft skills for life, and the working process in Germany.
• After completing the B1 certificate, students will be interviewed (either in-person or online) by vocational schools.
• Visa interview and document processing.

In Germany

• Study at vocational schools for 2-3 years with 2100 hours of theory + 2500 hours of practice (45% theory, 55% practice).
• After graduating from vocational schools in Germany, you can choose to work at internship sites or choose a company that suits your needs.
• Ổn định cuộc sống, xin thẻ cư trú và định cư tại Đức sau 2 năm làm việc.

Requirements for Vocational Study in Germany 2024

The requirements for vocational education in Germany are quite simple. You only need to meet the following 4 criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 35, have completed high school or equivalent; no specific grade requirements.
• Background: Students have a clear background, no criminal record.
• Good health, no chronic diseases, social diseases, or other infectious diseases.
• Have a German language certificate from B1 level onwards; you will study vocational courses immediately upon arrival in Germany, with paid internships. Additionally, according to the new immigration law applied since March 2020, you can participate in the program with an A2 German language certificate. However, if you only have an A2 German language certificate, you must register for a B1 course within 3-6 months in Germany. After that period, you will have a B1 certificate and start vocational training, enjoying normal internship salary benefits.

Latest Updates on Vocational Study in Germany in 2023

1. Healthcare Sector

In the healthcare sector, in 2023, there are new occupational codes such as:

• Assistant nursing and comprehensive nursing care
• Disability care nursing
• Physical therapy

Currently, most labor agencies and vocational schools in the healthcare sector in Germany require students to achieve B2 proficiency before entering vocational training. To address this issue and support students on the best path to pursue nursing studies in Germany, Thien Tan Academy has made efforts to find and bring its students an exclusive program: Entry to vocational training with a B1 certificate and support courses for B2 proficiency during vocational training.

2. Service Sector

The service sector has many occupational codes such as:

• Restaurant service
• Hotel staff
• Sales
• Bakery
• Cook
• Restaurant system

.. and many other occupational codes. From 2023 onwards, the hotel and restaurant vocational training program in Germany has also undergone many changes. If previously the "hotel staff" vocational training included restaurant service, now these two fields have been clearly separated. The restaurant service occupation will focus on restaurants with specialized skills such as service, table decoration, event organization... hotel staff will focus on specialized skills such as guest reception, reception, room arrangement, room cleaning, payment... The restaurant service occupation lasts for 2 years, and then students can study for an additional year specializing in restaurant and event organization specialists Fachmann/-frau für Restaurants und Veranstalfungsgastronomie or system gastronomy specialists Fachmann/-frau für Systemgastronomie.

3. Technical Sector

The technical sector has occupations such as:

• Builder
• Mechanic
• Electrician
• Warehouse management
• Carpenter

... and many other occupations.

Application Documents

• Original passport, certified household registration book, certified ID card, copy of birth certificate.
• Certificate of being in good health condition for labor and studying abroad.
• Curriculum vitae (Clearly state activities and places from grade 1 until now).
• Original Criminal Record (Obtain at the provincial Department of Justice).
• High school diploma, original high school transcript. Graduation certificate, original college/university transcript (if available).
• Original B1 level German language certificate (if available). If not available, will be provided by Thien Tan Academy.
• Letter of application (Handwritten or typed, explaining the reasons for wanting to study a profession in Germany).
• 12 photos according to German embassy regulations.