Last updated: 12/02/2025
(This table helps parents and students easily identify the type of study-abroad program that suits them.)

1. Common study-abroad tracks

Study-abroad track	Suitable age	Requirements	Language requirement	Program	Estimated cost	Opportunities after graduation
Secondary school (high school)	14-18 years old	Above-average academic record, a guardian (if under 18)	German A2-B1 / English B1	Gymnasium (academic), Realschule (applied), Gesamtschule (integrated)	7,000-15,000 euros/year	Move on to university or vocational training
University	18+	High school diploma, German/English certificate	German B2-C1 / English IELTS 6.0+	Bachelor's (3-4 years), Engineering, Medicine, etc.	10,000-15,000 euros/year	Work in Europe or continue to a Master's
Vocational training (Ausbildung)	18-30 years old	High school diploma, a training contract with a company	German B1-B2	Dual training (study and work at the same time), salary of 800-1,500 euros/month	Little or no tuition (since you earn a salary)	High employment opportunities in Germany
Master's	22+	A related Bachelor's degree, German/English certificate	German C1 / English IELTS 6.5+	In-depth study of the field, lasting 1.5-2 years	10,000-20,000 euros/year	Highly specialized work or pursue a PhD

2. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

Study-abroad track	Advantages	Disadvantages
Secondary school (high school)	Good preparation for university, a modern educational environment, a chance to enter top schools	Requires a guardian, high living costs
University	Low or no tuition (depending on the country), an international degree, good employment opportunities	High language and academic requirements, a long study duration
Vocational training (Ausbildung)	A salary while studying, low costs, easy to find a job after graduation	No in-depth theoretical study, limited range of fields
Master's	Advanced expertise, good research and employment opportunities	Requires experience or a related degree, higher cost than a Bachelor's

🔹 If you are under 18 and want a strong foundation to enter university → Choose secondary school (high school).
🔹 If you want in-depth theoretical study with an international degree → Choose university.
🔹 If you want to study and earn an income at the same time, with easy access to jobs in Germany → Choose vocational training (Ausbildung).
🔹 If you already have a Bachelor's degree and want to advance your expertise → Choose a Master's.

📌 Note:

Consider your financial situation, academic ability, and career direction before deciding.
Language is an important factor; if you have not yet reached the required level, you should study beforehand in Vietnam or take a preparatory course.

💬 If you need more detailed support, please contact our Page: Study Abroad Advisory Community

We wish you every success! 🎓🌍