Among the many pathways to study and work in Germany, dual vocational training (Duales Studium or Ausbildung) is becoming a prominent trend for Vietnamese students. This program combines theoretical study at a school with practical training at a company, allowing you to learn, work, and earn a stable income at the same time.
A special feature of dual vocational training is that you don’t have to pay high tuition fees. Instead, you receive a salary of 800–1,200 Euros/month throughout the program. After graduation, you receive a German vocational degree, giving you the opportunity to stay and work long-term and eventually gain residency. The total preparation cost is, on average, around 200 million VND, which is much lower than traditional study abroad programs, while career effectiveness and job opportunities are higher.
1. What Is Dual Vocational Training and How Is It Different from Traditional University Study?
Dual vocational training in Germany is a combined training model: you study theory at a university or vocational school while gaining practical work experience at a partner company.
Unlike traditional university students, dual vocational students gain both knowledge and practical experience. While traditional university students must cover their living expenses, dual vocational students receive an allowance/salary from the company. This helps reduce financial burdens and creates a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
In short, dual vocational training is the perfect choice for those who want to “learn by doing,” with a 30% theory and 70% practical approach. This saves costs and ensures long-term career opportunities. The program typically lasts 2 to 3.5 years, depending on the industry and company requirements.
2. Conditions to Participate in Dual Vocational Training in Germany
2.1 Suitable Candidates The dual vocational training program is suitable for:
- High school graduates who want to study and work at the same time.
- Students who already have a vocational or university degree in Vietnam but want to pursue another profession in Germany.
- People who want to start working early, earn an income during their studies, and plan for long-term residency.
2.2 Basic Conditions
- Education: High school graduate or higher.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum of B1 German. To achieve this level, most Vietnamese students need 9–12 months of continuous language study before applying. Some fields, especially nursing, require B2.
- Academic Documents: CV, transcripts, German-translated degrees, and a motivational letter.
- Dual Training Contract: A contract signed with a German company, which serves as both your training location and monthly salary provider.
3. The 7-Month Application Roadmap (After Reaching B1 German)
Learning German to reach the B1 level usually takes 9–12 months. After achieving the required language proficiency, you’ll need about 6–7 months to complete your dual vocational training application:
- Month 1: Finalize academic documents, submit dual training applications, and search for partner companies.
- Month 2: Participate in online interviews with companies and negotiate contracts.
- Month 3: Sign the dual training contract with the company.
- Month 4: Translate and notarize all documents, and prepare visa application paperwork.
- Months 5–6: Submit your application to the Embassy/Consulate, provide biometrics, and wait for the application to be processed for 4–8 weeks.
- Month 7: Receive your visa, enter Germany, find housing, and start your dual vocational training program.
- While you are learning German, our center can help process your documents, so once you have your language certificate, your departure time will be faster.
4. Cost of Dual Vocational Training in Germany (Estimated ~200 Million VND)
The average total cost to prepare for dual vocational training in Germany is around 200 million VND, including:
- German Language Course to B1/B2: 100–120 million VND (9–12 months).
- Translation, Notarization, and Documents: 5–10 million VND.
- Visa Fee: 75 Euros (~2 million VND).
- Flight Ticket: 15–25 million VND.
- Initial Living Expenses (2–3 months) in Germany: 40–50 million VND.
- Other Contingency Costs: 10–20 million VND.
Unlike traditional university studies that can cost hundreds of millions in tuition fees each year, dual vocational training is largely tuition-free at public schools. Moreover, you receive a monthly salary from the company, which is why the total preparation cost is only around 200 million VND.
5. Income During Your Dual Training
During the dual training program, students receive a salary of 800–1,200 Euros/month, depending on the industry and company. This salary is enough to cover basic living costs (food, housing, transportation). If you manage your expenses carefully, you can even save a small amount.
For example: a nursing student in Berlin earns 1,000 Euros/month. With an average monthly living cost of 800 Euros, you can still save 200 Euros/month.
6. Salary and Career Opportunities After Graduation
After completing the dual vocational training program, you become a certified German skilled worker. This is a huge advantage as a German vocational degree is widely recognized throughout the European Union.
The starting salary often ranges as follows:
- Nursing: 2,500–3,000 Euros/month.
- Mechanical/Electrical Engineering: 2,800–3,500 Euros/month.
- IT, Logistics: 2,800–3,800 Euros/month.
- Hotel-Restaurant: 2,300–2,800 Euros/month.
After a few years of work, your income can increase by 20–40% depending on your profession.
7. Life as a Dual Vocational Student in Germany
Life as a dual vocational student in Germany is busy but also very exciting. You’ll need to balance your time between theoretical studies and practical work. Typically, the dual training schedule is divided into:
- A portion of time studying at school (theory, assignments).
- A portion of time working at the company (practical skills, real-world projects).
Accommodation may be supported by the company or you can find it yourself. A popular option is renting a shared room (WG) to save costs. Outside of studying and working, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in social activities, travel within Germany and across Europe, experience a diverse culture, and enhance your independent living skills.
8. Long-Term Residency Opportunities
After graduating from dual vocational training, you are eligible to apply for a work visa under section 18a because you hold a German vocational degree. After 2–3 years of stable employment, you can apply for a long-term residency permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). After 5 consecutive years of residency, you can apply for German citizenship, opening the door to permanent residency.
Notably, you can also sponsor your spouse and children to join you, and your family will receive the same full benefits as German citizens.
9. Common Mistakes and Tips for Success
Some common mistakes when preparing for dual vocational training include:
- Submitting an application without having reached the B1 German level.
- Choosing a profession that doesn’t match your abilities, leading to dropping out.
- Not thoroughly researching the partner company, resulting in an unsuitable work environment.
- Not preparing enough initial living costs, causing financial pressure.
To succeed, you need to seriously study German for 9–12 months to reach B1, prepare a complete application, research your chosen profession and company carefully, and have a clear financial plan before you go to Germany.
10. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does dual vocational training in Germany last? Typically from 2.5 to 3 years.
- How much does dual vocational training cost? Around 200 million VND, including language training, documents, flight tickets, and initial costs.
- Do I have to pay tuition fees? Most public schools do not charge tuition. You also receive a monthly salary from the company.
- What German language level is needed? A minimum of B1, which takes 9–12 months to learn. Some fields require B2.
- Can I get permanent residency after dual vocational training? Yes. After graduation, you can apply for a work visa (section 18a), and after 2–3 years of stable employment, you can apply for long-term residency. After 5 years, you can apply for citizenship.
Conclusion Dual vocational training in Germany is one of the brightest paths for Vietnamese students who want to study, work, and settle in Europe. With a preparation cost of around 200 million VND and a German language study period of 9–12 months, you can go to Germany to study, receive a salary of 800–1,200 Euros/month during your training, and after graduation, earn a starting salary of 2,300–3,500 Euros/month.
This is not only an opportunity for personal career development but also a gateway to a stable, long-term future for your whole family.