Dual study in Germany: Roadmap for Studienkolleg & Ausbildung

Dual study in Germany is the optimal strategy designed specifically for you! Different from the traditional route, dual study in Germany is a flexible combination of two main options: Studienkolleg (university preparatory) and Ausbildung (dual vocational training).

I. What is dual study in Germany?

Are you wondering which path to take to study in Germany after graduating from high school? Dual study in Germany (also known as Hybrid study) is a smart, flexible strategy, specially designed for international students whose high school diploma is not enough to directly study in Germany at University.

Simply put, dual study abroad is when you combine the two most popular paths to optimize time and cost:

• Academic Pathway (Studienkolleg):For those who want to pursue a university degree (Universität). You will study a German university preparatory course (Studienkolleg) for one year to be recognized as equivalent to a German diploma. After that, you will take entrance exams to prestigious universities.
• The Practical Path (Ausbildung):For those who want to work and earn income early. You participate in the Ausbildung program (dual apprenticeship), receive an apprenticeship salary in Germany from the first year and are guaranteed a job in Germany after graduation.

Depending on your personal goals, you can choose one of these two paths, or combine their advantages, making dual study abroad the most effective and safest route to conquer your European dream.

II. Why should you choose the dual study abroad program in Germany?

Dual study in Germany is not just an alternative; it is an optimal strategy that brings practical benefits, solving the biggest worries of parents and students about costs and the future.

1. Breaking down barriers to studying in Germany

If you only graduate from high school in Vietnam, it is almost impossible for you to enter public universities in Germany directly. Studienkolleg is a legal "bridge" that helps you meet the academic requirements for studying in Germany. Or, if you choose Ausbildung, the entry requirements will focus more on German B2 and career suitability, helping you skip the complicated procedures of the academic path.

2. Financial advantages and cost issues

Here’s the bottom line: dual study offers significant cost savings. If you choose Ausbildung, you will be exempt from tuition fees and receive an average German apprenticeship salary of between €900 and €1,300 per month. This income is enough to cover most of the living costs in Germany and reduces the pressure of proving financial means (Sperrkonto) compared to going straight to university. Even if you choose Studienkolleg, some states also waive tuition fees, which significantly reduces the overall cost of studying in Germany.

3. Secure future and settlement opportunities

The ultimate goal of every international student is to get a stable job and the opportunity to settle down in Germany legally. This effective roadmap ensures both:

• If you choose Ausbildung:After 3 years, you are almost guaranteed a job in Germany with a high salary and can apply for a permanent residence card after only 2-5 years of work, helping you quickly stabilize your life and settle in Germany early.
• If you choose Studienkolleg:Although the initial cost is higher, you have an international university degree, opening up job opportunities in high-end professions with attractive salaries, making it easier to achieve your settlement goals.

In short, dual study in Germany offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to adjust your German study itinerary according to your financial capacity and personal career goals in the smartest way.

III. Dual study abroad program - Studienkolleg

Studienkolleg (university preparation in Germany) is a dual study abroad program for those who want to pursue an academic path at prestigious German research universities. This is considered the "official gateway" and the oldest for international students to fully meet the requirements for university study in Germany.

1. Conditions for studying Studienkolleg in Germany

• Academics

You need to have graduated from high school in Vietnam and at the same time been admitted to a regular university in your country. This is proof that you have the academic ability to keep up with the preparatory and university programs in Germany. In addition, the average score (GPA) is usually 6.5 or higher. For those with a high GPA, the opportunity to enter prestigious public Studienkolleg is also more favorable.

• Language (German B1/B2)

This is a prerequisite for applying to Studienkolleg. A German language certificate at level B1 or B2 is not only to complete the application but also to help you pass the entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung) which is very difficult. Without a solid German language foundation, it will be very difficult to keep up with the specialized subjects at Studienkolleg and the exit exam (FSP).

• Visa and financial proof

You need to apply for a student visa with financial proof through a blocked account (Sperrkonto) worth about 11,208 EUR/year. This is a big barrier for many young people but at the same time it is also the way the German government ensures that you can cover your living expenses while studying.

2. Studienkolleg learning process

Study time:The Studienkolleg program lasts one year, divided into two semesters. During this time, students are trained in academic language and basic knowledge directly related to the major they want to study at university later.

Specialized courses:Depending on your career orientation, you will choose the appropriate course:

• T-Course:for engineering, mathematics and natural sciences. Students will study advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry and specialized German.
• M-Course:for Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology. Course content includes Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Medical German.
• W-Course:for Economics, Management, Finance. You will focus on Mathematics, Economics, Business Administration and specialized German.
• G Course:for Social Sciences, Literature, History, Philosophy.
• S-Course:for Linguistics and Literature majors.

Exit Exam (Feststellungsprüfung - FSP):This is the most important "gate" after 1 year of study. The exam results not only determine whether you can get into university or not but also directly affect your future choice of major and school. The higher the FSP score, the more chances you have to get into theTop University in Germanythe bigger.

3. Studienkolleg dual study costs

4. Advantages and disadvantages of Studienkolleg

4.1 Advantages

• The official gateway to prestigious German universities

By completing the Studienkolleg and passing the FSP exam, you are eligible to apply to top Universität (Research Universities) in Germany. This is a rare opportunity to study high-quality bachelor's programs, expanding your academic and career prospects in the future.

• Trained with a solid academic foundation

Studienkolleg not only teaches academic German but also provides specialized knowledge according to the orientation (Economics, Engineering, Medicine...). This helps you prepare for university level, avoiding confusion with the amount of difficult and specialized knowledge.

• Early integration into the German learning and cultural environment

During your Studienkolleg studies, you will have many opportunities to interact with lecturers, international students and Germans. This is an important stage to practice communication skills, learning style and familiarize yourself with German culture, thereby making it easier to adapt when entering university.

• Student visas are widely accepted and stable

When studying at Studienkolleg, you are granted an official German student visa with a clear duration and few legal risks. This is an important foundation for your long-term study and settlement path in Germany.

4.2 Limitations

• The initial financial pressure is quite high.

International students must prove their financial resources (Sperrkonto) of approximately 11,208 EUR/year (~290 million VND) to apply for a visa. During the Studienkolleg period, you do not receive a salary but must pay all living expenses yourself, putting a lot of pressure on many families.

• Exam pressure and heavy workload

You must pass an entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung) to be admitted to Studienkolleg and an exit exam (FSP) to enter university. These exams are highly competitive and require serious preparation, especially in German and professional knowledge.

• The study time is longer than other routes.

Studienkolleg usually takes at least 1 more year, not to mention the following 3-4 years of university. This makes the total study time longer, slower than options like Ausbildung which allows you to study and earn money at the same time.

• No income during study

Unlike Ausbildung, when participating in Studienkolleg you are not paid. Part-time work is also limited by the language barrier and the dense study time, making you highly dependent on family finances.

IV. Dual study abroad program - Ausbildung

The Ausbildung (dual apprenticeship) route is the ideal choice if you prioritize early financial stability, practical experience, and a quick path to settling in Germany. This is considered the most effective and cost-saving route in the Dual Study strategy in Germany.

1. Conditions for studying abroad in Germany

• Education

You only need to graduate from high school in Vietnam to be qualified to participate in the German vocational study abroad program. Some hot majors such as nursing may give priority to candidates with medical degrees or experience, but this is not mandatory, thus creating open opportunities for many young people.

• Language (German B2)

This is the most important and almost mandatory requirement to sign an official Ausbildung contract. If you have only reached level B1, you can still apply but must commit to reaching B2 in a short time. Level B2 not only determines the ability to apply for a German vocational training visa but is also a key factor to help you communicate and complete practical work well in Germany.

• Apprenticeship contract (Ausbildungsvertrag)

You need to have an Ausbildung contract signed with a company or training institution in Germany. This is strong evidence that you have a place to study and work, and also helps your visa application become more reputable and easier to approve. In addition, the contract also clearly stipulates your salary, training time and benefits during the apprenticeship.

2. Ausbildung learning process

• Theory (30 – 40% of time)

During this process, you will learn at the vocational school (Berufsschule) the fundamental knowledge related to the profession, from labor law, technical processes to necessary soft skills. The curriculum focuses on high applicability, helping you understand the professional context and prepare for practical application.

• Paid internship (60 – 70% of the time)

This is the core part of the dual training model, where you work directly in businesses, factories, hotels or medical facilities depending on the chosen profession. During this process, you have the opportunity to accumulate practical experience and receive a monthly salary to cover living expenses.

• Graduation Exam (Abschlussprüfung)

Upon completion of the program, you will be required to take a final exam organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) or the Industry Association. The exam includes both theory and practice, to comprehensively assess the professional competence and skills of the student.

If you pass, you will officially become a nationally recognized skilled worker, possess a highly valuable certificate and easily find a job in Germany as well as throughout Europe.

3. Ausbildung dual study abroad costs

4. Advantages and disadvantages of Ausbildung

4.1 Advantages

• Maximum cost savings

Ausbildung helps you reduce the financial burden because you are exempt from tuition fees and receive a salary from the first day. This is a great advantage compared to Studienkolleg or studying abroad at university, which requires high financial proof and requires you to pay all living expenses yourself. This makes Ausbildung a suitable path for many families with average financial capacity but still want their children to study in Germany.

• Clear and quick opportunity to settle in Germany

After graduating and working stably for 2-5 years, you can apply for a permanent residence card and even acquire German citizenship. Priority occupations for settlement are usually nursing, engineering and hotel-restaurants, suitable for the labor shortage in Germany. This is the "golden ticket" for you to build a career and a long-term life in Europe.

• Practical work experience right from the start of study

You not only learn theoretical knowledge but also work directly at the enterprise. This helps you accumulate experience, improve professional skills and easily find a formal job after graduation. Early work experience also helps you create a competitive advantage over many other international students.

• German vocational training visa has high success rate

With a signed Ausbildung contract, your profile is usually very strong and easy to be approved. The German government also has many policies to encourage skilled workers to study and work, so the chance of success is almost certain if you meet the language requirements. This is one of the reasons why Ausbildung is increasingly attracting Vietnamese students.

4.2 Limitations

• Double pressure between studying and working

You have to study theory and work at high intensity. This requires time management, health and mental endurance, especially in heavy fields like nursing. If you are not well prepared, you can easily get stressed or exhausted in the early stages.

• Restrictions on majors

Ausbildung mainly focuses on professions with shortages of human resources such as nursing, hotel-restaurant, mechanical engineering, electrical-electronics. If you want to study academic research such as economics, law, academic medicine... then Ausbildung is not suitable. This makes your career choices somewhat more limited than the Studienkolleg route.

• High German language requirements from the start

Most of the “hot” Ausbildung majors require B2 German. This requires you to invest a lot of time and effort in learning the language in Vietnam before applying. However, once you have achieved B2 level, you will have a great advantage in both studying and practical work.

• The nature of the work is sometimes difficult.

Industries like nursing or hospitality require shift work, which puts a lot of physical and mental pressure. However, in return, you will have a stable salary and long-term development opportunities. This is a challenge but also an opportunity to practice patience, endurance and professional skills.

V. Comparing dual study abroad: Studienkolleg vs. Ausbildung

VI. Should I choose Studienkolleg or Ausbildung?

If you want to follow an academic path, aiming to obtain a bachelor's degree or higher at a prestigious university, then Studienkolleg is the right choice. This path provides a solid foundation of knowledge, giving you many opportunities to work in highly specialized fields, conduct research or continue your studies at postgraduate level.

On the contrary, if you prioritize practicality, financial stability and the opportunity to settle quickly, Ausbildung is the optimal choice. This path allows you to study and earn a salary (900 – 1,300 EUR/month), free of tuition fees, while accumulating practical work experience right from the start. After graduation, you are almost certain to have a job in Germany and the path to permanent residence is also shorter.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the challenging academic path through Studienkolleg to conquer top universities, or choose the practical path of Ausbildung to earn a vocational training salary in Germany and settle in Germany quickly, both paths lead to a solid future in Europe.