German study abroad consulting: Do you need a high school diploma to study a profession?

Do I need a high school diploma to study abroad? This is a common question of many young people when they intend to go to Germany to study and work. To prepare well for this journey, it is important to clearly understand the conditions for participation. German vocational study abroad program is extremely important. In the article below, SHD Academy will answer in detail the necessary requirements, and suggest high-demand professions, stable job opportunities and attractive salaries for international students in Germany.

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What is vocational training in Germany? 

Study abroad in Germany is a dual vocational training program, students will have 30% of theoretical study time at vocational school and the remaining 70% of direct practice at leading companies and enterprises in Germany. The total vocational training time will last from 3 to 3.5 years, after graduation students will receive an internationally recognized vocational degree and have the opportunity to work in developed countries.

When participating in the dual vocational training program in Germany, students not only learn professional knowledge but also practice working skills in a real environment. In addition, one of the reasons why vocational training in Germany is increasingly receiving more attention from young Vietnamese people is thanks to the 100% tuition-free training policy and paid practice. This helps students to be financially independent and have a stable life during their study period in Germany. 

Moreover, with a globally recognized degree, graduates will have many job opportunities with high incomes at large enterprises in Germany or any country in the world. In addition, after 2 years of working and meeting the conditions of the German Government, international students can apply for permanent residence in this country.

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Do I need a high school diploma to study abroad? 

Degree and education requirements

Nowadays, many people wonder whether they need a high school diploma to go to vocational school? One of the conditions for vocational study in Germany It is mandatory for students to graduate from high school. This is to ensure that international students have sufficient academic qualifications and the ability to acquire knowledge during the training process. 

Therefore, if you do not have a high school diploma but intend to study vocational training in Germany, you should consider returning to study and complete the high school program in Vietnam. Or you can participate in an additional training program equivalent to the Continuing Education program as soon as possible. 

German language requirements

In addition to the high school graduation requirement, if you want to go to Germany to study a profession, you also need to obtain a German B1 certificate to ensure effective learning and quick integration into the new living environment. In case you do not have a German certificate, you can register to participate in training courses from A1 to B1 level at Shd Education – German training center in the SHD ecosystem, which offers a concise and systematic learning path and helps you save a significant amount of time on the path to conquering this language.

Not only focusing on language training, German language center SHD Education also regularly Organize German cultural experience activities, sports events, SHD got talent contest, etc. to equip students with necessary soft skills and cultural knowledge to easily integrate into the real living environment in Germany. 

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Other requirements 

According to the latest regulations on procedures apply for visa to study vocational training in Germany According to the German Embassy in Vietnam, in addition to the high school diploma and German B1 certificate, students also need to meet the following conditions: basically as follows:

• Age from 18 to 30.
• Good health, not infected with hepatitis A, B and C; not infected with HIV; no deformities.
• Good morality, no criminal records and criminal records.
• Successfully signed a work contract with a German company in the field of training. 

Note: Each different training major will have some additional requirements to suit the nature of the job. You can see details at Website of the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

>> Reference:

• Latest information on German vocational training contracts from AZ
• Instructions for self -preparation of German vocational studies 2025

High-paying jobs and stable jobs in Germany 

After knowing whether you need a high school diploma to study a trade, are you wondering which trade you should study in Germany? Below are 5 professions with good salaries and a large labor shortage in Germany.

Nursing

According to statistics from the Federal Employment Agency in 2024, Germany is short of about 1.3 to 1.4 million workers, of which the nursing industry alone needs to add from 100,000 to 200,000 workers. Therefore, Studying in nursing in Germany is considered one of the 10 industries with high income and stable employment in Germany today.

After completing the training program and becoming an official nurse, the salary of a nurse in Germany usually ranges from 2,500 - 3,200 Euro/month (about 74 - 95 million VND).

>> Reference: Conditions for studying nursing in Germany in 2025: Easy or difficult?

Construction Industry

Germany is one of the world's leading countries in construction, as demonstrated by its outstanding projects such as highways, bridges and modern buildings. Study abroad in German construction not only providing the opportunity to learn from a high-quality education but also helping international students develop practical skills in a professional environment and expand future career opportunities. 

Upon completion of the program, students can work in fields such as construction design and construction, project management, construction supervision, construction operations and maintenance. Construction industry income ranges from 4,200 - 5,300 Euro/month (about 124 - 157 million VND).

>> Reference: Job opportunities for studying construction engineering in Germany

Electrical and Electronic Industry

With a tradition of training and developing high-quality human resources in the field of technology and engineering, Germany pays special attention to professional education, always updating new knowledge and skills along with a theoretical and practical curriculum. Thanks to the advanced training program, students when Vocational study in Germany in the field of Electricity and Electronics not only master knowledge but also master skills, meet output standards well and easily have a stable job with high salary right after graduation.

Furthermore, after completing the program, students will receive an internationally recognized electrical and electronic diploma, creating favorable conditions for entering the labor market not only in Germany and European countries, but also returning to Vietnam to develop their careers. The salary for the electrical and electronic industry in Germany ranges from 2,500 - 3,500 Euro/month (about 66 - 91 million VND).

Mechanical and Electronic Engineering

Germany is known as the “homeland” of the best-performing mechanical industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing plants in Europe. Therefore, the mechanical and electronic industry plays a very important role in economic development, affirming Germany’s position in the international arena. Therefore, choosing Studying mechatronics in Germany is an opportunity for you to access modern education and work at leading businesses in this field.

In addition, during the learning process, students are also connected with highly skilled engineers, thereby opening up wide career opportunities and prospects in the industry. After graduation, students have the opportunity to receive an income ranging from 3,300 - 5,000 Euro/month (about 97 - 148 million VND).

>> Reference: STUDYING ELECTRICAL / ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN GERMANY AND THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Automotive Engineering 

Germany has been and is the world's leading automobile manufacturing center with famous brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi,... Therefore, choosing study automotive technology in Germany is the right direction, in line with the development trend of the times. Moreover, the salary after graduation of an automotive engineer in Germany is quite high, ranging from 5,000 - 10,000 Euro/year (148 - 296 million VND), depending on skills, experience and field of work.

Prestigious and leading German vocational study abroad center - SHD Academy 

Vocational study in Germany is a great opportunity for you to practice your skills, expand your knowledge and explore a unique and interesting culture. However, to realize your dream of vocational study abroad, you first need to choose a reputable and quality German vocational study abroad consulting center. During 7 years of operation, SHD Academy is proud to be prestigious German vocational study abroad center has successfully supported more than 600 students to set foot in Germany and is accompanying more than 1,500 students studying there. 

With the business philosophy of “Taking customers as the center of all activities, aiming to balance the interests of all parties”. Below are the sustainable and different values that SHD Academy brings to each student:

1. Connecting cooperation

• SHD Academy builds close cooperative relationships with local authorities in Vietnam, representatives of German states, leading educational institutions and businesses in Germany. From there, it not only opens up attractive job opportunities with guaranteed output for students but also commits to full benefits of accommodation, support for administrative procedures and necessary conditions, helping students feel secure in studying and developing a long-term career in Germany. 
• Thanks to a network of partners with more than 40 German enterprises and constantly expanding, SHD Academy confidently commits to providing students with jobs immediately after graduation with attractive income, helping young people confidently enter the international labor market and develop their future careers.
• Honored to be recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City as an excellent non-public educational institution for two consecutive school years (2022-2023 and 2023-2024), affirming top quality service.
• In addition, SHD Academy is the pioneer in bringing Vietnamese leaders to Germany to visit and work, demonstrating the care and concern of local leaders and SHD team for young human resources, strongly affirming the commitment to comprehensively accompany students from Vietnam to Germany. At the same time, affirming SHD's leading reputation in connecting international cooperation. 

2. Pioneer in financial support

• SHD Academy is proud to be a pioneer in providing practical financial solutions for students. By officially signing a cooperation agreement with Shinhan Bank to implement the "Companionship Tuition" program, SHD Academy opens up opportunities to help students access preferential loans more easily.
• In addition, thanks to close coordination with the authorities of the Mekong Delta provinces, SHD Academy has implemented financial loan packages from 150 to 200 million VND through the Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) and reputable credit institutions such as the Social Policy Bank to support students in provinces such as An Giang, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Soc Trang.
• This solution not only helps reduce the financial burden for parents and students but also opens up opportunities for students to realize their dream of studying vocational training in Germany.

3. Comprehensive ecosystem

• Comprehensive ecosystem with German language training services, TELC test coordination, career orientation, interview training with businesses, visa interviews and legal support for students until graduation and stable jobs in Germany. 
• Transparent design process with clear costs, close connection between services, helping students have a seamless, uninterrupted learning and working experience.
• SHD Academy is committed to accompanying students on their journey to conquer their career goals, helping young people easily integrate into the international environment and build a sustainable career in Germany.

4. Personalize your learning and career path

• SHD Academy provides vocational training courses, helping students gain practical experience and discover themselves. Through this, students will recognize their strengths and identify fields that match their passion, thereby strengthening their choice of suitable majors.
• Based on individual abilities and labor market trends in Germany, SHD Academy orients and advises on personalized learning paths for each student. Thereby, students are supported to maximize their strengths, while meeting the human resource needs of the international market.
• Understanding that “integration” is the key to success, SHD organizes exchange sessions and activities to explore German culture, from customs, cuisine to daily life skills. These experiences not only help students get acquainted with the new environment but also understand how to communicate and work with Germans. Thanks to that, students feel more confident when entering life in Germany, ready to build a long-term career in a promising international environment.
• Up to now, more than 99% students of SHD Academy have successfully integrated in Germany, quickly adapted and demonstrated the ability to study and work effectively, receiving high appreciation from businesses. This once again affirms the outstanding quality in consulting, career orientation and cultural and skill preparation for students of SHD Academy.

Some frequently asked questions about the German vocational study abroad program 

What qualifications are required to study vocational training in Germany? 

To participate in the vocational study abroad program in Germany in 2025, you first need to complete high school and have a high school diploma. Second, you need to achieve at least a B1 German language certificate according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

How much does it cost to study vocational training in Germany?

Understanding the costs of vocational training in Germany is very important to prepare financially for your stay in this country. The costs of vocational training in Germany will include the cost of studying and taking the German language certificate exam, the cost of applying for a visa, the cost of airfare to Germany and the cost of living in Germany. Total estimate The cost of studying vocational training in Germany currently ranges from 6,000 - 9,000 Euro (about 160 - 240 million VND) depending on the vocational school, study program, major and other costs.

>> See more:

• All information about scholarships for vocational study in Germany
• Total cost of vocational study in Germany latest 2025

Hope the above information has helped you answer your question "Do you need a high school diploma to study abroad??” and better understand the necessary preparation path. Vocational training in Germany is a good opportunity to study, work and settle down permanently. If you are dreaming of going to Germany, do not hesitate to start your journey today by contacting us directly. SHD Academy Call hotline (+84) 336 760 276 for quick advice and support!