Top 5 vocational courses in Germany that Vietnamese students are most interested in

1. Why do German employers need to understand the career choices of Vietnamese students?

1.1. Source of candidates Vietnam is becoming increasingly important

In the context of an aging population and an ongoing labor shortage in Germany, Vietnam is emerging as one of the quality labor supply markets in Asia. Vietnamese students are highly regarded for their learning ability, discipline, and desire to work long-term in Germany.

1.2. The competition for international student enrollment is becoming increasingly fierce

Not only Germany, but many countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan are also actively attracting young international workers. This requires vocational schools and businesses in Germany to understand the needs of candidates in order to create more attractive recruitment programs.

1.3. Optimize recruitment costs

Recruiting in the fields that Vietnamese students are genuinely interested in significantly reduces marketing and recruitment communication costs, as well as the dropout rate of applications.

2. Factors influencing the decision-making of Vietnamese international students in choosing their majors

2.1. Internship income

Apprenticeship salary: This is the decisive factor. Students are interested in fields with a stipend ranging from 1,050 to 1,500 EUR/month to cover their living expenses in Germany.

>>>> Check the average salary and cost of living in Germany now.

2.2. Job opportunities

Industries with low unemployment rates (the overall rate in Germany is currently around 3%) always have an advantage.

2.3. Settlement ability

Occupations on the labor shortage list are often highly regarded due to the opportunity to transition to work visas and permanent residency. Vietnamese students often prioritize fields with a clear pathway to obtaining a long-term residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after 2-3 years of work.

2.4. Admission requirements

The consideration between the German language requirement of B1 (minimum for visa) and B2 (mandatory for technical/IT fields) significantly affects the number of applications.

3. Top 5 vocational courses in Germany that attract the most Vietnamese students

3. 1. Nursing (Pflegefachkraft)

This remains the number one choice due to its absolute stability. Germany predicts a shortage of up to 500,000 nursing staff by 2030.

• Vocational training salary: Top-tier, ranging from 1,190 – 1,400 EUR/month.
• Post-graduation salary: 2,600 – 3,500 EUR/month.
• Attractive reasons: Easy visa application, many full scholarships, and nearly 100% job opportunities at hospitals or nursing homes.

>>>> Everything you need to know about studying nursing in Germany.

3.2. Information Technology (Fachinformatiker)

IT is the field with the highest expected income, attracting a group of students with strong academic abilities.

• Post-graduation salary: It can reach from 3,300 to 6,000 EUR/month depending on the specialization.
• Admission challenge: Although "hot," this field is highly competitive and usually requires a German proficiency level of B2 or higher.

3.3. The Construction Industry (Baugewerbe)

"The rising star" of 2026 thanks to salary increase policies to attract international workforce.

• Apprenticeship salary: Reaching the highest level in all sectors, up to 1,490 EUR/month in the third year.
• Opportunities: Suitable for students in good health, who want to work practically and desire a starting salary of 2,800 – 3,500 EUR/month.

3.4. Hospitality Industry (Hotel Management)

Attractive due to a dynamic working environment and high international exposure.

• Apprenticeship salary: From 950 – 1,300 EUR/month.
• Characteristics: Students are trained in rotation thru various departments, from reception to service management, creating a solid foundation for advancement.

3.5. Engineering Group (Mechanical & Automotive)

Germany is home to top brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, instilling great confidence in the quality of education for Vietnamese students.

• Mechanical - Electronics: Vocational training salaries can reach up to 1,330 EUR/month, requiring German language proficiency at B2 level.
• Car Repair: Although it is transitioning to electric vehicles and is highly competitive, this is still the "dream" industry for many Vietnamese male students.

4. Promising fields but "lacking" candidates

Some industries in Germany are facing a severe labor shortage but have not yet attracted Vietnamese students due to a lack of information:

• The Baking Industry (Bäcker/Konditor): Demand is stable, but students are hesitant due to the early working hours from 3-4 AM.
• Dental Assistant (ZFA): A clean environment, stable working hours, and a salary above 2,500 EUR after graduation, but the industry's brand recognition in Vietnam is still low.
• Machinery operation: The training period is shortened to just 2 years, helping students stabilize their lives early, but it is not widely promoted.

5. Industries in Germany that are lacking workforce but have not yet attracted enough Vietnamese candidates

Beside popular fields, many sectors are still facing a severe labor shortage, such as:

• Environmental engineering
• Renewable energy technology
• Civil engineering
• Railroad engineering
• Industrial operations

The main reason is that Vietnamese students lack information, do not fully understand career prospects, or do not see a long-term development path. This is a great opportunity for vocational schools and German businesses if they can develop an appropriate communication strategy.

6. What do German companies and vocational schools need to do to attract more Vietnamese applicants?

6.1. Transparency in the financial pathway

Commitment to a minimum internship salary to reduce pressure on students (proposed amount from 1,050 EUR or more).

6.2. Language and cultural support

Coordinate with reputable consulting units in Vietnam to prepare students for B2 level, especially in technical fields.

6.3. Logistical support

Benefits such as accommodation, airfare, or assistance in finding part-time jobs (within legal limits) will be a significant plus.

6.4. Provide tangible evidence

Use success stories from Vietnamese students studying at the school to build trust.

6. 5. Collaborate with reputable recruitment partners in Vietnam

Local units can help reach the right group of potential candidates and optimize recruitment efficiency. In addition, vocational schools and esteemed businesses in Germany can proactively post recruitment ads on the EduCV platform at no cost. This is a channel for German employers to proactively reach out to Vietnamese students.

>>>> Guide to posting recruitment ads on EduCV - the global education and employment connection platform

Vietnam is a market full of potential but is also becoming increasingly demanding in terms of quality and treatment. Identifying the right five key sectors and overcoming language and financial barriers will help German training institutions optimize their enrollment efficiency in 2026.

EduCV - THE GLOBAL EDUCATION AND JOB CONNECTION PLATFORM