MIGRATION & CERTIFICATES
Study in Germany from Vietnam: THPT 36-Point Rule, Studienkolleg & Blocked Account (2026)
Study in Germany from Vietnam: the THPT 36-point rule, Studienkolleg tracks, €11,904 blocked account, uni-assist filing, and post-study work visa.
VON GERMANIUM
Editorial desk — sourced to Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB/anabin), DAAD Vietnam, and German mission guidelines
Germany offers world-class public university education with zero tuition fees across 15 of its 16 federal states (Baden-Württemberg charges €1,500/semester for non-EU students). For Vietnamese students graduating high school (Tốt nghiệp THPT), admission to a German university requires navigating the official recognition matrix set by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz - KMK) and the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB / anabin).
The THPT 36-Point Admission Rule
To qualify for a preparatory college (Studienkolleg) in Germany directly after graduating from a Vietnamese high school, applicants must fulfill the strict *KMK criteria on their National High School Graduation Exam (Kỳ thi Tốt nghiệp THPT)*:
| Requirement | Official Rule & Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Total Exam Subjects | 6 independent subjects: Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Language + 3 elective science/social subjects. |
| Total Score Minimum | At least 36.0 points across the 6 subjects (average >= 6.0/10). |
| No Failing Subject | No subject score below 4.0 points. |
| Core Subject Threshold | At least 4 subjects with scores of 6.0 or higher. |
| University Admission | Proof of admission to a regular four-year undergraduate program at a recognized Vietnamese university (Giấy báo trúng tuyển Đại học). |
Studienkolleg Specialized Course Tracks
Because a Vietnamese 12-year high school diploma is not directly equivalent to the 13-year German Abitur, high school graduates must complete a 2-semester Studienkolleg program and pass the assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung - FSP) before entering their Bachelor's degree:
| Studienkolleg Track | Target Academic Degrees | Key Subject Focus |
|---|---|---|
| T-Kurs (Technical) | Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, German |
| M-Kurs (Medical / Bio) | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biology, Veterinary Medicine | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, German |
| W-Kurs (Economics / Business) | Business Administration (BWL), Economics (VWL), Management | Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies, German |
| G-Kurs (Humanities / Arts) | History, German Studies, Philosophy, Literature, Law | German Literature, History, Social Studies |
| S-Kurs (Languages) | Linguistics, Foreign Languages, Translation | German, Foreign Languages, Literature |
Financial Proof: The €11,904 Student Blocked Account
To obtain a German student visa (§16b AufenthG), applicants must prove €11,904 per year (€992/month) in a certified blocked account (Sperrkonto). Recognized providers include Coracle, Expatrio, and Fintiba. Vietnamese students are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year during their studies.
Can I enter a German Bachelor's degree directly without Studienkolleg?
Yes, if you have successfully completed at least 4 full semesters (2 years) of study at an accredited university in Vietnam (Anabin H+ institution) in the same field of study. If you complete an entire 4-year Bachelor's degree in Vietnam, you can apply directly for any Bachelor or Master program in Germany.
What work rights do Vietnamese graduates have after completing a degree in Germany?
Upon graduating from a German university, international students can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months (§20(3) AufenthG) to search for qualified employment. Once employed, you can apply for an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit, with eligibility for Permanent Settlement (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after just 21–27 months.