Most public universities charge no tuition — the barrier lies elsewhere
Germany is Europe's largest economy and one of the few countries where most public universities charge no tuition, international students included. In exchange, entry requires a qualification equivalent to the Abitur and usually a foundation year (Studienkolleg); most bachelor's programmes are taught in German, while master's level offers far more in English. VNIS guides you from credential assessment and the foundation year through the blocked account and visa.
Most public universities charge no tuition, but a semester contribution still applies and living costs are yours — that is the larger figure.
A Vietnamese school-leaving certificate is usually not equivalent to the Abitur, so most students take a foundation year and sit the Feststellungsprüfung before entering a degree.
Bachelor's programmes are mostly taught in German (typically B2–C1); master's level offers considerably more in English.
International graduates receive an 18-month residence permit to look for work, and may take any job during that period.
Germany assesses entry against the Abitur. A Vietnamese school-leaving certificate is usually not sufficient on its own, however high the grades.
The common route: a Studienkolleg foundation year, then the Feststellungsprüfung assessment examination.
The alternative: several completed semesters at a Vietnamese university may allow direct entry, depending on subject and institution.
Universität leans academic; Fachhochschule/HAW is profession-oriented with placements built in — choose the branch before the institution.
Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German, commonly requiring B2–C1 (TestDaF or DSH).
Master's level has many programmes taught entirely in English, assessed on IELTS or TOEFL.
Even on an English-taught programme, German largely determines your ability to work part-time and to stay after graduating.
A German student visa requires proof you can support yourself, normally through a blocked account (Sperrkonto) opened before you apply.
The required balance is set by the German authorities and revised annually — VNIS confirms the current figure before you open the account.
Health insurance is compulsory and must be in place before enrolment.
Appointment slots at German missions fill up early; this is the tightest constraint in the timeline, so plan backwards from your intake.
International students may work within an annual limit set in law.
After graduation: an 18-month residence permit to look for work, during which any job is permitted.
Finding relevant work converts into a work permit, and that is a clear route towards settlement.
The list spans comprehensive universities and international institutions based in Germany. Entry requirements, teaching language and foundation-year rules differ by institution — VNIS checks them against your own qualification and subject.
Germany's strongest draw is something few countries offer: most public universities charge no tuition, international students included. For a capable student on a limited budget, it is one of very few routes into a leading system without tens of thousands of dollars a year in fees.
But do not read that as 'free'. A semester contribution still applies, you must still evidence funds through a blocked account, and living costs are entirely yours. Germany's real barrier is not money — it is the language and the entry-qualification system.
Plainly: most Vietnamese school leavers need an extra Studienkolleg year before starting a degree, and German at B2–C1 for a German-taught programme. That is one to two years of preparation before year one begins. Anyone willing to take the long route is well rewarded; anyone in a hurry should weigh other destinations — VNIS says so upfront rather than letting you discover it after losing a year.
Coverage for this destination is being written. In the meantime, these three routes answer the question you came with.
Leave your details and our team will tailor a plan — completely free.
Request consultation