Are you looking for an opportunity to move abroad without a university degree? Many people believe that without a degree, relocating to another country is impossible, but that’s far from the truth. If you have a skill or are willing to learn one, vocational education can be your gateway to international opportunities.
Vocational schools provide hands-on training in various fields, from hospitality and tourism to engineering and healthcare. They are often more affordable than universities, require less time to complete, and in many cases, allow students to work while studying. Some even offer pathways to residency and family relocation.
In this article, I’ll share 10 countries that offer excellent vocational education opportunities, including details about tuition costs, fields of study, and other key advantages.
1. Portugal
Portugal has some of the best vocational schools for international students, especially in hospitality, tourism, marketing, and restaurant management. Two notable institutions currently accepting applications include:
Turismo de Portugal
Futural
Tuition fees for vocational courses in Portugal range from €800 to €900, with flexible payment plans. An added advantage is that you can move with your family while studying.
If you want a more detailed guide on studying in Portugal, check out my dedicated post on it.
2. Japan
Japan is an excellent destination for those interested in mechanics, engineering, and automotive technology. One of the top vocational institutions is:
Study Kyoto (studykyoto.jp)
This school specializes in automotive engineering and mechanical courses, making Japan a great choice for anyone skilled in or looking to train in these fields.
3. Finland
Finland is known as the happiest country in the world, and it also has high-quality vocational education. Popular fields of study include:
Practical nursing
Waitering and waitressing
Caregiving
Some schools in Finland offer free vocational programs. A few notable ones include:
Rivia
Vamia (though this may be the last year they offer free courses)
Finland allows family relocation, but keep in mind that vocational programs here can be expensive.
4. Germany
Germany has one of the most respected vocational training systems in the world. The country follows a dual education system, meaning students gain both classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Germany offers programs in various fields, including engineering, healthcare, and business administration. The major downside is that securing a visa appointment can be difficult, depending on your home country.
If you can navigate the visa process, Germany remains one of the best options for vocational training.
5. Austria
Austria is another great destination for vocational education, particularly in hospitality and tourism management. One advantage of studying in Austria is that you don’t need to legalize your documents to apply.
Many vocational programs here are affordable or even free. If you're considering studying in Austria, be sure to check out my post on moving to Austria without document legalization.
6. Switzerland
Switzerland offers strong apprenticeship-based vocational programs, which combine classroom learning with practical work experience.
If you're interested in vocational studies here, simply search for "Switzerland apprenticeship and vocational schools for international students" on Google. You'll find several schools offering training in hospitality, engineering, and business-related fields.
7 & 8. Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand have well-established vocational training programs covering:
Tourism and hospitality
Engineering
Mechatronics
Information technology (IT)
Both countries offer student work permits, meaning you can gain hands-on experience while studying. Vocational education in these countries is well-structured and can lead to permanent residency options in some cases.
9. United States of America (USA)
The USA has over 250 vocational courses, covering a wide range of fields, including:
Healthcare
Technology
Automotive repair
Construction
While the USA has many opportunities, a major challenge is securing visa appointments. If you're interested in studying there, research institutions that offer vocational programs for international students.
10. Singapore
Singapore is another great option for vocational education. The country has numerous skill-based programs focusing on engineering, hospitality, and business management.
It is a highly developed and safe country, making it an attractive choice for students looking to gain internationally recognized vocational skills.
Which Countries Allow Family Relocation?
If you’re planning to move abroad with your family, the following countries allow family relocation with vocational education:
✅ Portugal
✅ Finland
✅ Germany
✅ Australia
✅ New Zealand
For single applicants, additional options like Japan, Austria, and Singapore are great choices.
Final Thoughts
Vocational education is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to move abroad, whether or not you have a degree. If you’re serious about making this move, start by researching vocational schools in your preferred country and applying as soon as possible.
Have any questions? Drop them in the comments! And if you found this article helpful, share it with someone who might benefit from this information.
Do you have guide on the process?
ReplyDelete