Vietnamese Students Finish Nursing Program in Austria

Photo courtesy of VN Express

A graduation ceremony in Austria marked the completion of training for 30 Vietnamese students, the first cohort from IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems' specialized nursing program. These graduates are part of a larger initiative involving 150 Vietnamese trainees, aimed at addressing Austria's healthcare worker shortage due to its ageing population. The fully funded scholarship project is a key collaboration between Lower Austria and Vietnam.

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This program is designed to produce highly skilled nurses proficient in German and well integrated into Austrian culture, as highlighted by Lower Austria's Minister Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister and Markus Golla, the IMC's Director. Attending the ceremony were notable figures like Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang and Krems Mayor Peter Molnar. The initiative is praised for its innovative approach in combining language training with hands-on experience in Austrian medical settings.

Minister Teschl-Hofmeister and Director Golla emphasized the program's role as a leading model in Europe for recruitment and training. Vietnamese trainees are recognized for their diligence and adaptability, contributing to a local workforce of around 4,000 nurses. Ambassador Hoang noted that this effort strengthens Vietnam-Austria cooperation, particularly in sectors with shared interests such as healthcare, technology, and more.

Moving forward, the program is expected to continue enhancing vocational partnerships between Austria and Vietnam. The collaboration with Hanoi University includes German language training to a B2 level in Vietnam, followed by a year of nursing training and practical work in Austria. Graduates are assured employment in Lower Austria's healthcare facilities, receiving salaries on par with local workers, reported VN Express.

Key Takeaways

• 30 Vietnamese students graduated from a nursing program in Austria.

• The initiative addresses Austria's growing demand for healthcare workers.

• Graduates will work in Austrian healthcare institutions with local-equivalent pay.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 27 Feb 2026