Studying in the U.S. under the Dual Program - High School Completion | IDP Vietnam

High School Completion (dual program) is a program of study that allows high school students from the age of 16 to attend colleges in the United States. When enrolled in this program, students will both study the American high school program and accumulate college credit.

The dual program allows high school students from the age of 16 to attend colleges in the U.S.

After completing the dual program, students will receive both a high school degree and an associate degree simultaneously. Then, they can transfer directly to the third year of undergraduate study in the United States to earn a bachelor's degree. As a result, the total study time is only about four years instead of six years as in the traditional route.

The High School Completion Program (Dual Program) is an ideal choice to help students not only shorten time and save costs but also have the opportunity to enroll in prestigious American universities. Let's find out in detail the benefits that this program brings.

Shorten the learning time

Students can earn a bachelor's degree at the age of 20 instead of 22, as is the usual route. This allows them to start their careers two years earlier than their peers.

Cost Savings

When studying the dual program, students will save 1-2 years of tuition fees and living expenses compared to the 4-year university program. The total cost of studying and living each year will range from 20,000 to 25,000 USD/year, lower than the tuition fee for the University program of 45,000 USD/year.

Entry requirements are not too difficult

• Transcript of the last 3 years.

• IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent, depending on the school. If students do not have an English language certificate, they can participate in the ESL English supplementary program.

Transfer to American Universities Easily

Dual programs are accepted for transfer to most universities in the US state of Washington. In addition, students can choose many different majors from the fields of nature, society, economics, education, and health,... without having to retake the SAT/ACT.

A solid stepping stone before entering the University

• Students have time to learn and choose the right major, avoiding the situation of studying the wrong major and wasting time.

• The class size is small, helping students receive dedicated attention from lecturers.

• Improve your English proficiency, develop soft skills, and gain experience living and working in an international environment.

• The university offers international student support services and university pathway advice.

• Students who transfer from a dual program may have the opportunity to receive attractive scholarships from universities.

The dual program's pathway gives students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in the U.S. 2 years earlier than the regular pathway. Below are the specific learning paths of the above two stages:

• The first two years - Completion of an Associate Degree:

  Students will have completed an American high school program, studied general courses, and received an Associate Degree.

• Final two years - Completion of Bachelor's Degree:

  Transfer to Year 3 of University and complete Bachelor's Degree.

To study the dual program, students need to meet the requirements for age, education, and English language proficiency. Entry requirements will vary by school, you can refer to the general requirements of the dual program below:

• Students must be at least 16 years old.

• Submit high school transcripts or transcripts, including 9th grade.

• Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL score of 61, IELTS score of 5.5, Duolingo score of 95 or take the school's ESL course.

See more: Find out the latest information and conditions to study in the US in 2025

IDP accompanies you on your journey to study in the U.S.

High School Completion (dual program) not only helps students shorten time and save costs but also opens up many transfer opportunities to prestigious universities in the US. If you are considering a dual program, IDP is ready to support you, from route advice, and choosing the right school, to preparing your application and registering for the IELTS test. In addition, IDP also supports finding housing and transferring money internationally,... to help students have a more complete study abroad experience.

Please contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for more detailed advice from a team of experienced consultants.