What to Study After High School: Your Options and How to Choose

Choosing what to study after high school is a big step. Your decision shapes your first career steps, but it is also about your interests, strengths, and how you want to learn. There are many paths you can take, each with its own benefits and requirements. Here’s how to compare your options and make a choice that fits you.

Your Main Options After High School

The main education paths after high school are:

  • University programs: These are more theoretical and research-focused. University is a good fit if you enjoy analyzing, reading, and exploring big ideas. Programs often last three or more years and can lead to advanced degrees.
  • Applied bachelor’s programs: These programs combine theory and practice. They are career-oriented, often last four years, and include internships. This is a strong choice if you want a practical education that prepares you for specific professions.
  • Vocational programs: These are hands-on and shorter. Vocational education is for those who like to learn by doing, want to work with their hands, or enter the workforce quickly.
  • Other paths: Some choose a gap year, short courses, or direct entry into the workforce. These options can help you gain experience or figure out what you want next.

No path is “better” than another. What matters is which fits your interests, personality, and goals. If you’re not sure, a career choice test or study choice test can help you clarify your direction.

How to Know What Fits You: Start With Yourself

Before you start comparing programs, look at your own preferences and strengths. Ask yourself:

  • What do you enjoy learning about?
  • Do you prefer theory, practice, or a mix?
  • Are you energized by working with people, solving problems, creating things, or organizing?
  • What kind of work environment do you imagine for yourself?

A well-designed test can help you explore these questions in depth. For example, our free career test uses the RIASEC model (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) to match you with types of work and study areas. You’ll get a first result in minutes, and if you want to go deeper, the full version offers a detailed report and a 30-day plan.

Understanding the Main Study Types

Let’s look more closely at each main option:

University Programs

University is usually more theoretical. You’ll do a lot of reading, research, writing, and critical thinking. These programs are a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy academic subjects and want to go deep into a field
  • Are interested in careers like researcher, analyst, or professor
  • Want to keep your options open for advanced study later

University can also be a starting point for professions in science and research, law, or management.

Applied Bachelor’s Programs

Applied programs focus on real-world skills and prepare you for specific jobs. You’ll combine theory with practice, and often have internships or projects with companies. This is a good fit if you:

  • Want to learn skills you can use right away
  • Like the idea of learning by doing
  • Are interested in fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, social work, or marketing and sales

Applied programs often have strong links to employers, making it easier to find a job after graduation.

Vocational Programs

Vocational education is hands-on and focused on practical skills. These programs are shorter (sometimes one to three years) and prepare you for roles like mechanic, electrician, nurse, or chef. Choose vocational education if you:

  • Want to start working soon
  • Prefer learning by doing rather than reading or writing
  • Enjoy working with your hands or being active

Vocational paths can also be a stepping stone: you may be able to move up to higher programs later if you want.

Comparing Your Options: Step-by-Step Plan

Here’s a practical checklist to help you choose what to study after high school:

  1. Reflect on your interests and strengths: Use a test or talk to people who know you well.
  2. Explore the RIASEC types: Learn about the six career types and see which resonate with you.
  3. Make a shortlist of study areas: Based on your profile, pick 3 to 5 programs or paths to explore.
  4. Research the programs: Compare content, teaching style, practical work, job prospects, and locations.
  5. Attend open days or info sessions: Visit schools or attend online events to get a feel for the environment.
  6. Talk to current students or graduates: Ask about their experiences, what surprised them, and what they wish they knew before starting.
  7. Check admission requirements and deadlines: Make sure you meet the criteria and know when to apply. Rules differ between countries and schools, so always check the details yourself.
  8. Apply on time: Give yourself enough time to prepare your application, gather documents, and write any required essays or motivation letters.

Example: How One Student Chose

Let’s look at an example:

Lina is finishing high school and loves biology and helping people. She’s not sure if she wants to go to university or choose a more practical path. She takes a career test for students and sees her top RIASEC types are Social and Investigative. She looks at options in healthcare and science.

Lina makes a shortlist: university biology, applied nursing, and vocational lab technician. She visits open houses and talks to a nurse and a biology student. She realizes she wants to start working sooner, so she chooses applied nursing, knowing she can still move to university later if she wants. Lina’s story shows that there’s no single “right” path, what matters is what fits you now, knowing you can adjust your course later.

University vs Applied vs Vocational: How to Decide

When comparing these main types, ask yourself:

  • Do I prefer theory, or do I want to be hands-on?
  • Am I excited by research, or do I want to solve practical problems?
  • Do I want a broad education, or to focus on a specific career?
  • How important is it for me to start working soon?
  • Do I want the option to continue studying later?

If you’re still unsure, read more about which study suits me or explore careers by Holland code to see real-world jobs that match your interests.

Switching Paths: Is It Possible?

Many students worry that their first choice is final, but most systems allow for some flexibility. Common options include:

  • Moving from vocational or applied programs to university, sometimes with a bridging year or extra courses
  • Switching majors or programs within your school
  • Taking a gap year to gain experience or reassess

It’s important to check the rules for your country or institution. If you feel stuck later, see what to do if you've chosen the wrong major or how to deal with study delays.

Tips for Making Your Decision

  • Take your time, but don’t wait until the last minute
  • Talk to people in the field: students, teachers, or professionals
  • Don’t choose based only on what friends or family want-focus on your fit
  • Imagine your day-to-day life in the program
  • Remember, there are many ways to reach your goals, and you can adjust your path

For more guidance, read our tips for choosing a career or see how a career assessment can help clarify your direction.

For Parents: How to Support Your Child

If you’re a parent helping your child choose, be a sounding board rather than a decision-maker. Encourage them to explore their interests, attend open days, and try a test. More tips for parents are on our parent guide.

Next Step: Get Clarity on Your Direction

Not sure where to start? Try our free career test to get a first idea of your strengths and interests. You’ll get a result in minutes, and you can use your profile to explore programs and careers that fit you.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose between university and vocational education?

Start by considering your learning style, interests, and career goals. University is more academic and research-focused, while vocational education is hands-on and prepares you for specific jobs. Think about whether you want to dive deep into theory or start working sooner, and talk to people in both types of programs.

Can I switch from a vocational program to university later?

In many countries and schools, you can move from a vocational or applied program to university, sometimes after completing extra courses or a bridging year. Check the specific requirements for your country and institution to understand your options.

What if I don't know what I want to study yet?

You’re not alone, many students are unsure at first. Take time to explore your interests, talk to people in different fields, and try a career or study choice test. Consider a gap year or short courses to gain experience while you decide.

Do I need to know my future career before choosing a study program?

No, you don’t need to have your whole career planned. It helps to have a general direction or interest area, but many people switch paths during or after their studies. Focus on programs that match your strengths and curiosity.

Is it better to choose a broad or a specialized program after high school?

Both have benefits. Broad programs let you explore different subjects before specializing, while specialized programs prepare you for a specific job. If you’re unsure, a broader program can keep more doors open, but choose what fits your interests and goals.