This research is to apply and develop a strategy of problem-based learning to increase the ability of higher order thinking skills of senior vocational schools students. The research was done due to a fact that the quality of outputs of the senior vocational schools has not met the competency needed by the stakeholders in the field, that has made the outputs difficult to get jobs, or fail to run a private business of their own. This research is a quasi experiment applying Nonequivalent Control Group Design, done at X TKR 1 class of 38 students and X TKR 2 class of 38 students of Senior Vocational School II, Kupang, NTT Province, Indonesia. The normality and homogeneity of tests were done to obtain the test of analysis requirement. T-test was done to analyze the data obtained. The results show that: (1) the use of problem-based learning strategy is superior to the conventional study; (2) the application of problem-based learning strategies capable of improving high order thinking skills of students, which is implemented in problem solving skills, teamwork, and self-confidence better. (3) in the future, the high order thinking skills will be very important in winning the job competition, find solutions to problems in the workplace and establish good cooperation with others, so it will support the success of their careers in the future.