Duales Studium.

Duales Studium (dual study program) is a unique higher education model in Germany that combines academic studies with practical work experience. It’s designed to integrate university education with on-the-job training, allowing students to gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills simultaneously.

The “Duales Studium” structure combines academic studies and practical work experience.

Students attend lectures and seminars at a university or vocational academy for specific periods, followed by alternating phases where they work at a partner company, applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings. These practical periods are known as Praxisphasen.

Benefits of a dual study program:

  • Work experience: Gain hands-on experience in your field while studying.

  • Financial Support: Often, the partner company covers tuition fees and provides a salary during the training period. Your salary will most likely cover the monthly amount needed within your blocked account, for the visa application. This is a big plus as you can hand in your work contract as a “proof of funds” at the visa application.

  • Career Opportunities: High employability due to the practical experience and networking with employers.

Popular fields for a dual study program:

  • Business Administration

  • Engineering

  • Information Technology

  • Health Care

Types of dual study programs.

Studium mit vertiefter Praxis.

Traditional university programs can often be too theoretical, and for those who prefer a more practical approach from the start, a study program with enhanced practical training is ideal. In this model, academic coursework at the university is combined with intensive practical phases at a partner company.

This structure is available for both Bachelor's and Master's degrees, providing a well-rounded blend of theory and hands-on experience to better prepare students for professional challenges.

  • There is typically no extended learning period for this program, as you are expected to work at the partner company during the lecture-free periods.

Verbundstudium.

If you’re torn between pursuing a university degree and vocational training, you don’t have to choose just one. In a Verbundstudium, both paths are combined. You’ll simultaneously earn a fully recognized vocational qualification along with your Bachelor’s degree, providing the best of both academic and practical worlds.

  • This program typically lasts a extra year when compared to a traditional degree program.

How to apply for a dual study program.

1. Research Programs and Companies:

  • Identify the field you are interested in.

  • Research universities that offer Duales Stadium in that field.

  • Look for partner companies associated with these universities.

2. Prepare Application Documents:

  • Lebenslauf: Resume/CV - Highlight your educational background. Volunteering and internships enhance your CV.

  • Anschreiben: Cover Letter - Explain your motivation for applying to the specific program. Do research on the company and relate it to your motivation for applying. If you learnt German in school, try to incorporate that in your motivation!.

  • Academic Certificates: Include your NSC or Abitur. When including your NSC attach the following equivalency document to your application.

  • Other Certificates: Any additional qualifications, reference letters and language proficiency certificates.

3. Apply to Companies:

Usually applying to companies should be done 6-12 months prior to the start of your degree program.

(e.g. If your degree starts on Wintersemester 2026 you would need to start applying right now for a dual study position.)

That being said it is still possible to find dual study positions within the same year of your degree program start-date, but your chances of getting accepted are lessened.

4. Attend Interviews:

At this stage you’ll have received an invitation to attend a Vorstellungsgespräch (Interview). Since you are applying abroad, this will usually be done online.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Brush up on your German: Since you will be working in Germany, you will most likely be expected to speak German in the interview., however, some bigger companies give you the option to do the interview in English. We’d recommend to avoid this and rather do the interview in German, as it shows your commitment to integrate within the company and Germany as a whole.

  • Understand the core values of the business: Prepare thoroughly by researching the company’s business operations, its industry position, and the specific role you are applying for within the dual-study program. Understand the company’s mission, values, and key projects to grasp how your responsibilities will fit into the larger organisational context.

5. University Enrollment:

After your interview it usual takes about 2-4 weeks for companies to get back to you.

Congratulations, you have secured yourself a dual study position! Here’s what you can expect from this point forward:

  • The company will assist in enrolling you at the partner university:

    • You either get direct enrolment to the university your company is partnered with.

    • or - If your company does not have a specific partner university, you would apply as normal to a university and forward any relevant documents, relating to your dual study position (e.g. Work contract, Course schedule, etc.), to the responsible person at the university.

DHBW - Duale Hochschule Baden-Würtemberg

DHBW (Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg) is a leading institution in Germany that specialises in dual education, in fields such as:

  • Business

  • Engineering

  • Information Technology

Dual study programs in Bavaria.

Strong Economic Region.

Bavaria is one of Germany's strongest economic regions, home to numerous global companies, particularly in sectors like automotive, engineering, IT, and biotechnology. Major companies such as BMW, Siemens, and Audi have their headquarters in Bavaria, offering abundant opportunities for students in dual study programs to gain valuable industry experience.

Extensive Network of Partner Companies.

Bavaria has a vast network of partner companies that collaborate with universities offering dual study programs. These partnerships ensure students have access to hands-on training in some of the best and most innovative firms, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

High Demand for Skilled Professionals.

Bavaria's thriving economy creates a high demand for skilled professionals. Dual study programs cater to this need by preparing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making them highly attractive to employers in the region.

Bavaria hosts numerous universities of applied sciences, including several prominent Technische Hochschulen (TH). These institutions offer a wide range of practice-oriented programs, emphasizing applied research and close collaboration with industry partners to prepare students for the workforce.

Hochschule Dual is a network initiative in Bavaria that promotes and coordinates dual study programs at Bavarian universities of applied sciences and Technische Hochschulen (Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften).

It bridges the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience, providing a platform for students, universities, and companies to collaborate effectively in dual education.

Hochschule-dual allows you to filter search dual study programs on the following:

  • University

  • Degree program

  • Companies

  • Area within Bavaria

With this filter search you can effectively  shortlist various dual study programs, and have access to the relevant contact persons offering dual study positions.