Dual Study Programs in Germany: Combine Education with Work Experience

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Duales Studium, Dual Study Programs for International Students, Dual Study Programs in Germany for International Students, Dual Study Programs in Germany for International Students

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Are you an international student eager to study in Germany but also keen to gain hands-on work experience at the same time? Dual study programs might be the perfect fit for you! Germany’s unique educational approach allows students to blend academic learning with practical, on-the-job experience. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about dual study programs in Germany, from what they are to how to apply, and why they could be a game-changer for your career.

What are Dual Study Programs?

Dual Study Programs, or "Duales Studium", are an innovative educational model in Germany that offers students the chance to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience simultaneously. These programs combine traditional university studies with on-the-job training at partnering companies.

Upon completion, you receive:

An academic degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s).

In many cases, a vocational qualification.

A salary from the company you train with, making it a financially viable option for students.

How Do Dual Study Programs Work?

Dual Study Programs are typically structured around two key components:

Academic Learning: You'll study at a university or a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), covering theory-based coursework related to your field of study.

Practical Training: At the same time, you'll work for a company that offers practical, hands-on experience relevant to your studies. You will be under contract with the company, which means you'll work a set number of hours per week as part of the program.

Types of Dual Study Programs

There are several types of Dual Study Programs to cater to different career goals:

Training-Integrated Dual Study: You’ll earn both an academic degree and a vocational qualification (such as a "Journeyman Certificate").

Practice-Integrated Dual Study: You’ll earn an academic degree, and your practical work experience will be integrated into the curriculum but without a vocational qualification.

Career-Integrated Dual Study: Aimed at those already in employment, this option allows you to combine your job with academic studies.

Program Duration

Dual Study Programs typically last between three to five years, depending on the field of study and whether you're pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Why Choose a Dual Study Program in Germany?

If you're unsure about studying abroad, particularly in a country like Germany, it's important to know what benefits you’ll gain from investing your time and energy in such a program. Here's why Dual Study Programs stand out:

1. Earn While You Learn

One of the biggest perks is that students in Dual Study Programs are often paid for their work. Most companies offering these programs will compensate you based on the IG Metall collective agreement, which means you can expect a monthly salary of around 900 to 1200 euros. In some cases, the company may even cover your tuition fees!

2. Two Qualifications in One

You don’t just get a degree – you also earn a vocational qualification in your field. For example, if you're studying engineering, your hands-on work will also focus on engineering, giving you a thematic connection between your academics and practical work.

3. High Employability

Many companies recruit their dual-study graduates right after completion of the program. Having a combination of theoretical knowledge and work experience will make you stand out in the job market. If your company is satisfied with your performance, there’s a good chance they’ll offer you a full-time position.

4. Networking Opportunities

In a Dual Study Program, you'll build connections not only at your university but also within the company you’re working for. This professional network can provide invaluable job opportunities down the road.

Where Can You Pursue Dual Study Programs?

Germany offers Dual Study Programs at various institutions. Two main types of institutions provide these programs:

1. Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)

These institutions are publicly funded and focus on practical-oriented education. They offer a mix of dual and non-dual programs and partner with companies in a variety of sectors.

2. Universities of Cooperative Education (Duale Hochschule)

These are dedicated to dual study programs and have a strong network of companies with which they collaborate. If you're keen on enrolling here, you’ll usually apply to the company first, which will then guide you through the academic application process.

Popular Fields of Study

Some industries in Germany are particularly well-suited for dual study programs:

Engineering: Over 600 programs available.

Business and Management: More than 600 programs.

Computer Science: Around 200 programs.

Social Welfare, Architecture, and Design.

Companies That Offer Dual Study Programs

Germany is home to many top-tier companies offering dual study programs, such as:

BMW

Airbus

Daimler

Siemens

For example, BMW partners with the Munich University of Applied Sciences to offer a Dual Bachelor’s in Computer Science, ensuring you graduate with both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Dual Study Programs at German Universities: Overview Table

Here is a table that highlights some of the universities offering Dual Study Programs. You will get a clear overview of the Dual Study Programs at German universities, their partnering companies, degree types, entry requirements, and other essential information:

Program Name	University	Partner Companies/ Employers	Degree Type	Duration	Language of Instruction	Tuition Fees	Salary	Key Features
Dual Bachelor of Science in Sport & Event Management Course Website Link	University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Berlin	ALBA Berlin (basketball club)	Bachelor's	3.5 years	English	€8,280 per year (paid by the practice partner)	None	Practical focus on sports and event management.
Dual Bachelor of Science in International Management Course Website Link	HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration	Multiple partnering companies	Bachelor's	3 years	English	€9480 per year (mostly covered by company)	Salary provided by the company	Practical work experience at cooperating companies with strong focus on management and business.
Dual Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management Course Website Link	Hochschule Worms - University of Applied Sciences	DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH	Bachelor's	3 years	English (some German)	No tuition fees (Semester Contribution: 163.50- First Semester; 143.50- Rest Semesters)	€900 gross per month	Vocational training as an air traffic controller, focus on aviation management.
Dual Bachelor's and Master's Programs Course Website Link	Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW)	Daimler, Bosch, IBM, Allianz	Varies (Bachelor’s or Master’s)	3-4 years	English	Varies (depending on partner company)	Salary provided by the company	Largest higher education institution for dual studies, international and exchange semesters.
Dual Study Programs (Various Disciplines) Course Website Link	Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI)	Audi, Airbus, E.ON	Varies	3-4 years	Mostly German, some English	Depends on the program	Depends on the company	Broad range of dual programs, strong industry links for practical training in Bavaria.
Dual Master's Programs in Engineering & Technology Course Website Link	Esslingen University of Applied Sciences	Various technology companies	Master's	2 years	English	Depends on the program	Salary provided by the company	Specialises in engineering and technology, hands-on technical training under Study Plus Models.
Dual Bachelor's Programs in Business Administration Course Website Link	IUBH International University	Multiple multinational companies	Bachelor's	3-4 years	English	€1,500 - €14,000 per year	Salary provided by the company	Business-focused programs, strong partnerships with diverse industries.
Dual Bachelor's in Web Development & Various Fields Course Website Link	SRH Hochschule Heidelberg	Various IT companies	Bachelor's	3.5 years	English	€4725 per semester	Depends on the partner company	Combines computer science theory with practical training, strong IT career opportunities.
Bachelor’s in Engineering, Computer Science Course Website Link	Munich University of Applied Sciences	BMW, Siemens, Airbus	Bachelor's	4-4.5 years	German (B2-C1)	No tuition fees	Salary provided by the company	Industry-focused training in top tech and engineering companies.
Dual Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs Course Website Link	OTH Regensburg	Continental, Infineon, BMW	Bachelor's	3-4 years	German (B2)	No tuition fees	Salary provided by the company	Strong partnerships with major engineering firms, practical-oriented.
Dual Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs Course Website Link	Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI)	Audi, Airbus, E.ON	Bachelor's	3.5 years	German (B2-C1)	No tuition fees	Salary provided by the company	Focus on instilling solid business and technical skills, strong ties with tech companies.
Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Course Website Link	Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin	Deutsche Bank, SAP, Lufthansa	Bachelor's	3 years	German (B2)	No tuition fees	Salary provided by the company	Focuses on business and IT sectors with major German employers.
Bachelor’s in Business Administration Course Website Link	Nordakademie Hochschule der Wirtschaft	Airbus, BP Europa SE, Accenture Song Build	Bachelor’s	3.5 years	German (C1)	Covered by partner company	Salary provided by the company	Broad business knowledge, excellent career prospects, high employability post-graduation
Dual Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs Course Website Link	Hochschule Osnabrück	DHL, Siemens, E.ON	Bachelor's	3.5 years	German (B2)	No tuition fees	Salary provided by the company	Specialised in various engineering and management programs with industry giants.

How to Apply for a Dual Study Program?

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you’ll need the following:

Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Abitur or equivalent): This qualifies you to enter higher education in Germany.

Signed Contract with a Partnering Company: You’ll need to secure a company contract before you begin your studies. This involves applying to companies that offer Dual Study Programs.

German Language Proficiency (B2 or C1 Level): While some programs are available in English, most require proficiency in German.

Documents: Prepare your CV, Motivation Letter, Academic Transcripts, and Certificates. You may also need a TestAS Certificate.

How to Apply?

Applying for a dual study program involves two steps:

1. Apply to the Company First

Most companies require you to apply directly for their dual study positions. If accepted, they will guide you through the university application process.

2. Apply to the University

Once accepted by the company, you’ll then apply to the university or university of applied sciences that partners with it. The company will often help with this process.

How to Search for Dual Study Opportunities?

Resources for Finding Programs:

Azubiyo.de

Wegweiser-duales-studium.de

Ausbildung.de

Company career pages also provide direct details on Dual Study Programs. Start by visiting company websites or job portals like:

Stepstone.de

Glassdoor.com

Stellenanzeigen.de

These platforms let you search specifically for Dual Study roles. For example, BMW partners with Munich University of Applied Sciences for tech programs, and Daimler with Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW) for business and engineering degrees.

This approach allows you to target companies in industries that interest you while ensuring you receive the educational qualifications required to succeed in your chosen field.

Financing Your Studies

The salary you earn from your company usually covers most of your expenses. Depending on your field of study, you can earn anywhere from 900 to 2350 euros per month. You can also apply for scholarships to further reduce your costs.

Challenges of Dual Study Programs

While the benefits are immense, Dual Study Programs do come with certain challenges:

High Workload: You’ll need to juggle academic learning with working for a company. Unlike regular students, there is no long vacation period, as you'll spend most of your time working or studying.

No Flexibility: Because of the contract with the company, you’ll need to stay committed for the entire duration. You cannot change your study program or take long breaks.

Limited Holidays: Dual students have fewer holiday days compared to regular students, as they are also working employees.

Alternative Ways to Combine Study and Work in Germany

If you find that a dual study program is not the right fit for you, there are other ways to combine studying and working in Germany:

Universities of Applied Sciences

Many universities of applied sciences in Germany offer practice-oriented programs that include internships or project work with companies. This approach allows you to gain practical experience while studying without the formal structure of a dual study program.

Online Study Programs

If you are currently employed but want to pursue an academic degree, online study programs might be a good option. They allow you to continue working while studying at your own pace.

Internships or Side Jobs

You can also pursue internships or side jobs while enrolled in a traditional study program in Germany. Many international students work as "Werkstudenten" (working students), which allows them to gain relevant work experience in their field of study.

Conclusion: A Dual Study Program Could Be Your Pathway to Success

Germany’s Dual Study Programs are a fantastic opportunity to fast-track your career while earning a degree and a salary. By combining practical work with theoretical learning, these programs ensure that you're well-prepared for the job market and highly employable after graduation. However, they also require a significant amount of effort in terms of applications and balancing work with study. Consider your career goals, language proficiency, and readiness to navigate a challenging application process before making a decision.

If you're up for the challenge, a dual study program could be an incredibly rewarding experience that sets you on a path to a successful international career. Start your journey by exploring the various options available, and don't hesitate to reach out to universities or companies for more information! Germany’s Dual Study Programs await you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a dual study program in Germany?

A dual study program (Duales Studium) in Germany combines academic learning at a university with practical, paid work experience at a partnering company, leading to both a degree and, in some cases, a vocational qualification.

Is Duales Studium free in Germany?

Many dual study programs have no tuition fees, especially at public universities, and students often receive a salary from their employer, making the program financially accessible.

What is dual vocational training in Germany for international students?

Dual vocational training (Ausbildung) allows students to combine classroom learning with hands-on work experience at a company, preparing them for skilled professions. International students can apply if they meet the requirements.

What is the dual education system in Germany?

The dual education system in Germany integrates theoretical education with practical experience in a company, enabling students to apply what they learn directly in the workplace.

What is the difference between a dual study program and a dual degree program in Germany?

A dual study program focuses on combining academic studies with work experience at a company, while a dual degree program typically involves earning two academic degrees, often from two different institutions.

What is the difference between Ausbildung and a dual study program in Germany?

Ausbildung focuses on vocational training for specific trades or professions, while a dual study program offers a higher academic degree (usually a bachelor’s) alongside professional work experience.

How much does Duales Studium pay in Germany?

Students in a dual study program typically earn between €900 and €1,200 per month, though this can vary based on the company and industry.

Dual Study Programs in Germany for International Students - A Comprehensive Overview