Dual cooperative degree options in Bavaria
Do you want to know how you can combine academic studies in a generous selection of degree programmes with practical work experience with more than 2,000 enterprises?
Study and Work –
The Best of Both Worlds
Dual cooperative study is geared towards highly motivated prospective students who are looking to combine intensive
practical experience with an academic degree. They bring outstanding students into contact with enterprises at an early
stage so that both sides can benefit from this valuable
combination of the best of both worlds.
You are welcome to apply for a dual or cooperative degree programme in Bavaria with a university entrance qualification
gained in Germany or abroad. In addition to the general conditions for admission, you should have a profound understanding of German, as it is the working language in most companies.
What is
hochschule dual?
hochschule dual is not a university of applied sciences, but the umbrella brand for cooperative study option in Bavaria. The initiative brings all the cooperative degree programmes together on one central information platform and also acts as a service point for prospective students, universities of applied sciences, and companies.
As an umbrella brand with uniform quality standards, hochschule dual oversees and provides information about all the cooperative study programmes offered by the universities of applied sciences in Bavaria.
What does "dual" mean?
“Dual” is a protected term in Germany, meaning it combines two learning locations: studying at a university of applied sciences (UAS) while gaining practical experience in an enterprise or institution.
There are three models:
- In an academic degree programme with intensive in-company training (Studium mit vertiefter Praxis), you can complete your studies after 3.5 years with a bachelor‘s degree and gain comprehensive practical work experience in a participating enterprise along the way. This means that you can demonstrate longer periods of practical work experience than graduates of standard degree programmes.
You will be involved in enterprise projects, ideally in different departments, and with time, you may even be able to take on your own small projects. You also write your bachelor dissertation in the enterprise.
Click on the image to enlarge it.
- A dual master’s programme combines advanced academic study with practical work experience in an enterprise.
You study part-time at a university of applied sciences while
lso working in a relevant position and applying your knowledge directly in practice. The programme usually lasts for two years. Your master’s thesis is often written in cooperation with the company and with a focus on real-world projects or challenges.
Click on the image to enlarge it.
- You can combine academic study leading to a bachelor’s degree with an advanced vocational training qualification in a cooperative degree programme (Verbundstudium) that lasts for 4.5 years. This study model requires a very high level of German language proficiency, as German is spoken both in the company and at the vocational schools. Therefore, this study model is generally not recommended.
Click on the image to enlarge it.
Degrees are available in the following areas:
- Engineering
- Business and economics
- IT, mathematics, and the natural sciences
- Design
- Social welfare work and healthcare
- Agriculture and forestry.
Where is the dual study
programme located?
At Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
in Bavaria
A University of Applied Sciences (UAS) is a higher education institution that focuses on practical and career-oriented learning. Established about 50 years ago from former engineering schools, UAS offer programmes closely connected to professional practice, including internships and projects with companies.
A bachelor’s degree usually comprises six semesters of academic study plus one compulsory internship semester, combining theory and practice. UAS also offer master’s and PhD programmes.
Professors at UAS must have a doctorate, teaching experience, and at least five years of professional experience outside academia.
Find more information: Association of the Bavarian Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
The path to a
dual degree programme
In order to begin a dual study programme,
certain formal requirements must be met:
- University entrance qualification: In general, applicants are required to have a university entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife), a master craftsman’s examination, or, in certain cases, completed vocational training with relevant professional experience.
- Education or training contract: You must have a contract with a partner company of a university of applied sciences (UAS) in Bavaria.
- Numerus clausus (NC): Some degree programmes have restricted admission. The admission threshold (NC) varies depending on the university and the specific programme. The same NC requirements apply to dual study degree as to regular ones. For detailed information, please contact the respective university directly.
Personal requirements
In addition to the formal requirements, applicants are expected to work hard, take personal responsibility, demonstrate good organisational skills, and be motivated to complete their studies successfully and with commitment.
Checklist
How to succeed in
the application process
Why German is key for your dual degree
A profound knowledge of German is essential, as it’s the main language used in most companies. You’ll need it to communicate with colleagues, follow instructions, and succeed in your practical training alongside your studies.
Select a study model
Study programme with in-depth practical experience (bachelor's/master's): Combines a degree programme with intensive practical phases at a partner company (3.5 years)
Combined study programme (bachelor's): Combines a degree programme with vocational training (4.5 years)
Select a degree programme
Which degree programme is your favourite? If there are several options, prioritise them for yourself.
If you don't know what you want to study yet, we recommend taking the free study interest test offered by Hochschulkompasses.
Select your university
Select your preferred university from 20 member institutions that offer your degree programme.
Not particular about where you study?
Then feel free to skip ahead and pick your partner company first.
Find your partner company
Discover which partner companies have vacancies for your selected degree programme.
Instructions can be found below under “How do I find a partner company?”
It is also possible to recruit a new partner company that does not yet participate in a dual study programme.
For this, please contact the university where you wish to study.
Apply to the partner company
Ideally, you should apply to a partner company one year before the startof your studies.
It is recommended to submit applications to several partner companies simultaneously.
Note: The combined degree programme begins with 12 to 14 months of continuous practical training. After this first year, the academic programme starts, with university phases alternating with periods of practical training at the partner company during semester breaks, similar to the degree programme with in-depth practical training.
Sign a contract
Once you have received confirmation from a partner company, sign a training contract with the company, institution, or business. This contract governs the cooperation between dual students and partner companies.
In a combined study programme, you will also sign an additional training contract that specifically governs the training phases.
Sample contracts can be found on the German version of the website under “Downloads.”
Apply to the university
Apply with your completed training contract to a university that cooperates with your partner company in the chosen degree programme.
Application deadlines:
For studies beginning in the winter semester: application period from April to July.
For studies beginning in the summer semester: application period from November to January.
You can find more detailed information, including specific deadlines, on the website of the respective university.
Enrol at the university
Once you have received confirmation from your university, you must enrol within the specified period.
Note: If you are enrolled in a combined degree programme and will therefore spend the first year at a company, do not enrol immediately. Instead, contact your university to request a deferral until the following year – that is, the year in which your first academic phase at the university begins. A deferral will reserve your place at the university for one year, allowing you to enrol at the appropriate time.
What are the benefits
of cooperative degrees?
Financial and Career Advantages:
Financial stability is ensured through a monthly salary and minimal tuition fees, eliminating the need for a side job unrelated to the field of study. The dual study model fosters key skills – particularly an understanding of German work culture – and provides excellent career prospects with direct access to the German labour market.
Practical and Academic Integration:
Close integration between theoretical studies and practical company experience. As a dual student, one is well integrated and respected within the company, benefiting from early networking, structured studies, and hands-on training in one’s field. Company contacts also enable a smooth arrival in Germany.
Remuneration from the company.
The public UAS do not charge any fees.
A high likelihood of gaining a permanent position at the company and outstanding career opportunities.
Gaining key skills: Time management, self-organisation, structured working, communication strategies, teamwork, conflict management, and much more.
Double qualification: The cooperative degree programmes linking academic and vocational training each lead to two state-recognised qualifications in 4.5 years, a bachelor’s degree and a vocational qualification.
Where can I study?
You can find here the university of applied sciences (UAS) that is right for you and contact them directly.
Click on the map or on any of the university logos below for contact details.
Landshut
Hochschule Landshut
Am Lurzenhof 1
84036 Landshut
Telefon +49 871 506-0
Fax +49 871 506-506
Email info[at]haw-landshut.de
Hof
Hochschule Hof
Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof
Telefon +49 9281 409-3000
Fax +49 9281 409-4000
Email mail[at]hof-university.de
Amberg
Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 23
92224 Amberg
Telefon +49 9621 482-0
Fax +49 9621 482-4991
Email amberg[at]oth-aw.de
Weiden
Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 23
92224 Amberg
Telefon +49 961 382-0
Fax +49 961 382-2991
Email weiden[at]oth-aw.de
Ansbach
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Ansbach
Residenzstraße 8
91522 Ansbach
Telefon + 49 981 4877-0
Fax + 49 981 4877-188
Email info[at]hs-ansbach.de
zur Hochschule
Aschaffenburg
Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg
Würzburger Straße 45
63743 Aschaffenburg
Telefon +49 6021 4206-0
Fax +49 6021 4206-600
Email info[at]th-ab.de
Augsburg
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Augsburg
An der Hochschule 1
86161 Augsburg
Telefon +49 821 5586-0
Fax +49 821 5586-3222
Email info[at]hs-augsburg.de
Coburg
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Coburg
Friedrich-Streib-Str. 2
96406 Coburg
Telefon +49 9561 317-0
Fax +49 9561 317-275
Email poststelle@hs-coburg.de
Deggendorf
Technische Hochschule Deggendorf
Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1
94469 Deggendorf
Telefon +49 991 3615-0
Fax +49 991 3615-297
Email info[at]th-deg.de
Ingolstadt
Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
Esplanade 10
85049 Ingolstadt
Telefon +49 841 9348-0
Fax +49 841 9348-2000
Email info[at]thi.de
Kempten
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Kempten
Bahnhofstraße 61
87435 Kempten
Telefon +49 831 2523-0
Fax +49 831 2523-104
Email post[at]hs-kempten.de
München
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München
Lothstraße 34
80335 München
Telefon +49 89 1265-0
Fax +49 89 1265-3000
Email kommunikation[at]hm.edu
Katholische Stiftungshochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München
Preysingstr. 83
81667 München
Telefon +49 89 48092-900
Fax +49 89 48092-1900
Email presse[at]ksh-m.de
Nürnberg
Technische Hochschule Nürnberg
Keßlerplatz 12
90489 Nürnberg
Telefon +49 911 5880-0
Fax +49 911 5880-8309
Email info[at]th-nuernberg.de
Evangelische Hochschule Nürnberg
Bärenschanzstraße 4
90429 Nürnberg
Telefon +49 0911 27253-6
Fax +49 0911 27253-799
Email zentrale[at]evhn.de
Neu-Ulm
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Neu-Ulm
Wileystraße 1
89231 Neu-Ulm
Telefon +49 731 9762-0
Fax +49 731 9762-2299
Email info[at]hs-neu-ulm.de
Regensburg
Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg
Prüfeninger Str. 58
93049 Regensburg
Telefon +49 941 943-02
Fax +49 941 943-1422
Email poststelle[at]oth-regensburg.de
Rosenheim
Technische Hochschule Rosenheim
Hochschulstraße 1
83024 Rosenheim
Telefon +49 8031 805-0
Fax +49 8031 805-2105
Email info[at]th-rosenheim.de
Ulm
Technische Hochschule Ulm
Prittwitzstraße 10
89075 Ulm
Telefon +49 0731 50-208
Fax +49 0731 50-28270
Email info[at]thu.de
Weihenstephan-Triesdorf
Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf
Am Hofgarten 4
85354 Freising
Telefon +49 8161 71-0
Email studium[at]hswt.de
Würzburg
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
Telefon +49 931 3511-0
Fax +49 931 3511-6994
E-Mail servicezentrale-wue[at]fhws.de
Schweinfurt
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Ignaz-Schön-Straße 11
97421 Schweinfurt
Telefon +49 9721 940-5
E-Mail servicezentrale-sw[at]fhws.de
Triesdorf
Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf
Markgrafenstr. 16
91746 Weidenbach
Telefon +49 8161 71-0
Email studium.triesdorf[at]hswt.de
Find dual degree programmes
or Partner Companies
Start with our dual degree programmes portal: search all dual degree programmes at our 20 member universities and see companies currently offering placements.
Other ways to find a partner company:
- Ask your university which companies they already work with.
- Check online job portals like StepStone, Monster, or the Federal Employment Agency.
- Visit company career pages for dual degree opportunities.
- Attend education and career fairs to meet companies directly.
- Take the initiative and find a suitable enterprise organization, or social institution yourself.
Note: Companies must meet certain requirements and sign a cooperation agreement with the university to become a practical partner.
Need help? Dual coordinators at the universities provide guidance, tips, and checklists for new practical partners.
Additional links
for more information
- General information about studying in Bavaria, and information concerning admissions and German language tests can be found at: Study in Bavaria
- The DAAD is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers: Study and Research in Germany - DAAD
- Are you considering doing your PhD in Germany, looking for a postdoc position, or searching for a professorship? Bavaria is the place for you!
Join the international research community here - and call Bavaria home: Research Careers - The Ultimate Guide - Research in Bavaria
- Students at Bavarian universities have the opportunity to apply for support in the form of mobility grants and scholarships for subject-related study visits to China: BayChina
- BAYHOST works with Bavarian universities and universities of applied science to recruit highly qualified academics from Central and Eastern Europe for exchange programs. Additionally BAYHOST initiates and supports cooperation for students, guest lecturers and researchers: BayHost
- The BTHA is affiliated with the Bavarian Academic Center for Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (BAYHOST) and acts as the central contact partner for all aspects of bilateral cooperation between Bavaria and the Czech Republic in the field of higher education: BTHA - Home
- The Bavarian-Indian Centre for Business and University Cooperation (BayIND) connects Bavaria and India. Funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, BayIND is your competent partner for bilateral exchange: BayIND
- El Centro Universitario de Baviera para América Latina (BAYLAT) es una organización del Ministerio de Ciencia y Arte del Estado Libre de Baviera, que fomenta la relación entre Instituciones de Enseñanza Superior y de Investigación de Baviera y de América Latina, promociona a Baviera como centro de tecnología e innovación en los países latinoamericanos y promueve la cooperación científica con América Latina: BayLAT
- BayFrance (Franco-Bavarian University cooperation center) is the contact and the service center for the university and research cooperation between France and Bavaria (Germany): BayFrance
- With the help of the Bavarian Californian Technology Center (BaCaTeC), the Free State of Bavaria supports cooperations between Scientists in Bavaria and California. As a joint arrangement of all Bavarian universities, BaCaTeC is located at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg: BayCaTec
