What Is Dual Studium? Germany's Model for Studying While You Work

'Dual Studium' is a higher-education model unique to Germany: students study at a higher-education institution while simultaneously working — and earning a salary — at a company. Theory and practice typically alternate in blocks of a few months each.

The most common provider of this model is DHBW (Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg); students first sign a contract with a company, then enroll at the university under that company's sponsorship. Several other universities and Hochschulen offer similar dual programs in engineering, business and IT.

The biggest advantage of Dual Studium is a regular salary throughout your studies and real work experience before graduation — tuition fees are usually waived entirely. The rate of being hired by the same company after graduation is quite high.

The trade-off is a demanding, tightly scheduled program, and you typically need to secure a company placement before enrolling — which can make the application process longer and more competitive than a standard university application.

If you want to study while earning an income, with a head start toward a guaranteed job after graduation, Dual Studium is well worth considering. At Studiva, we also help match you with a company and program that fit your profile.