A Comprehensive Overview of Germany Dual Education System

Germany’s Dual Education System

The German school system has a rich tradition of implementing the dual system, originating in the Middle Ages. The collaboration between mostly private businesses and public vocational schools is a crucial aspect of the dual system. This collaboration is governed by legislation. The word “dual” also refers to a particular constitutional circumstance in Germany where the federal states (Länder) are in charge of vocational schools while the federal government is responsible for vocational training within companies. Consequently, Germany’s dual vocational training system successfully integrates theory with practical experience, knowledge with skills, and education with work The German system of vocational training is widely recognized as a foundational and highly effective model for vocational training since it combines theory and practice, classroom and company, and learning and working. studying and working in a classroom and company.If you’re looking for such a chance, the Dual Education System may be the answer! With these special programs, you may be paid while earning a degree and useful real-world experience with prestigious firms like Siemens and BMW. Imagine attending a top institution to study computer science, engineering, or business while using your abilities in a real-world work environment. This ideal combination will position you for success in the cutthroat employment market of today. All set to find out more? Now let’s get started!

Would you like to work in Germany while pursuing your studies as an international student? Programs for dual study can be exactly what you need! Due to Germany’s unique educational structure, students can combine classroom teaching with practical, on-the-job training. This blog will cover all the information you want about dual study programs in Germany, including their definition, application procedures, and the reasons they could revolutionize your professional path.

What is a German dual study program?

In Germany, dual study programs, referred to as “DualesStudium,” offer a modern educational approach that enables students to simultaneously gain academic knowledge and practical experience.Classroom education and on-the-job training at linked businesses are combined in these programs.
For a program to be considered dual, it must include two distinct learning environments, such as the corporation or institution and the higher education institution. You will discover a thematic link between your practical work placement and your academic program, as well as an institutional link and strong collaboration between your university and industry.

To be deemed legitimate, a study program must meet academic standards. Academic institutions must adhere to acceptable academic standards and hold state accreditation as higher education establishments. This implies that it is feasible to switch to a master’s degree that is solely academic after completing a dual bachelor’s program. The outcome of a dual study program is the dual certification. One way is through an academic degree, usually a bachelor’s degree, however master’s degrees can also be obtained in two different formats. However, in the form of hands-on job experience, which in certain situations involves finishing a certified vocational training program.

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What is the framework of Germany’s several dual study program types?

To put it simply, dual studies essentially refer to working for a firm while also pursuing education. You, your company, and your school work together to coordinate both parts. This term does not apply to learning formats like online or part-time programs that do not include the same degree of coordination between the various partners. Technically speaking, they are not dual, even if they can enable you to combine employment and education.

  1. The first way to distinguish between different sorts of dual programs is by the type of practical phases and aspects that are incorporated into the academic curriculum.
  2. Second, for dual programming, several time models arise based on the structure of the theoretical and practical phases.

It might be a little challenging to determine which program kinds and time models are available at particular institutions while looking for dual programs.

Different kinds of dual study programs available in Germany

The sort of practical component that is incorporated into the studies determines the differences between the dual program study types:

Dual training-integrated programs (ausbildungsintegrierend in German)

Academic instruction and a certified occupational apprenticeship in a recognized profession are combined in training-integrated dual programs. In addition to their academic degree, typically a bachelor’s degree, graduates also obtain a vocational certificate from the German Chamber of Commerce or the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Students must take two tests in order to obtain both an academic and a vocational certificate. Approximately 35% of programs in existence in 2019 use this paradigm.

This kind of curriculum is usually started by students after they graduate from high school. To be qualified, you need to have an apprenticeship contract with a firm and a secondary school leaving certificate that allows you to continue your study in Germany. Additionally, it is nearly always necessary to speak German. Students in this program study and acquire both academic and practical components that are closely related and coordinated in content.

Dual Practice-integrated programs (praxisintegrierend in German)

Like training-integrated programs, practice-integrated dual programs combine academic instruction with real-world experience in a business or institution. The content of the academic and practical sections is coordinated and connected, just like in training-integrated programs. However, the main distinction is that the practical components do not include a recognized vocational training. Consequently, graduates of practice-integrated dual programs have a bachelor’s or often a master’s degree, some real-world job experience, but no formal vocational training certificate in a recognized field. Almost half of all study programs were available in this format in 2019.

This model’s students are not apprenticeship trainees; instead, they work as normal workers or as interns. This model’s students often work with a single firm during this period, although there are also practice-integrated dual study models that let you intern at several companies and switch companies every semester. In the latter instance, you could only get paid for the months that you work.

After completing high school or a bachelor’s degree, students usually begin this kind of program. A few of these individuals have also begun a profession before choosing to pursue further education under this study plan. In order to be qualified for this sort of program, you must have a first academic degree for practice-integrated master’s programs or a secondary school leaving certificate that allows you to pursue further education studies in Germany. Furthermore, it is nearly always necessary to have outstanding German language abilities.

Dual Career-integrated programs (berufsintegrierend) in German)


The dual study program with a career integration is intended for those who have already begun their job and are seeking additional possibilities to get professional credentials. They select a dual study program that is career-integrated and related to their line of work after consulting and coordinating with their present employer. As a result, although academic training is relevant for a professional job, the connections between its structure and content aren’t as strong as they are in the other two dual study programs.

Nonetheless, there is also a degree of cooperation between the two organizations: Students in this kind of program frequently receive time off from their employers to further their education. In order to integrate the studies with the students’ professional obligations, the majority of the academic instruction in this model takes place online and through self-study components.

Students who already have a full-time job with an employer that supports their desire to study are eligible for this program. It is advised that individuals participate in a dual career-integrated master’s program if they already have a first academic degree. If not, bachelor’s degrees that are career-integrated are also offered. You may even be able to enroll in a bachelor’s degree of this kind without an A-level diploma, depending on your prior job experience and occupational credentials. Kindly contact the university of your choice with questions.

German dual study programs using three-time models


In many temporal models, the theoretical and practical components are coordinated. It is crucial to remember that, as this may vary from program to program, you should always inquire with the institutions about the time model used in a particular program. You may anticipate that this will be precisely outlined and regulated in a contract between your university, job, and yourself, regardless of the time model you study under.

When it comes to the length of dual study programs, you could note that they take longer to finish than standard programs. A dual bachelor’s degree that includes training usually lasts seven to nine semesters, while one that incorporates practice usually lasts six to seven semesters. Comparatively speaking, a non-dual bachelor’s degree typically lasts six semesters.

While dual study programs in Germany are undoubtedly a great and well-liked option for students due to all of these benefits, there are certain drawbacks that we don’t want to hide from you.

1. Heavy workload

Dual-program students deal with a heavy burden. While standard program students in Germany enjoy semester breaks or months-long lecture-free periods to complete assignments, prepare for tests, and arrange independent internships or holidays, dual students frequently have job placements during this time. They will have to finish the study program’s burden, which includes reading materials, taking classes, and preparing for tests, in addition to their job hours. This means that the perfect dual student should be resilient, focused, highly motivated, and eager to take on self-organization problems.

2. Contractual responsibilities

Dual students could be bound by a contract with their job to complete the study program, although ordinary program participants can alter their courses or discontinue their studies with reasonable ease. This can be the situation if your employer covers your tuition costs and pays you during the study times when you are not working for the firm. Although specifics vary from situation to case, we advise carefully considering your options before entering into contracts. It’s a significant yet worthwhile commitment.

3. Other difficulties faced by overseas students

Dual-study in Germany presents significant difficulties for international students. This is due to the fact that, almost universally, dual possibilities necessitate superior German language proficiency. Additionally, you will need to complete the application procedure for both a firm and a university, which will require twice as much effort and may present logistical difficulties, such as if a company requires you to enroll in an assessment center.

Additionally, you need to find out if all of your papers will be accepted in Germany and specifics about the visa application procedure. Regretfully, this takes a lot of effort and time in addition to sounding difficult.

Conclusion

The Dual Study Programs offered by Germany are an excellent way to advance your job while receiving a degree and compensation. These programs guarantee that you are highly marketable and ready for the workforce after you graduate by fusing theoretical study with real-world experience. But they also need a great deal of work in terms of applications and juggling employment and school. Before choosing, think about your professional objectives, language skills, and preparedness for a demanding application procedure. A dual study program might be a really fulfilling experience that puts you on the route to a prosperous international career if you’re ready for the task. Investigate your alternatives first, and don’t be afraid to contact businesses or colleges for further information! Dual Study Programs in Germany are waiting for you.

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