Do you want to learn more than just dull theory?Moreover, do you want to immediately put the things you learn into practice or even work in your field during your studies? Dual study programs are not only practical, but also efficient.So what are the advantages, and are there any disadvantages? What does dual study mean, in practice?Today, the UE will get to the bottom of it!

Killing Two Birds with One Stone

Theory and practice at the same time—in a dual study program, the professional component is a fixed part of your studies. This combination of study program, professional school, and apprenticeship gives you what you will ultimately need for your later job. While others only work towards a degree, you can get your Bachelor and do an apprenticeship simultaneously. You’ll be a step ahead of your future fellow job applicants!

What Type of Study Should You Choose?

You’ve decided on a dual study program? You don’t need a separate apprenticeship location for every dual study program. There are several options: integrated apprenticeship, integrated professional development, and integrated practical training.

With the dual study program with integrated apprenticeship, you’ll pair an apprenticeship with your academic study. Universities and colleges offer you their student services to support your search for an apprenticeship. Your studies and apprenticeship thus fit together harmoniously, as they do in our dual study program, Business & Taxes. In this program, we actively assist prospective UE students in their search for an apprenticeship with a company through our Job Speeddating events.However, the dual study program with integrated apprenticeship can be very demanding. With your studies, plus career training, plus time with a company, you have to stay well organized. Your heavy workload doesn’t allow for much free time. You also don’t have the usual semester breaks, since you’ll have to work full time at the company during those times.

Alternatively, you can do it the way our student, professional ALBA Berlin basketball player Akeem Vargas, does it. The dual study program with integrated professional development allows you to expand your professional activities through a study program whose content is coordinated with them. That way, you could take part in training and playing, while simultaneously getting your degree in  Sport & Event Management.

With a dual study program with integrated practical training, you don’t need an apprenticeship contract. Integrated practical phases within companies during your studies are enough, in this case. You can gain professional experience throughout, though you won’t have a completed apprenticeship at the end of your studies.

Who Pays for It?

An important question related to dual study is: Who pays the tuition? Does the company take over the tuition expenses, or do you have to spring for everything? It is possible that the company would pay a part of the costs or would subtract them from your pay. It’s important that you clear this up right away at your application interview with the company!

Some employers immediately enter into an additional contract with you for the time after you graduate. This way, you’re bound to your employer for a specific period of time. However, at the same time, you can count on having a secure job after graduation.