Requirements for dual studies at the THI

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degrees 
In order to be able to apply for a place on the dual bachelor's study programme, you must be in possession of one of the following qualifications: general higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific entrance qualification, advanced technical college certificate or master craftsman examination certificate (including vocational training certification equivalent to the master craftsman examination certificate).

Master's degrees
In order to be able to apply for a place on the dual master's study programme, you must be in possession of one of the following qualifications: successfully completed subject-specific diploma or bachelor's study programme, successfully completed aptitude testing for the desired master's programme, and, where appropriate, proof of required language knowledge.

Personal requirements

Do your strengths include personal initiative, determination and good organisational ability? A dual course of study is particularly suitable for prospective students with great commitment and above average performance motivation, who wish to obtain their first experience of working in a company alongside their studies. You must have an aptitude for complex tasks and taking responsibility. Dual studies demand discipline and time management, due to the combination of an extensive practical component with university studies. Once you have obtained your qualification, however, companies generally offer excellent employment prospects.

International applicants are advised to contact the company in advance to find out what is required in terms of German language knowledge. The majority of companies require applicants to have a very good level of spoken and written German!

Applying for dual studies at THI

Applications should always be sent directly to the company. In addition to that you have to apply for a study place at the Technische Hochschule during the regular application period (2 May - 15 July). Here you will learn more about how the application process at the THI works.

International applicants are advised to contact the company in advance to find out what is required in terms of German language knowledge. The majority of companies require applicants to have a very good level of spoken and written German.

Applying for compound studies (Bachelor)
  • Select a bachelor degree programme which you want to study in conjunction with vocational training. Check our database for an overview of all compound study courses available (Advice: The German word for compound studies is "Verbundstudium").
  • Apply early (6-15 months before the start of the training) for a training place at a companythat cooperates with the THI in the desired study programme.
  • The period for sending applications to the THI is 2 May-15 July of the year in which the training commences. This means that you can secure admission to the university a year in advance of taking up your studies.
  • Enclose an authenticated copy of your training contract with your application to the THI. When you are admitted to take up studies, you will receive a notice of admission, which you should submit again the following year with your second application.
  • A second application is submitted to the university in the period of 2 May-15 July of the year in which studies commence.

Advice: For some degree programmes we do not have any partners yet or maybe your preferred partner is not in our database. That is no problem: You could also contact other companies, ask for dual studies and refer them to website for further information.For useful information on how to find and approach companies please check our guidline:"How to find a dual partner company? (PDF)".
 

Applying for studies with an additional practical element (Bachelor/Master)

Bachelor's degree

  • Select a bachelor degree programme which you want to study in conjunction with intensive practical periods at a company. Check our database for an overview of a dual study courses available (Advice: The German word for studies with an additional practical element is "Studium mit vertiefter Praxis").
  • Apply early (6-15 months before the start of your studies) for a dual study place at a company that cooperates with the THI in your desired degree programme.
  • Conclude a placement/dual contract with your partner company.
  • Apply to the THI in the regular application period (2 May - 15 July) of the year in which studies commence. Submit your dual contract as part of your application documents.


Master's degree

  • Select a master degree programme which you want to study in conjunction with intensive practical periods at a company. Check our database for an overview of a dual study courses available (Advice: The German word for studies with an additional practical element is "Studium mit vertiefter Praxis").
  • Apply early (6-15 months before the start of your studies) for a dual study place at a company that cooperates with the THI in your desired degree programme.
  • Request the form "Kooperationsbestätigung Duales Masterstudium" and let it fill in by your company.
  • Apply to the THI in the regular application period (winter term: 2 May - 15 July, summer term: 15 November - 15 January) for your prefered degree programme. Submit the form "Kooperationsbestätigung Duales Masterstudium" as part of your application documents.
     

Advices:

For some degree programmes we do not have any partners yet. That is no problem: You can also contact other companies, ask for dual studies and refer them to our homepage for further information. Sometimes you are the first applicant and you’re showing initiative. For useful information on how to find and approach companies please check our guidline: "How to find a dual partner company? (PDF)".

If you can’t find a partner company from the beginning, there is still an opportunity to register for this dual model after you have started your studies. For dual bachelor programmes you already should have done the required pre-study internship and according to your submitted contract, the required minimum practical experience (PDF) will be fulfilled during matriculation time at the THI. For dual master programmes you have to prove a practical experience (countable incl. master’s thesis) of at least 34 weeks in full-time or an equivalent in part-time, at one company.Please check our Moodle to learn more about how the post-registration for dual studies works!