For the first time, the number of dual students in Bavaria has risen to over 9,000. According to the latest statistics from hochschule dual – the network for dual study, Bavarian universities of applied sciences recorded an increase of 5% in the winter semester 24/25.
The popularity of dual study programs among companies and prospective students has risen continuously in recent years to 9,252 dual students in the winter semester 24/25. Companies throughout Bavaria are aware of the importance of securing young talent at an early stage. The dual study program, which closely combines theory and practice, is an effective way of finding and training the next generation of employees.
In addition to financial support, security and attractive career opportunities, practical experience is crucial for interested students. They can choose from over 3,500 practical cooperations throughout Bavaria – more than ever before.
Two study models – with and without training
There are two study models available for those wishing to study dual study in Bavaria. A degree course with in-depth practical experience allows you to gain 16 months of practical experience in the standard study period of seven semesters. With an additional year of training, vocational training can be completed alongside the Bachelor’s degree as part of the combined study program. This strengthens practical and professional skills and enables students to network and integrate even better within the company. 42% of dual Bachelor’s students opted for a combined study program in the winter semester 24/25. 58% of dual study students are enrolled on a degree course in engineering and computer science. For many years, the proportion in this field of study has been the highest. In second place is “Health and Social Affairs” with 19%, followed by “Business” (12%) and “Environment & Natural Sciences” (9%). The design field of study brings up the rear with 2%.
After a dual Bachelor’s degree, there is also the option of completing a dual Master’s degree. This option was chosen by 3% of dual students. Part-time Master’s degrees are not included in the statistics. Many companies enable their dual Bachelor’s graduates to take part in one of around 80 different part-time Master’s degree courses at Bavarian universities.
Innovative, future-oriented, efficient – the Bavarian universities
Bavaria’s state universities offer practice-oriented courses of study that open up a wide range of opportunities for students and, in contrast to private universities that charge fees, also strengthen the innovative power of the region through applied research projects and technology transfer centers. The universities are proactively responding to current challenges such as decarbonization and demographic change. The universities are pioneers in the field of technological change and artificial intelligence.
Practical orientation is a central feature of universities of applied sciences; this is implemented above all in dual study programs. Innovative teaching and learning formats involve practical partners and the company as a place of learning, effectively promoting the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice and vice versa. In addition to the increase in the absolute number of dual study students, their share has also risen to 7.3% of all students. This is also a top figure, which proves that dual study models have a firm place in the range of courses offered by universities.
The increasing demand for dual study programs clearly shows that more and more students are considering their professional future at a very early stage and are prepared to go the ‘extra mile’ to do so.”
Dr. Tom Geiß, Academic Director of hochschule dual
hochschule-dual.de – information, contacts and study place portal
On the hochschule dual information platform, prospective students and potential practice partners can find comprehensive information such as checklists and sample contracts. All degree programs and practice partners are listed in the study place portal. The dual coordinators at the member universities support prospective students and companies in the decision-making process. These contacts can also be found on the website of hochschule dual – Bayerns Netzwerk für duales Studieren.
The detailed numerical results are available at www.hochschule-dual.de/statistik.
