Studying and working for international students in Germany – the possibility of dual studies
Germany and Dual Studies
Several universities, professional learning schools, and academies in Germany encourage dual studies in more than one way. These include:
- The study programs that encourage the concept of dual studies provide training as well as theoretical teaching. The primary objective of these study programs is to help students get the academic diploma and pass out from the professional learning school by qualifying in an exam organized by the Professional School quarters.
- The unified dual studies courses combine theoretical teaching and work with each of them having a 50% share in the study program. The primary objective of these types of programs is achieving academic knowledge through advanced practical skills gained during work.
- The integrated professional dual studies courses are ideal for professionals who are already employed. The primary objective of these types of programs is helping students achieve more than one academic milestones.
Dual studies for foreign students
Studying in Germany is a lucrative deal. An incredible learning experience, a different language, and several practical perquisites to help you shape your career. Since practical knowledge is as equally important as academic knowledge, Germany provides national as well as international students with the option to gain a dual diploma.
The benefits of dual studies are not just centred around academia or practical knowledge but involve contract-based relationships between different companies and the students employed by them through a fixed-time contract.
However, to get accepted by universities for the dual-studies course, there are specific criteria that you need to fulfil. The dual-diploma is equivalent to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree with summer internships, an extension to your regular working hours.
List of companies supporting dual-studies
Several well-known German companies offer job opportunities under different dual-studies programs. The official websites of the Professional Learning Schools and the German universities offer a list of such companies.
The dual-studies program is highly popular among students in Germany. Companies invest in students as well as sign contracts with them. However, there need to be a proper assortment of procedures operating. To make sure that you do not miss any deadline, make a list of all dual-studies program alternatives in Germany at least 18 months in advance, just after your school finishes. Apply in different companies at least 12 to 14 months before beginning your study program.
The following documents will be required for applying to the companies:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A letter of motivation
- High School Degree Certificate or Diploma
- Photos
- The Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or the Certificate of acceptance in the German university
- Proof of German language proficiency
Requirements for the dual-studies diploma in Germany
The basic requirements
- High School Degree Certificate or Diploma
- The Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or the Certificate of acceptance in the German university
- Proof of German language proficiency
Other diploma by German universities will also be accepted everywhere. If you have a diploma from other secondary education institutes, you’ll have to get them approved and tested. The authorities responsible for testing and approving the documents will be the Office for the Recognition of Diplomas (Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle) in your home country. You can obtain the proof of German language proficiency certification that is a diploma from the Goethe Institute in your home country.
Even though dual-studies is exhausting, it offers a different learning experience, that too, in a new country. The courses are planned in such a way that you’ll easily be able to manage studies and work.
Financial requirements
Important things to remember
If you’re an international student applying for a dual-studies course in Germany, here’s a to-do list that you must adhere to:
- Choosing a university/college for your study course and a company for employment
- Collecting all the required documents and ensuring that they are approved by the office of acceptance of a German university
- Proof of German language proficiency obtained by the Goethe Institute in your home country and the language exam passing certificate from TestDaf (place of your origin)
- Health insurance covering
- Student visa
- Residency permit
- A summary of the financial source for your course
- Accommodation details
Conclusion
While it may be a cumbersome task to collect all documents and make sure you meet the requirements for the dual-studies course, all the efforts are worthwhile. Dual studies are a beautiful course that offers the platform to gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills at the same time. Moreover, you’ll also be paid by your company during the study program. The result for an international student – double efficiency in academics and work, German language proficiency, and international experience in a fantastic country like Germany. It is indeed an unforgettable experience!
