Dual Studies - Theory and Practice in One

With a dual study program, you can optimally combine theory and practice: You complete the theoretical courses at IU and the practical phases at a company of your choice. At the end, you will not only have a recognized Bachelor's degree, but also up to 3.5 years of professional experience.

Here you can find out what benefits a dual study program offers you: Advantages of a dual study program

In the dual study program, you spend half of the week studying theory at IU. In the other half, you typically work 20 hours with your practical partner. You can also decide whether you want to pursue your studies on-site at campus near you or online at the virtual campus.

You can study in two study models:

• the dual study program

• and dual myStudium program.

You can find out exactly how this works under Dual study models.

No matter what your strengths are: With us, you can put them to use in one of over 25 degree courses. We offer you many exciting opportunities in the fields of Health & Social Affairs, Business & Management, Marketing & Communication, IT & Technology, Tourism & Hospitality and Architecture & Construction.

You don't know what you want to study yet? Then find out with our online test: IU Studyfinder (in German).

The standard period of study for the dual study program is 7 semesters. Depending on the course and study model, the course may even take as little as 6 semesters. During these 3 to 3.5 years, you will learn theoretical course content and complete practical phases in the company.

We offer practical degree programs in the fields of Health & Social Affairs, Business & Management, Marketing & Communication, IT & Technology, Tourism & Hospitality and Architecture & Construction.

Are you still unsure what you want to study? Or do you want to test whether your desired degree program suits you? Our online quiz IU Studyfinder (in German) will help you find the answers. Answer a few questions free of charge and with just a few clicks. We will then show you which subjects are suitable for you.

When looking for a company, we draw on our network of over 15,000 practice partners and also support you with your application to other companies.

You will be in constant contact with your student advisor in our IU application portal, where you will receive lots of helpful tips and can register for the free IU training.

Do you already know a company where you would like to complete your practical phases? Perfect! We will be happy to help you contact the company. You can find more information under practice partners.

You can complete your dual study program at IU free of charge – so you pay €0. Your practice partner will pay your tuition fees in full.

Your practice partner not only provides recognition but also finances your private dual studies.

Some companies offer you additional compensation in the form of a salary. You will receive details about this during your interview with your personal study advisor in the IU application portal.

What counts for us is who you are. We therefore deliberately do not have a numerus clausus.

During a personal interview in the IU application portal, you will talk to your student advisor about your wishes and goals and together you will find out in which areas your talents and strengths lie. You can find an overview of our admission requirements here.

For foreign student applicants: you must have a higher education entrance qualification (HZB) that is equivalent to the German one. When applying, you must prove that you have at least German language skills at B2 level.

You can apply all year round – even shortly before the start of your studies. For most degree programs, it is possible to start 4x a year:

• January 1st

• April 1st

• July 1st

• October 1st

To apply for the dual study program, simply fill out our online application and either upload all the necessary documents directly in the online form (e.g. your last certificate, ) or submit them after registering for the IU application portal.

Foreign student applicants: you must have a higher education entrance qualification (HZB) that is equivalent to the German one. When applying, you must prove that you have at least German language skills at B2 level.

You can find out exactly how the application at IU works: application procedure.