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For a dual studies bachelor's program in Germany, do you apply directly to the company, the university, or both?

12 Aug 2026 · Answered by Muskan Jain · 1 min read
Quick Answer verified

Most commonly, you apply directly to the company first for a dual studies bachelor's program, and if hired, the company arranges your university placement automatically. Some structured programs instead require two separate applications, one to the company and one to the university, so confirm which model your target program follows.

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For most dual studies programs, you apply to the company first, much like a regular job application, and the company then arranges your university spot for you. A smaller number of programs need two separate applications instead.

Three Application Paths

PathHow It Works
Company ledApply to the company, they arrange enrollment for you
Double applicationApply separately to the company and the university
University ledApply to the university first, then to a partner company

How Early You Need To Start

  • Large well known companies often open applications 12 to 14 months before the start date.
  • Smaller companies typically open theirs 6 to 10 months in advance.
  • The university side of a double application usually needs your signed company contract 3 to 5 months before starting.

My Advice

Start with the university's dual study program page, since it usually lists every approved partner company you can apply to directly. Apply to companies far earlier than you would for a normal job, and confirm in writing whether their model also requires a separate university application.

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