Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Dual Studies

Practice, theory — and you, right in the thick of it all.

Fraunhofer is all about applied science. And applied science means a wealth of real-world practice. But as a leading international research institution with 76 institutes, we also know that real change comes when practice and theory meet. And that’s where you come in. With numerous study programs, dozens of opportunities for continuing education and doctoral studies, and outstanding links with the German higher education landscape and the scientific community, a dual-study program at Fraunhofer is the perfect way to jump-start your career. Gain valuable theoretical and practical experience as we help you get your professional career off to a good start — aligned with your personal desires and skills, and always in a spirit of partnership. Plus, one thing is certain: Having Fraunhofer on your résumé will open a lot of doors. And we really mean a lot.

If you meet these requirements, you’re a good fit for us

A man and two women, one with a tablet in her hand, sit at a meeting table. Another woman is standing behind them.

To get your dual-study program at Fraunhofer off to a perfect start, you should have a healthy sense of curiosity and meet a few basic requirements: 

  • Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife / Abitur in the German system) or certificate of university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife in the German system) or
  • Recognized equivalent qualification
  • Basic knowledge of math and science

At a glance: These dual-study programs await you

From IT to electrical engineering and from mechanical engineering to business administration and laboratory and process engineering, every dual-study program at Fraunhofer offers you the opportunity to grow and evolve and have an impact in our world. Learn more here about individual areas of focus.

Expand all Close all

A younger woman explains something to another woman.

Are you interested in professional management of services within a research institution? The dual study program in business administration and service management for non-profit organizations, associations and foundations will teach you everything you need to know about non-profit services and the increasingly stringent requirements that employees, managers and institutions have to meet as a result of this status. 

That’s because the number of employees in the non-profit service sector, from business and industry to education, culture, social matters and more, is growing worldwide — and all those people need the skills to succeed in these roles. You can build that knowledge!

I want to study this subject in Stuttgart

Two young women are standing in a fuel cell laboratory working on a PC.

When people think of research, a lab is often the first thing they picture. Is that where you see yourself? If so, enroll in the dual-study program in laboratory and process engineering and advance your knowledge of biotechnology or environmental technology, both fields of the future!

In these hands-on dual-study programs, you will work with other research engineers from day one. Together, you will drive advances in innovative technologies, for example by using suitable processes to turn raw materials into market-ready products. In the program, you will also learn how to develop and manage these kinds of processes and optimize them on an ongoing basis.

I want to study this subject in Leipzig or Dresden

A young female and a young male trainee operate a milling machine in a workshop.

Do you often find yourself looking at some kind of technological tool, material or maybe a car and wondering how it works, or even how it might work better? If so, our hands-on dual-study programs in engineering in technical fields are the perfect opportunity to engage your curiosity in specific projects.

Few jobs combine technical skill and creativity in such an interesting way as mechanical engineering, mechatronics and other advanced fields of engineering. Machines make our work easier, and they shape the world we live in. And they are almost always the product of engineers’ ideas. From the automotive industry to medical engineering and from food production to manufacturing of high-performance plastics or high-end cosmetics, these study programs give you a chance to think differently and shape the future.

I want to study this subject in Freiburg, Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe or Dresden

A young woman tests a circuit board with a curve tester, a young man stands behind her and watches.

Have you ever thought about helping to shape the energy transition instead of merely observing it? Our dual-study program in electrical engineering gives you the opportunity to do just that!

Electrical engineers are instrumental in driving technological advances. From wind turbines and automation technology to microchips and software — depending on your area of focus, you will learn to reduce energy consumption, improve mobile network reception quality, develop groundbreaking software or connect machines intelligently.

I want to study this subject in Freiburg or Lemgo

Two trainees sitting at a desk in front of a computer screen. A woman stands behind them and points at the screen.

A dual-study program in IT / computer science, one of the key technologies of our times, offers outstanding prospects for the future. Information technology touches on practically every area of our daily lives. And that, of course, means the systems involved need to be developed, configured and maintained — by bright minds like yours. 

One very special option is the dual-study program in scientific programming. In addition to earning a bachelor of science degree, you will also complete the program with Chamber of Commerce and Industry accreditation as a mathematical and technical software developer (IHK-geprüfte(r) mathematisch-technische(r) Softwareentwickler*in).

I want to study this subject in Darmstadt, Karlsruhe/Ettlingen, Lemgo, Dresden or Sankt Augustin

Two young women sit at a desk and look at a computer screen. A man stands in the middle and also looks at the screen.

You’re online now, and you probably spend most of the day interacting with the internet, whether actively or not.

The World Wide Web  is based on technology, design and scientifically sound communication strategies. If you’d like to learn how it all works, then enroll in a dual-study program in digital media and technology. 

What really makes these programs special is that you won’t just learn about web technology, web design or software development, but also applied psychology, business administration, everything you need to know about marketing and how to plan and realize online and print-based information systems. So, if you’re excited about design and also interested in business, industry and technology, outstanding career opportunities are just a few clicks away!

I want to study this subject in Darmstadt, Karlsruhe/Ettlingen, Lemgo, Dresden or Sankt Augustin

What we offer

Dual studies at Fraunhofer are well worthwhile. Not only will you enjoy outstanding career prospects, but the entire package is impressive:

  • Three-year theoretical education at a vocational academy or university of applied sciences culminating in a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to add a master’s degree afterward
  • Support and assistance during your studies through valuable practical experience 
  • Intensive onboarding, familiarization and support from experienced and helpful colleagues during your practical phases
  • No tuition or exam fees 
  • Monthly student stipend 
  • Flexible working hours and flextime account
  • Good prospects of being hired on after the program, for example at an institute or administrative branch of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft or at a wide range of different companies across various industries
  • A wealth of independence and space to actively contribute new ideas and take on responsibility early on
  • Friendly corporate climate with flat hierarchies

What are we like as an employer? More info, right this way

Still have questions? We have answers: our FAQ

Expand all Close all

Related Links: