Cooperative degree programs enable you to combine a regular degree program at FAU either with vocational training or practical phases at a company. This allows you to gain a university degree combined with extensive professional experience during your studies.
The path to cooperative degree programs at FAU
Step 1
Get an overview and find out more
Familiarize yourself with the degree programs on offer and research suitable companies.
Step 2
Find a place for vocational training place or the practical phases
First apply to a suitable company.
Step 3
Agree on a combination
Clarify the degree program, vocational training or practical experience and the schedule with the company and FAU if necessary.
Step 4
Sign a contract
Sign a contract for vocational training or practical phases with the company.
Step 5
Apply or enroll at FAU as a regular student
You do not need to specify that you are applying for a cooperative degree program in the FAU application portal or during enrollment.
Step 6
Receive confirmation of your participation
The company or the student should inform FAU by the start of the semester.
With integrated vocational training or integrated work experience?
There are two different options for cooperative degree programs at FAU. Depending on which variant you choose, phases of university study alternate with vocational training or with practical work experience in companies, thereby merging academic education and vocational practice and placing graduates in an excellent position for venturing into the world of work.
The two options are:
The vocational training option combines a Bachelor’s degree program with accredited vocational training. Students graduate with both a degree and a vocational qualification from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) or Chamber of Trades (HWK).
Duration: approximately 4 years
Design and structure
A total of approximately four years is allowed for university study, vocational training and all final examinations. Three organizational models are available:
Model 1
- Commences with a one-year block of vocational training in a company
- At the same time, students enroll and take leave of absence from FAU
- Thereafter, periods of study and vocational training alternate in the rhythm of the lecture periods
Model 2
- Begins after a short introductory phase in the company
- First year of studies at FAU
- In the second year, one year of vocational training in a company (with leave of absence from FAU)
- This is then followed by alternating periods of study and vocational training.
Model 3
- Studies and vocational training alternate over three years
- After finishing their Bachelor’s degree, students complete one final year of vocational training in the company.
- The vocational training is then completed in the fourth year
The option of a cooperative degree program with integrated work experience combines studying for a degree with extensive practical phases in a company. Students do not obtain additional vocational qualifications.
The option with integrated work experience can be chosen for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.
Duration:
- Bachelor’s degree program: Standard duration of study of 3 years
- Master’s degree program: Standard duration of study of 2 years
Design and structure
Practical phases complement the content taught during the degree program and are predominantly completed during the lecture free period. The specifics are decided in consultation with the degree program and the company.
Cooperation partners and combinations available in FAU’s cooperative degree programs
FAU’s cooperative degree programs are run in conjunction with numerous companies, research institutions and other entities from the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region and beyond. The cooperation partners offer options for studying in combination with vocational training or work experience in various different disciplines.
Current opportunities
Cooperation partners according to sector:
- Adidas (currently no openings)
Within the context of the degree program Information Systems, students can complete work experience on the Adidas Campus as well as the option of taking one additional semester to work abroad. An international setting, flexible working hours, and a wide range of sports are just some of the many benefits the company offers.
Contact Adidas
HR4HR Future Talents Team: futuretalents@adidas.com - Fraunhofer IIS
An interest in new technologies and the opportunity to actively contribute to their advancement are central to activities at Fraunhofer IIS. The work experience gained there allows students to deepen and extend the knowledge gained during their studies. A cooperative degree program with integrated work experience and alternating study and practical phases can be taken in the following subjects: Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Computational Engineering, Data Science, Physics
All information is available on the company’s website. - advance media
The marketing agency offers students of Computer Science or Information Systems the opportunity to complete regular IT Specialist Training in Application Development (IHK) alongside their studies. During the lecture-free periods, students can gain practical experience and undergo further training in the company.
Contact advance.media – Die Ideenküche GmbH
Marco Vollath, phone: +49 9682 52842-4 - NCP engineering GmbH
NCP offers the opportunity of completing a degree with integrated work experience in Computer Science or Information Systems. NCP also offers opportunities for students on the degree program for working professionals in IT Security. In a growing company with flat hierarchies, students can apply the knowledge they have acquired during their studies in practice and gain a deeper understanding of their field.
Please apply via the website: https://www.ncp-e.com/de/unternehmen/karriere-bei-ncp/stellenangebote/.
Contact NCP engineering GmbH
Beate Dietrich, Managing Director & CFO, phone: +49 911 9968 0, karriere@ncp-e.com - N-ERGIE/VAG
Since winter semester 2023/24, there has been a collaboration between FAU and the leading regional energy service provider in North Bavaria with its headquarters in Nuremberg. During a cooperative degree program with integrated work experience at N-ERGIE, students who are studying Information Systems or Industrial Engineering and Management have the opportunity to gain practical experience from the outset. The same offer is available from the Nuremberg mobility service provider VAG for the degree program Electrical Engineering.
Contact: All information is available on the companies’ websites at vag.de/duales-studium or n-ergie.de/duales-studium. - SanData
SanData is an independent, owner-run service provider for professional IT infrastructure. The SanData IT-Gruppe offers large and medium-sized enterprises tailored IT solutions: Consulting, analysis, planning, implementation, maintenance, and training – along with hardware and software from leading manufacturers. As part of the cooperative degree program (block model 1), the training paths for IT Specialist for System Integration or IT Systems Consultant can be combined with the degree programs in Information Systems or Business and Economics with a focus on Information Systems.
Contact SanData IT EDV-Systemhaus GmbH
Franca Frank, Head of Human Resources, phone: +49 911/9523-275, Emmericher Str. 17, 90411 Nürnberg, f.frank@sandata.de, www.sandata.net - Siemens AG
Siemens AG offers the option of an apprenticeship leading to both the qualification “Industrial Clerk (IHK)” and the academic degree “BA in Business Studies” for students studying the degree program Business Studies with specialization Business Administration or Information Systems.
There are 3 learning locations:
work-related theoretical instruction at Siemens Professional Education (SPE) Erlangen,
university education at the School of Business, Economics and Society (WiSo), and
practical training at various Siemens locations (primarily Nuremberg/Fürth/Erlangen, but also Munich and international sites).
Contact FAU
Chair of Industrial Management, Prof. Dr. Kai-Ingo Voigt, Dr. Daliborka Witschel, phone: +49 911 5302 95392, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg daliborka.witschel@fau.de, https://www.industry.rw.fau.de/
Contact Siemens AG
Franziska Bostelmann (Heading of Training in Erlangen BA&IT), Henri Dunant Str. 1, 91058 Erlangen, cellphone: +49 172 7075694, franziska.bostelmann@siemens.com - Siemens Healthineers
Healthineers offers the option of combining a degree program in Business Studies or Information Systems with phases of practical work experience: the Siemens Healthineers Excellence Program. Information on current job openings can be found on the company website.
Contact FAU
Chair of Industrial Management, Prof. Dr. Kai-Ingo Voigt, Dr. Daliborka Witschel, phone: +49 911 5302 95392, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nürnberg daliborka.witschel@fau.de, https://www.industry.rw.fau.de/
Kontakt Siemens Healthineers AG
ausbildung.team@siemens-healthineers.com - Silbury Deutschland
In the cooperative degree program with Silbury, it is possible to combine a degree in Information Systems with training as an IT Specialist for Application Development. The company focuses on digitalizing business processes in the areas of web, mobile, cloud, and IoT. The company’s branch in Fürth offers students the opportunity to join development teams working on implementing innovative web-based software solutions and participating in the creation of intranet, extranet, and internet solutions, as well as the realization of demanding projects.
Contact Silbury
Matthias Köhlau, phone: +49 911/215 430, Fichtenstraße 20, 90763 Fürth, matthias.koehlau@silbury.com - Vitesco Technologies
Information on current job postings can be found on the company website.
Contact Vitesco Technologies Germany GmbH
Vitesco Technologies Group AG, Siemensstraße 12, 93055 Regensburg, phone: +49 941-2031-0, email: contact@vitesco.com - Ziehm Imaging (currently no openings)
Ziehm Imaging offers training as an Industrial Clerk combined with the degree program in Industrial Engineering and Management. At its headquarters in Nuremberg, students gain comprehensive insights into the day-to-day operations of a medium-sized medical engineering company. Training follows block model 1 across various departments, including Marketing, Project Management, Purchasing, and Controlling.
Contact Ziehm Imaging (GmbH), Donaustrasse 31, 90451 Nuremberg
Particularly at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Electronic and Communication Engineering (EEI), collaborations are available for the following degree programs:
- Electrical Engineering
- Information and Communication Technology
- Mechatronics
- Industrial Engineering and Management (with specialization in electrical engineering)
Collaborations are currently available with the following companies: Bosch, Fraunhofer, Nokia (pilot project in the pipeline), Primetals Technologies Germany GmbH, Schiederwerk, Siemens Healthineers (MSc Mechatronics)
Opportunities for completing a program with integrated work experience are also available in degree programs such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Computational Engineering and Physics.
For business-related degree programs, companies offering collaborations include:
- Allianz
Contact
Laura Flierler, vocational training officer, laura.flierler@allianz.de. - COSMO CONSULT
Contact
As a provider of end-to-end business solutions, COSMO CONSULT supports companies through digital transformation. The product portfolio combines cutting-edge technologies with consulting services such as change management, business design, or cloud migration. Information on current job openings can be found on the company’s website.
Nuremberg branch: kontakt@cosmoconsult.com, Neumeyerstr. 24, 90411 Nuremberg
- Ergo Direkt
The cooperative degree program with ERGO follows the first model variant, in which students complete both training as an Insurance and Finance Clerk and a degree in Business Studies (with a focus on Business Administration or Information Systems).
Contact
Stefanie Matzke, phone: +49 911 148-2259, Karl-Martell-Straße 60, 90344 Nürnberg
- Fraunhofer IIS
An interest in new technologies and the opportunity to actively contribute to their advancement are central to activities at Fraunhofer IIS. The work experience gained there allows students to deepen and extend the knowledge gained during their studies.
A cooperative degree program with integrated work experience, in which study and practical phases alternate regularly, is possible in the following subjects: Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Computational Engineering, Data Science, Physics
All information is available on the company’s website. - Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung SE (GfK SE)
In the cooperative degree program with GfK SE in Nuremberg, the degree in Business Studies (with a focus on Business Administration) is supplemented by corresponding practical phases at the company, where extensive operational expertise can be acquired.
Contact
Pascal Kapahnke, phone: +49 911 3953755, Sophie-Germain-Str. 3-5, 90443 Nürnberg, pascal.kapahnke@gfk.com, www.gfk.com
- IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken und HWK Mittelfranken (Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nuremberg for Middle Franconia and Chamber of Trades Middle Franconia)
This nationally outstanding combination of academic study and vocational training offers an excellent way to prepare for a professional career, combining a solid academic foundation with the practical grounding of a recognized IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) or HWK (Chamber of Trades) vocational qualification.
This contractual arrangement is particularly suitable for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), lowering the threshold for them to enter into a collaboration with FAU via their relevant chamber. In theory, students can freely choose between approximately 170 IHK or 130 HWK training professions and numerous Bachelor’s degree programs, enabling an unprecedented range of combinations.
There are three basic options (block models) to choose from. In the cooperative degree program with the HWK, a fourth block model is also available for occupations in the main construction trades. Here, 13.5 months are allocated for the first year of training, beginning on July 15.
An overview of the block models described below can be found on the last page.
Option 1: Commences with a one-year training block at the company, during which trainees are simultaneously enrolled and on leave as students at FAU; thereafter, periods of study and vocational training alternate in line with lecture periods.
Option 2: Commences with a brief introduction to the company, followed by university studies at FAU during the lecture periods, commencing in winter semester, and training at the company during lecture-free periods; in the second year of study, students complete one year of vocational training in the company (with leave of absence from FAU); afterward, training at the company and university studies continue to alternate.
Option 3: Three years of alternating training and studies in line with lecture periods until graduation from FAU, followed by one year of block training at the company until completion of the apprenticeship.
Contact IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken
Florian Kelch (Head of Education Advice), phone: +49 911/1335-223, florian.kelch@nuernberg.ihk.de
Stefan Kastner (Head of Vocational Training), phone: +49 911/1335-231, stefan.kastner@nuernberg.ihk.de
Contact HWK für Mittelfranken
Barbara Auch-Dressler, phone: +49 911 5309-138, barbara_auch@hwk-mittelfranken.de
- Loparex
The cooperative degree program with Loparex in Forchheim allows students to obtain both the vocational qualification “Industrial Clerk (IHK)” and a degree in Business Studies. The structure of the cooperative degree program depends on the chosen block model.
Contact
Katrin Eger, phone: +49 9191 81745, katrin.eger@loparex.com, Zweibrückenstrasse 15-25, 91301 Forchheim
- Müller-Medien Verlag
Alongside studies in Business Studies, students complete standard training as a “Media Specialist for Digital and Print (IHK)”. During lecture-free periods, students work in various roles across the five business areas. During the semester, the weekly working hours at the company amount to 10 hours.
Contact Müller Medien
Nina Zeininger, phone: +49 911 34097, nina.zeininger@mueller-medien.com
- MunichRE
All information is available on the company’s website: For winter semester 2026/2027, there will be openings for a cooperative degree program with integrated vocational training in International Business Studies and International Business Computer Science.
- Nürnberger Versicherung
The cooperative degree program with NÜRNBERGER also combines a degree in Business Studies with vocational training in insurance and finance. In addition to flexible working hours, comprehensive health management, and performance-based compensation, students are supported by a personal contact.
Contact NÜRNBERGER Versicherung
Training Head Office
Anne Roßmeißl, phone: +49 911 5317626, Ostendstraße 100, 90334 Nürnberg, anne.rossmeissl@nuernberger.de
- SanData
SanData is an independent, owner-run service provider for professional IT infrastructure. The SanData IT-Gruppe offers large and medium-sized enterprises tailored IT solutions: Consulting, analysis, planning, implementation, maintenance, and training – along with hardware and software from leading manufacturers. As part of the cooperative degree program (block model 1), the training paths for IT Specialist for System Integration or IT Systems Consultant can be combined with the degree programs in Information Systems or Business and Economics with a focus on Information Systems.
Contact SanData IT EDV-Systemhaus GmbH
Franca Frank, Head of Human Resources, phone: +49 911/9523-275, Emmericher Str. 17, 90411 Nürnberg, f.frank@sandata.de, www.sandata.net
- Siemens AG
Siemens AG offers the option of an apprenticeship leading to both the qualification “Industrial Clerk (IHK)” and the academic degree “BA in Business Studies” for students studying the degree program Business Studies with specialization Business Administration or Information Systems.
There are 3 learning locations:
work-related theoretical instruction at Siemens Professional Education (SPE) Erlangen,
university education at the School of Business, Economics and Society (WiSo), and
practical training at various Siemens locations (primarily Nuremberg/Fürth/Erlangen, but also Munich and international sites).
Contact FAU
Chair of Industrial Management, Prof. Dr. Kai-Ingo Voigt,
Dr. Daliborka Witschel, phone: +49 911 5302 95392, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg daliborka.witschel@fau.de, https://www.industry.rw.fau.de/
Contact Siemens AG
Franziska Bostelmann (Head of Training in Erlangen BA&IT), Henri Dunant Str. 1, 91058 Erlangen, cellphone: +49 172 7075694, franziska.bostelmann@siemens.com
- STAEDTLER
Both cooperative degree programs with vocational training or with integrated work experience can be taken in cooperation with STAEDTLER: Students of Business and Economics can complete vocational training as industrial clerks (IHK), while students of Information Systems have the opportunity to complete phases of practical experience at the company.
Contact
Maria Hähnlein, Moosäckerstraße 3, 90427 Nürnberg
Contact and information about vacancies
- Steuerberaterkammer Nürnberg (Nuremberg Chamber of Tax Advisors)
A cooperative degree program for taxation is available combining the degree program Business Studies with specialization in Business Administration with vocational training as an Assistant Tax Consultant (StBK). Training in the tax firm commences on September 1 each year. The cooperative degree program lasts for a total of 4.5 years, and there is the option of continuing studies to become a tax consultant or complete a Master’s degree program.
Information on the Nuremberg Chamber of Tax Advisors.
Contact FAU
Chair of Taxation, Prof. Dr. Frank Hechtner, phone: +49 911 5302-346 (secretary’s office), Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nürnberg, wiso-steuerlehre@fau.de
Contact Steuerberaterkammer Nürnberg (Ausbildung)
Ref. Berufsausbildung, Ms. L. Lohmann, phone: +49 911 94626-19, Fax: +49 911 94626-30, Karolinenstr. 28, 90402 Nürnberg, lohmann@stbk-nuernberg.de, www.stbk-nuernberg.de
Contact Berufsschulen (Stadt Nürnberg), Berufsschule 4
Dr. Matthias Wagner, phone: +49 911 23139-48, Schönweißstr. 7, 90461 Nürnberg, b4@stadt.nuernberg.de
- Insurance in general
In the cooperative degree program in insurance offered in collaboration between IHK and FAU, students earn a degree in Business Administration at the same time as completing training as an Insurance and Finance Clerk. During the program, students can choose specializations in areas such as controlling, finance, marketing, quantitative economic research, or risk management. The structure follows model 1. The vocational training concludes with the final oral exam in the third year, after which students continue working as employees at the company. The degree program is completed after the 6th semester in the fourth year.
Contact FAU
Chair of Insurance Economics and Risk Management, Kim Kapral, phone: +49 911 5302 96391, kim.kapral@fau.de
- “VR Verbundstudium FAU”
During this cooperative degree program, vocational training at Volksbanken-Raiffeisenbanken (VR) is combined with certain degree programs. Students can choose between Business Studies, Socioeconomics, Economics (with a second subject) or Economics and Mathematics.
Contact FAU
Chair of Finance and Banking, Prof. Dr. Hendrik Scholz, phone: +49 911/5302-648, hendrik.scholz@fau.de
Contact Raiffeisen Roth-Schwabach eG
Sandra Kreß (HR), Tel.: +49 9122/1504-165, Fax: +49 9122/1504-81165, sandra.kress@raiba-roth-schwabach.de, www.raiba-roth-schwabach.de
Other partners offer cooperative degree programs in sports management:
- 1. FC Nürnberg
All information available at https://www.fcn.de/standards/jobs/duales-studium
Students can choose to complete a degree program with integrated work experience or to combine a degree with recognized vocational training from the IHK.
Free choice of degree and vocational training
A unique feature of cooperative degree programs at FAU is the opportunity to create customized combinations of degree programs and vocational training through framework partnerships with the Nuremberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Middle Franconia (IHK) and the Chamber of Trades for Middle Franconia (HWK). In principle, approximately 70 Bachelor’s degree programs from FAU can be combined with roughly 200 options for vocational training from the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) or 130 from the Chamber of Trades (HWK). The vocational training and degree program should complement each other in terms of subject matter to make the best possible use of synergies.
FAQ on cooperative degree programs
Studying a degree program at the same time as completing vocational training is a major challenge for students in terms of their motivation and performance.
Cooperative degree programs at FAU
How can I apply and how does the program start?
The first step is to apply to a company for a place for vocational training or the practical phases. The company and applicants agree on organizational aspects and, if applicable, a vocational training contract is signed.
Following this, applicants either apply for or are enrolled on the desired degree program at FAU. Proof of the agreement with the company must be submitted during enrollment.
Finding and selecting a company for vocational training and a degree program
- Firstly, you must apply to a company for a place for vocational training. You will need to arrange the organizational aspects with the training company and sign a vocational training contract.
- After gaining your university entrance qualification, select the relevant degree program at FAU: In the case of subjects without admission restrictions, you can enroll directly after submitting your application online (from May to the end of September). For subjects with admission restrictions, you can apply online until July 15, and enroll only after you have been accepted. You must submit the vocational training contract in both cases for enrollment at FAU.
How much does a cooperative degree program cost?
The normal semester contribution at FAU applies for a cooperative degree program.
What are the requirements for a cooperative degree program?
- University entrance qualification for the desired degree program
- High levels of commitment and initiative
- Strong time-management and self-management skills
- An interest in closely combining theory and practice
Since the practical and vocational training phases often take place outside the lecture period, students require a certain level of stamina and good organizational skills to successfully complete a cooperative degree program.
What is the difference between the FAU cooperative degree program and a dual study program?
The FAU cooperative degree program is a combination of an existing FAU degree program and simultaneous vocational training or practical phases. Therefore, this does not constitute a dual study program as such, with the exception of Midwifery Science (BSc).
What needs to be put in place at a company for such degree programs?
Companies need to ensure that the following is put in place for traineeships or the practical phases of the program:
- Authorization as a company providing training
- Comprehensive guarantees of quality for the practical phases
- Mentoring/contact(s) for cooperative degree program students at the company
- Vocational training contracts with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) or the Chamber of Trades (HWK) (with training contract if applicable)
- Optional: Creation of a long-term personnel plan for filling management positions
Which degree program and vocational training achievements can be accredited?
If the content is comparable, degree program and vocational training achievements can be mutually accredited. Practical achievements from vocational training can, for example, be accredited as internships or key qualifications in the degree program.
Which degrees and combinations can be chosen for cooperative degree programs?
On the one hand, FAU’s cooperative degree programs enable students to chose from established individual combinations of degree programs in business and economics with a related vocation or defined practical periods during the degree.
On the other, framework agreements with the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) and the Chamber of Trades (HWK) also allow students to choose almost any combination of degree program with a (complementary) vocational training program. Due to cooperation agreements with IHK and HWK, students can combine around 70 Bachelor’s degree programs from almost any discipline with some 200 options for vocational training from the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) or 130 from the Chamber of Trades (HWK). This means the combinations of subjects available at FAU for cooperative degree programs is unique nationwide.
Which qualifications and certificates can students gain?
Depending on the program chosen, students gain the following qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree from FAU
- A professional training qualification from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) or the Chamber of Trades (HWK) (only for the variant that is combined with vocational qualifications)
In addition, students receive a joint certificate when they successfully complete their cooperative degree program. This documents the results of their degree and vocational training and confirms that they have successfully completed a cooperative degree program.
Who are cooperative degree programs suitable for?
Cooperative degree programs are aimed at talented and dedicated prospective students who are interested in combining a degree program with practical experience at the same time.
What should you keep in mind when applying to FAU?
You do not need to specify that you are applying for or enrolling on a cooperative degree program on campo.fau.de or DoSV. The usual rules regarding applications and enrollment for the relevant degree program apply.
You do not need to submit the contract for vocational training or the practical phases during the application or enrollment process.
Confirmation of participation in a cooperative degree program must be sent by the company to verbundstudium@fau.de.
Are you still unsure whether a cooperative degree program is the right thing for you?
You can receive individual advice about cooperative degree programs at FAU.
Initial consultations and contact for prospective students and companies
