⛶

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.

• 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 Nuremberg, 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 (0) 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 (0) 911 5302 95392, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg daliborka.witschel@fau.de, https://www.industry.rw.fau.de/
  Contact Siemens Healthineers
  Mareike Hohner, Henri-Dunant-Str. 50, 91058 Erlangen, cellphone: +49 173 6686416, mareike.hohner@siemens-healthineers.com or 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 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: 0911/148-2259, Karl-Martell-Straße 60, 90344 Nuremberg

• 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 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: 0911/3953755, Sophie-Germain-Str. 3-5, 90443 Nuremberg, 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 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: 0911/5317626, Ostenstraße 100, 90334 Nürnberg, anne.rossmeissl@nuernberger.de

• SanData
  SanData is an independent, owner-run service provider for professional IT structures. 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: +49911/9523-275, 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 (0) 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

• STAEDTLER
  ISTAEDTLER offers openings for both a cooperative degree program with integrated vocational training and a cooperative degree program with integrated work experience: Students studying Business Studies can complete training as an Industrial Clerk (IHK) at the same time, while students of Information Systems can complete supplementary periods of work experience in the company alongside their studies.
  Contact
  Maria Hähnlein, Moosäckerstraße 3, 90427 Nürnberg
  Contact and information on 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: 0911/5302-346 (secretary’s office), Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nürnberg, wiso-steuerlehre@fau.de
  Contact Nuremberg Chamber of Tax Advisors (Training)
  Ref. Vocation Training, Ms L. Lohmann, phone: 0911/94626-19, Fax: 0911/94626-30, Karolinenstr. 28, 90402 Nürnberg, lohmann@stbk-nuernberg.de, www.stbk-nuernberg.de
  Contact Vocational Schools (Nuremberg city), Vocational School 4
  Dr. Matthias Wagner, phone: 0911/23139-48, 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 (0) 911 5302 96391, kim.kapral@fau.de

• VR Cooperative degree program at FAU
  This partnership combines vocational training at Volksbanken-Raiffeisenbanken (VR) with specific 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: 0911/5302-648, hendrik.scholz@fau.de
  Contact Raiffeisen Roth-Schwabach eG
  Sandra Kreß (HR), phone: 09122/1504-165, Fax: 09122/1504-81165, sandra.kress@raiba-roth-schwabach.de, www.raiba-roth-schwabach.de

Additional collaboration 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 programs with integrated work experience or to combine a degree with recognized vocational training from the IHK.

A unique feature of FAU’s cooperative degree program 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.

The path to an individual combination

Step 1
Select a vocational training position at a company that is a member of the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Trades (HWK).

Step 2
Select the desired degree program at FAU and coordinate the plan with the training company and, if necessary, the Student Advice Center.

Step 3
Apply for a place or enroll at FAU after signing your contract for vocational training.

Established cooperative degree programs include, among others:

The list of cooperation partners and available study programs is updated regularly. Current job postings and information on application deadlines can be found on the respective company websites.