The dual system of learning

The dual system of education, which provides a practice-oriented education involving both, employers as well as state-run academic institutions, has a long tradition in Germany.  "Duale Hochschule Baden-Wuerttemberg" - Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University - represents the extension of this dual system of learning into the field of higher education.

The University of Cooperative Education  was established in 1974. It took only a few years for the project to grow in size, complexity and importance. At present there are 10 campuses spread out over the Federal State of Baden-
Württemberg with roughly 19,000 students and about 5,000 co-operating companies.

The University of Cooperative Education expanded much faster than anticipated by the planners. The increasing number of students reflects the growing demand for junior staff with a practice-oriented educational background in business, industry and social institutions.

The typical employer will offer a traineeship to the student with the firm intention of ultimately taking the successful graduate into permanent employment. In fact, almost 90% of our graduates already have a work contract when they take their final exams.