News
20 years of the Hochschule dual (umbrella organisation for the cooperative study option in Bavaria)
DualForum strengthens the exchange between HM and practice partners
02/07/2026
Combining theory and practice and gaining early professional experience: the dual study programme has been a successful model in Bavaria for 20 years. To mark the anniversary of hochschule dual (umbrella organisation for the cooperative study option in Bavaria), the Dual Forum at Hochschule München also highlighted the importance of this study model for students, companies and the university itself.
In the 2025/26 winter semester, 1,205 dual-study students were enrolled at HM. The programme comprises 33 bachelor’s degree programmes and 8 master’s degree programmes, and involves more than 600 cooperation partners from the business sector, public administration and social institutions.
Since 2006, the hochschule dual programme has combined academic study with practical experience in companies. For many dual students, this makes it easier to start their careers.
This also benefits the practice partners: they support qualified young professionals, who often go on to stay with the company after completing their studies.
Discussion on the future of dual studies
The DualForum highlighted just how important dialogue between the university and the professional world is. Representatives from the university, cooperation partners and interested members of the public came together to discuss current developments and the future potential of dual studies.
Particular emphasis was placed on the high quality of teaching at HM and the practically-oriented approach to delivering the curriculum. Many cooperation partners emphasised their long-standing satisfaction with the model and would like to see even more exchange in future, as well as additional formats to integrate industry experience more closely into Teaching, for example through guest lectures or field trips.
HM Professor Michael Amft from the Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering describes a key factor for success: “We forge a community and provide structure.”
A shared goal also became clear at the Dual Forum: the dual studies programme deserves even more attention in order to reach even more young people in future and convince them of the merits of the model.
Heidi Bundschus