HSWT celebrates 20 years of the dual higher education programme: A successful model for combining study and work experience at University of applied sciences in Bavaria

For 20 years, hochschule dual has stood for the close integration of academic education and professional practice in Bavaria. As Germany’s first umbrella organisation for dual study programmes, hochschule dual has developed into a strong network that successfully connects universities of applied sciences, companies and students. In its anniversary year, 2026, the initiative looks back on numerous successful educational journeys and collaborations. At the same time, the focus is on the future: in eight DualForums, current challenges, prospects and ideas for dual study programmes are being discussed in collaboration with Bavarian University of applied sciences. 

One of these specialist forums took place on 11 June 2026 at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) on the Triesdorf campus. Under the title ‘DualForum: Green Professions’, representatives from educational institutions, government departments, industry, the student body and industry partners to discuss the development of dual study programmes in fields such as Agricultural Engineering, energy and water management, nutrition and food sciences, Agriculture and Environmental Engineering.

Triesdorf network offers advantages

Following an optional campus tour, Prof. Dr Sabine Homann-Wenig, Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Teaching at HSWT, welcomed everyone present, particularly the students: “We cannot talk about dual study programmes without also letting our dual students have their say.” Marlen Burghardt, who was present that day and is studying water management on a dual programme, said: “We’re just normal students. It’s just that instead of going on semester break, we go to work and apply what we’ve learnt straight away. This combination is very versatile and I’d definitely do it again.” 

Following the welcome, experts gave short presentations offering insights from both the university and the professional world, including Prof. Dr Oliver Christ (department chair of the Environmental Engineering department at the University of applied sciences HSWT), Veronika Riedl (hochschule dual) and Prof. Dr Otmar Seibert. As the “founding father” of the dual study programme at the Triesdorf campus, Seibert emphasises: “It took quite a long time to establish dual study programmes in Bavaria. When we introduced the programme at HSWT, we benefited greatly from our excellent network in Triesdorf. Nevertheless, the dual study programme is still not a sure-fire success; it never has been.”

Practical degree programme with modern teaching content 

Afterwards, long-standing, dedicated partners were honoured for their outstanding contributions. Among them was Jürgen Pfänder, who, as a self-employed farmer, has served as a practical partner since the dual study programme began: “The dual study programme is a very well-rounded initiative and I would like to see even more students follow this path.” Anja Claas (CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH) is also convinced of the merits of the dual study programme at HSWT: “The relevance of the course content is a very important issue for us. It’s clear that the institution is continuing to develop, and that shows us that the teaching has remained up to date.” A panel discussion entitled ‘Dual study programmes – from model to the norm?’, moderated by Prof. Dr Wilhelm Pflanz (department chair of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition), and three Barcamps in the afternoon focused on the further development of dual study programmes. 

The DualForum on Green Professions highlighted the importance of dual study programmes as a sustainable educational model on the day. Norbert Bleisteiner, Head of the Centre for Energy and Agricultural Engineering, is convinced: “For me, the dual study programme is an absolute success story – I am certain that the career prospects offered by practice-oriented training will continue to grow in the age of AI. To everyone involved in this, I can say: you are on the right track.” 

The in-depth discussions provided valuable impetus for future collaboration. In his closing remarks, department chair Pflanz emphasised: “Today’s event was of great value. Not only did we receive praise, but we also thought constructively and creatively about the future.”

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