About DHBW
History of DHBW
Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg’s (DHBW) roots go back to the Berufsakademie Baden-Württemberg, which was founded in 1974 to bring together academic study and workplace training. Over the decades, this dual‐education model proved successful, partnering with firms such as Robert Bosch, Mercedes-Benz Group and SAP. In 2009, the institution was granted full university status by the state of Baden-Württemberg, enabling it to award academic degrees rather than just vocational qualifications. Since then, it has also expanded its ability to undertake cooperative research, enhancing the link between industry and academia.
Synergy of Theory and Practice
At DHBW, students alternate in roughly three-month intervals between classroom instruction and practical work at partner companies or social institutions. This system means that learning is not just theoretical; students apply concepts in real work contexts, and bring insights from their workplaces back into the academic setting. The partner company selects the student and provides both a training contract and a regular salary throughout the study period. Through this alternation, graduates are well prepared to handle professional responsibilities immediately after completing their studies.
Advantages of Cooperative Education
One of the key benefits is financial independence: students are paid by their training companies during the practical parts of their studies. Another advantage is that students gain cutting-edge, field-related skills and real workplace experience, which improves their employability. Graduates are often entrusted with challenging tasks early in their careers and more than 85% are hired by their training companies after graduation. The work experience also helps develop social and team skills, professional discipline, and a strong orientation toward applied problem‐solving.
International Outlook
DHBW places strong emphasis on internationalisation: all programmes are accredited both nationally and internationally, and there are numerous partnerships with universities and companies around the world. Students may have chances to study abroad, participate in international seminars or workshops, or join double degree programmes (for example, in cooperation with institutions in other countries). There is also two English-taught study programmes, which helps non-German speakers integrate more easily.
The International Office provides support for evaluating foreign credentials and helping international students throughout the application and enrolment process.
National and International Recognition
All of DHBW’s degree programmes are fully accredited both within Germany and internationally, carrying 210 ECTS credits and recognised for their academic rigour. In 2006, its programmes were accredited by the German Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (ZEvA), and in 2011 DHBW became the first university in Baden-Württemberg to be system accredited, meaning its own internal quality assurance meets high external standards. Employers value DHBW graduates for their readiness for work, their ability to apply theory immediately, and their strong performance in the job market. DHBW has over 230,000 alumni and roughly 33,000 current students, with almost 9,600 corporate partners, demonstrating both scale and trust.