The Ulm Model at Ulm University of Applied Sciences combines university studies and vocational training in a unique training concept. Through the close integration of academic teaching, practical vocational training and valuable practical experience in the company, students acquire both a university degree and a recognized professional qualification (IHK/HWK) within just a few years.
For companies, the dual study program based on the Ulm model offers the ideal opportunity to recruit qualified junior staff at an early stage, train them in a targeted manner and retain them in the company in the long term. Students develop professional, practical and social skills during their studies and get to know the processes and corporate culture in depth.
In this way, you create a sustainable basis for securing skilled workers in engineering and technical fields and invest in the talent of tomorrow at an early stage.
With more than 25 years of experience in dual study programs, Ulm University of Applied Sciences is a reliable partner for companies. The dual study program based on the Ulm model enables students to earn two degrees in just four and a half years, thereby producing highly qualified professionals. At vocational schools, trainees typically benefit from specialized classes for dual students. Thanks to the close integration of theory and practice, the training is targeted and tailored to the company’s requirements. Companies also benefit from a shorter onboarding period after graduation as well as from the students’ strong integration within the company.
In the following table you will find the combinations of degree courses and training occupations frequently chosen by companies in the Ulm Model.
You decide which combination suits your company. We will be happy to advise you in a personal meeting.
| Degree program | Vocational training |
|---|---|
| Electrical engineering and information technology | Electronics technician |
| Energy technology | Electronics technician |
| Automotive engineering | industrial mechanic, automotive mechatronics technician, mechatronics technician |
| Computer science | electronics technician, IT specialist, mechatronics technician |
| Food technology | mechatronics technician |
| Mechanical engineering | industrial mechanic, mechatronics technician, metalworker / construction technology, materials tester |
| Mechatronics | electronics technician, IT specialist, industrial mechanic, mechatronics technician |
| Medical technology | electronics technician, industrial mechanic, mechatronics technician, mechatronics technician |
| Production management | industrial mechanic, mechatronics technician, mechatronics technician, metalworker / construction technology |
| Business informatics | IT specialist |
| Industrial engineering | industrial clerk, industrial mechanic |
THU works together with various vocational schools. The training occupation is generally decisive for the affiliation to a vocational school. As a rule, there are special classes with block teaching for Ulm Model students.
The training occupations are assigned to the following vocational schools:
| Vocational training | vocational school(s) |
|---|---|
| Electronics technician | Robert-Bosch-School Ulm |
| IT specialist | Robert-Bosch-School Ulm |
| Industrial clerks | vocational school Günzburg |
| Industrial mechanic | Robert-Bosch-Schule Ulm, vocational school Günzburg |
| Automotive mechatronics technician | Robert Bosch School Ulm |
| Mechatronics technician | Vocational school Ehingen |
| Metal worker / NFZ technology | Robert-Bosch-Schule Ulm, vocational school Mindelheim |
| Metal worker / construction technology | Robert-Bosch-Schule Ulm |
| Orthopaedic technology mechanic | Kerschensteinerschule Stuttgart-Feuerbach |
| Materials tester | Kerschensteinerschule Stuttgart-Feuerbach |
Below you will find the links to the vocational schools:
THU is responsible for registration at the relevant vocational school. Students will be informed which vocational school they will attend in their letter of admission. This also contains information on block teaching and the first day of school.
The dual study program based on the Ulm Model at Ulm University of Applied Sciences (THU) starts every year on September 1. In the first six months, students spend all of their time at the company and begin their vocational training.
This is followed by the two-semester foundation course at the THU.
After completing the basic studies, the vocational training continues in the company as part of the practical year. At the beginning, the final examination part 1 of the vocational training is taken. Towards the end of the practical year, the vocational training is completed with the final examination part 2. Upon successful completion of the vocational training, students move to the specialist departments of your company before the start of the main course of study.
Theoretical and practical phases alternate in the further course of study: During the lecture and examination periods, students study at the THU, while during the lecture-free periods they are employed by the company. There they work on projects in the specialist departments and put their knowledge into practice. In the final semester, they write their Bachelor's thesis at the company.
The following diagram shows an overview of the practical phases at the company (dark blue) and the theoretical phases at THU (light blue).
Information Phase: Companies can, for example, learn about the dual study program on the Ulm University of Technology (THU) website and schedule an individual consultation with the THU. Following this, a framework agreement is signed between the THU and your company, formalizing the partnership for the dual study program.
This is followed by the recruitment phase. Companies can present their apprenticeship and study positions at career information and training fairs, for example. Upon request, the THU also provides support for the joint marketing of the dual study program.
The application phase begins as early as September of the previous year. Prospective students first apply to your company. Following a successful selection process, a contract is signed between the company and the students.
After the contract is signed, students apply via the THU application portal. There, the required documents, such as the employment contract, transcripts, and resume, are submitted. After a successful review, applicants receive provisional admission.
Enrollment at THU takes place between July and August. The training program at the company then begins on September 1.
