Dual vs. part-time study: which one fits you better?

Two popular models in today's educational landscape are dual study programmes and part-time study. Both offer different approaches to combining theory and practice, and each has its own specific advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing the right study model is often decisive for personal success and satisfaction – both academically and professionally.

What is a dual study programme?

A dual study programme combines academic education with practical work experience. Students spend part of their time – typically three months – at a university gaining theoretical knowledge, then alternate with three months working at a company. This creates a block system that switches between theory and practice.

Advantages:

• Financial support: Many companies that offer dual study places cover part or all of the tuition fees, and sometimes pay a small salary on top. This varies significantly depending on the company.

Important note: This also creates a dependency on your employer. If you drop out of a dual programme or leave the company, the employer may demand repayment of tuition fees. You may also be contractually obliged to stay with the company for a set period after graduation – which can create a dependency dynamic worth thinking about carefully.

• High chances of being taken on: The close working relationship with the company during your studies increases your chances of being offered a permanent position after graduation. You build contacts and a professional network, which makes entering the job market easier.

Disadvantages:

• Less flexibility: Compared to a traditional full-time degree or a part-time programme, dual study programmes often offer less flexibility in terms of timetables and free time.
• Time management: Dual study requires strong organisational skills and time management. The fixed schedule between company and lectures means students are largely tied to their calendar. Even rescheduling an exam is significantly harder in a dual programme, since you're typically contractually bound to the standard study duration.

Who is the dual study programme ideal for?

It suits goal-oriented people who want to gain practical professional experience early on and are ready to take on the demanding balance between study and work.

What is a part-time study programme?

A part-time study programme is a study format specifically designed for working professionals. It allows people who are already in employment to pursue an academic qualification without having to interrupt their career – and without necessarily needing their employer's knowledge.

This model is particularly attractive for those who want to deepen their professional knowledge, improve their career prospects, or qualify in a new field alongside their job.

Although this model was developed for working professionals, you don't have to be employed to take part. Many students have a part-time job or a working student position – for example two days a week – or an internship at a company.

Advantages:

• Flexibility: Part-time study is highly adaptable to individual life circumstances. Classes typically take place outside regular working hours, allowing students to integrate their studies without major compromises to their professional or personal life.
• Direct application at work: Since students remain employed, they can apply what they learn directly in their professional field. This deepens understanding of theory through practical experience and increases overall satisfaction.
• Career development: By gaining new qualifications through part-time study, professionals can strengthen their position in the job market and open up a wider range of career opportunities – which can lead to greater career development, a stronger competitive position, and higher salary jumps.

Disadvantages:

• Time commitment: One challenge in part-time study is time management, since study, work, and often family commitments all need to fit together.
• Self-discipline: Part-time study requires a higher degree of self-motivation and discipline, since students often learn independently and must plan their own study time.

Who is part-time study ideal for?

It's particularly well-suited to people who want to gain professional experience and expand their knowledge at the same time. It's also ideal for working professionals who want to develop further without giving up their current position. Want to find out more? Click here.

Which study model is right for me?

Both dual and part-time study offer unique advantages – and disadvantages. The decision should be based on a careful assessment of your personal situation, professional goals, and the balance between work and study that you're looking for.

	Dual study	Part-time study
Flexibility	–	++
Professional experience	++	++
Study-job balance	–	+
Time management	–	–
Finances	+	+
Takeover chances / network	++	+
Direct application of learning	+	++
Independence from employer	–	++

Source: GoVersity. Comparison: advantages and disadvantages of dual vs. part-time study, 2024

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