Dual / cooperative study: FAQ

In part, yes. However, the term "dual study program" is often used in very different ways.

In our case, only the KIA with integrated training is a dual study program that integrates training - here, a full vocational qualification is acquired parallel to the course.

The _{KIAdirekt, KIA+} and _KIApro models, on the other hand, are cooperative study models. They closely link studies with practical experience in the company, but differ in the type and intensity of cooperation.

Regardless of the model, all KIA (sandwich-style) degree courses aim to optimally combine theory and practice.

The application must first be sent to a company. Please take a look at the list of our cooperation partners.
You can apply to these companies, but also to any other company you know if it is willing to participate in KIA and conclude a cooperation agreement with the university.

Please note: Some (larger) companies expressly expect online applications. Check the homepage of the desired company beforehand.

• Applications to the company should be submitted between September and January at the latest.
  Please note: Larger companies, in particular, expect applications to be submitted as early as one year before the start of the apprenticeship. Of course , with a little luck, you may still be able to secure a spot even if you apply much later—for example, if a spot that had already been filled becomes available again.

• Applications to the university can be submitted from May through the end of September.

You can find more information on this under “Course of Study.”

You apply to the company with the usual application documents for vocational training, of course with reference to KIA.
Once you have concluded a contract with the company (training or internship contract), the second step is to submit a formal application to Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for a place on the corresponding KIA degree course.

The application to the university must be accompanied by

• formal application for enrolment/admission to the university
  (information on the application procedure)
• Certified copy of the high school diploma
• Copy of the training or internship contract with the company
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form
• colored passport photo
• stamped A5 envelope

KIA and_KIAdirekt:
You already have a university entrance qualification (degree from a vocational high school or a technical upper-secondary school, degree from a technical high school, or degree from a general high school). It’s also important that you enjoy solving technical problems as part of a team, are creative, and have an interest in the natural sciences.

_KIA+:
You need a good secondary school diploma—especially in science subjects—and should be able to demonstrate a particular interest in your desired field of study (through a student internship, extracurricular club, etc.).

_KIApro:
You already have a vocational degree and should possess a valid university entrance qualification or equivalent.

You’ll complete your internship semester at your KIA company; the same applies, of course, to your thesis.

During the internship semester, you’ll work on a topic that is typically assigned by your training company and supervised by a professor at the university. As part of this, you must write and defend an internship semester thesis (see “Practical Module” in the module catalog). A minimum of 20 weeks is required for the internship semester.

The Bachelor’s phase, or diploma semester, follows a similar structure. Here, too, you will be assigned a topic, preferably by the training company. You will then work on this topic at the company, and you are only required to attend individually scheduled consultation meetings with your university advisor.

Once you have successfully defended your thesis, the program is complete. You can find more detailed information about your degree program in the module catalog.

Your statutory leave entitlement in the first phase of your studies (skilled worker training + studies during semesters 1 to 3.2) is regulated in the training or qualification contract and amounts to at least 24 days per year.

These conditions are usually continued in the subsequent study support contract with your company. The leave must be taken during the periods when there are no courses.

Yes, all of our KIA Bachelor's degree programs have been accredited.

This external quality control is very important to us and our KIA partner companies. Diplom degree courses are not subject to accreditation, but their standards correspond to those of Bachelor degree courses.