Dual study, apprenticeship or university: A decision aid

In short: Apprenticeship is practical with pay, university is more theoretical and freer, dual study combines both but demands much time and a partner company.

In more detail: Whoever leaves school has several paths into an IT career. There is no “right” one for everyone: what matters are learning type, goals and life situation. This is general information and not legal advice; figures and rules change and depend on industry, collective agreement and individual case. For questions the chamber’s training advisers, works council, youth representation, union or advice centres help.

In Depth

The three paths at a glance

• Dual apprenticeship (for example IT specialist): 3 years, company + vocational school, training pay, practical, IHK qualification, quick entry into work; later further training or study possible.
• University study (computer science, business informatics): 6 to 7 semesters (bachelor) plus master, more theory (mathematics, algorithms), freer time management, BAföG possible, internships/working-student jobs, often higher starting salaries but also a longer time without income.
• Dual study: study plus practice phases at the partner company, pay, two qualifications possible (bachelor, possibly IHK vocational qualification), high load, close contractual bond (retention periods).

Questions for deciding

• Do you prefer learning by doing or through theory and self-study?
• How important are money from day one and independence?
• Are you interested in research, mathematics, AI (study) or application, operations, projects (apprenticeship)?
• Which school qualifications do you have? (Apprenticeship works with intermediate school-leaving certificate, study needs university entrance qualification; the Fachhochschulreife suffices for many university-of-applied-sciences programmes.)
• What is the supply locally, with training places and universities?
• Do you plan to switch later? (From apprenticeship to study and vice versa is possible.)

Trying out and transitions

Internship and taster days, open days at universities, study counselling, career counselling of the employment agency. Combinations: apprenticeship with additional qualification, apprenticeship then study with credit, dropping out of study → apprenticeship (a common path, good chances). Through apprenticeship and further training equivalent qualifications (Bachelor Professional) are attainable.

Important to know

Salary and chances depend on performance, industry, region and specialisation more than on the path. Skilled workers with apprenticeship are in strong demand in IT. For dual programmes check contract details (pay, retention, repayment clauses, consequences of dropping out). Do not decide out of fear: a switch is often possible later.

See also: Dual training, IT specialist professions, Further training in IT, BAB and BAföG