The Friedrich Schiller University Jena launched its first dual university degree on 10 November 2026. The bachelor’s programme in economics is starting as a pilot six months earlier than originally planned. According to the university, the regular launch had been scheduled for the summer semester 2027 is planned.
To mark the launch of the programme, Jena hosted a presentation of the model and a welcome for the first students. The industry partner is Elevion Group. The university says the dual university degree combines academic study with extended periods of practical training, setting it apart from conventional dual programmes at universities of applied sciences. At the same time, the course content and assessments are intended to meet full university standards.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena says the early start is due to strong demand and will allow it to gain experience ahead of the planned expansion from the summer semester 2027. The university did not give specific figures for the number of places planned or the funding arrangements at the launch. Further regional partners are expected to join in the coming semesters.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of a long-running debate Thuringia and at the university about combining academic depth with practical relevance in degree courses. The Senate had previously discussed guidelines for pilot projects. Supporters expect closer ties between universities and businesses, more applications and smoother transitions into the labour market. Critics warn that university teaching could become overly structured and call for clear rules on the recognition of practical training and transparent examination regulations.
The university says it will continually evaluate how the pilot operates and publish the findings. It will also examine the extent to which the model could be applied to other subjects. The focus will include the division of responsibilities between the university, industry partners and any state funding, as well as quality assurance.
Regional reports describe Jena as one of the first universities in Germany to trial this kind of dual programme at university level. No official figures are yet available on how many subjects or partners may take part in the medium term. For now, the programme is limited to economics. The launch event was held at the Jena Digital Innovation Hub, a centre that connects science and business in the city.
The pilot is due to be evaluated by the summer semester 2027. Friedrich Schiller University Jena will then decide whether, and in what form, to expand the dual university degree.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).