Frequently asked questions from Companies & Partners

A dual study programme enables companies to train young professionals who acquire exactly the skills and knowledge that the company needs. The regular alternation of theoretical and practical phases ensures that students can directly apply the knowledge they have acquired at HSBA in practice.

The knowledge acquired in the dual study programme far exceeds the knowledge gained in a commercial vocational training programme in terms of scope and level. However, this can be additionally completed in parallel by means of the external examination, without prolonging the study programme.

Dual study programmes are attractive and in high demand among school and high school students. Thanks to our numerous marketing measures and numerous recommendations from students and alumni, partner companies usually have a good pool of applicants and thus gain access to the best high school graduates. A loyalty clause in the study contract also ensures that companies receive a return on their investment even after graduation.

The core areas of business administration must be experienced and applied in a kind of departmental rotation during the practical phases in the company. We do not set quantitative targets for this. In addition, a point of contact (student advisor) is required for us and our students.

The dual study programme is divided into blocks of theory and practice, each lasting about three months. The three-year bachelor's programme begins on 1 October. However, many companies hire students as early as August or September in a kind of pre-study internship.

In Business Administration (BSc), companies can choose between a study programme beginning with a theoretical (A-track) or practical (B-track) phase. In the three specialised programmes, Business Informatics, International Management and Logistics Management, the track changes every year.

In the third year of study, only a few lectures take place; the students are mainly in the company. Over all three years, the students are on average in the company twice for 16 weeks and at the HSBA twice for 10 weeks per year.

Tuition fees for the 2026 academic year are €825 per month, which are covered in full by most partner companies. However, companies are free to set their own financial conditions. About a quarter of our students contribute to the tuition fees, currently with an average of about €180 per month. In addition, students usually receive a monthly allowance. This is generally based on the remuneration for commercial apprentices.

Our student marketing is very extensive and includes numerous activities such as school visits, on-site and online information events, participation in fairs and online measures such as Google Ads and social media activities.

On our online study place exchange (link), companies can offer bachelor's degree places and thus receive applications directly.

Another successful event format for recruiting students is our business speed dating. Here, companies can get to know potential students in short, ten-minute conversations. Participation in both formats is only possible if there are enough free places.

By purchasing one of our recruitment packages, companies also receive a premium profile on the university placement exchange with additional functions, as well as guaranteed access to business speed dating. Please contact us for further information.

Companies that still want to receive applications shortly before the start of the programme can participate in our Bachelor's study place brokerage. Here, we support the application process by matching last-minute candidates with companies.

Our template for the study contract between students and companies includes a probationary period of six months, after which it is no longer possible to terminate the contract without good reason.

Since dual study programmes are not subject to the German Vocational Training Act, the contract design is quite unbureaucratic. HSBA provides contract templates. Please contact us for details.

Companies can involve Master's students in the following ways:

• Part-time studies: Students work in your company alongside their studies (usually 30 hours per week).
• Practical projects: Students work on specific issues in your company as part of study projects.
• Guest lectures and workshops: Experts from your company can act as speakers or mentors.

HSBA offers the following part-time Master's programmes:

• MSc Digital Transformation & Sustainability
• MSc Innovation Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Direct access to highly qualified talents
• Practical research and innovation for your company
• Further development and retention of your own employees through a master's programme
• Networking with other companies and experts

Many companies cover all or part of the students' tuition fees. After signing a cost absorption form, HSBA invoices the company for this amount on 1 October, 1 January, 1 April and 1 July of each year.

Companies must enable students to participate in university seminars.

HSBA Master students usually work 30 hours per week in their partner company. Companies should ensure that students are released from work for classroom sessions, exams and any additional study activities. Ideally, the contract should cover the entire duration of the course. Often a probationary period is agreed. In addition, the employment contract regulates the payment of tuition fees.

Yes, the holiday entitlement should at least meet the legal requirements. Holiday planning must be coordinated with the study periods.

Many students want the tasks in the company to match the content of the Master's programme in order to enable an optimal theoretical and practical link.

HSBA Master students work in a variety of corporate functions, from business development to management consulting and strategy, corporate finance and marketing. Generally speaking, all corporate functions are of interest to students.

HSBA supports companies in their search for suitable students. Job offers including the company logo can be sent directly to HSBA (jobundmaster@hsba.de) and will be published free of charge on the JOB & MASTER website.

Alternatively, this form can be used for publication: JOB & MASTER job postings.

In addition to publishing a job ad, you can view the respective candidate profile including the CV of the candidates on our website. Simply register here: JOB & MASTER Placement: Registration for companies

Interested companies can contact Juliane Michaelis directly: E-mail: juliane.michaelis(at)hsba.de

Phone: +49 40 822160 932

The salary varies depending on the company, industry and agreement. It should be fair and in line with market rates, as the students bring valuable labour to the table and already have a first degree and professional experience.