Duale Hochschule Gera-Eisenach

About Duale Hochschule Gera-Eisenach

The Duale Hochschule Gera-Eisenach (DHGE) is a state university of the Free State of Thuringia specialising exclusively in dual, practice-integrated bachelor's degree programmes. It operates across two campuses — Gera and Eisenach — and offers accredited programmes in Business, Engineering/Technology, and Social Sciences in cooperation with over 1,600 partner companies and institutions.

The dual study model alternates three-month theory phases at the university with three-month practical phases at a partner company. Students sign a three-year training contract with their practice partner before enrolment and receive monthly compensation throughout the programme, which substantially reduces the financial burden of studying.

The university traces its roots to the Thüringer Berufsakademie founded in 1998 and was formally established as a Hochschule (university of applied sciences equivalent) on 1 September 2016 under the Thuringia Higher Education Act. With approximately 1,433 enrolled students (WiSe 2023/24) and over 9,500 graduates to date, the DHGE plays a notable role in supplying skilled professionals to the regional economy of central Thuringia.

Key facts

Founded: 2016
Students: 1,433
Faculties: 3

100% dual-study model: every student has a paid training contract with a practice partner company

Over 1,600 corporate and institutional practice partners across Thuringia and beyond

Approximately 90% of graduates move directly into permanent employment, often with their practice partner

Over 9,500 graduates since the institution's founding as a Berufsakademie in 1998

Erasmus+ partnerships with universities in Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Greece, and Portugal

Affordable study locations with low cost of living relative to major German cities

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

As a public state university in Thuringia, the DHGE charges no tuition fees. Students pay a standard semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) covering administration and student services; the exact current amount is not published on the official site — prospective students should confirm with the Studienberatung. Additionally, students enrolled under the dual model receive monthly compensation from their practice partner throughout their studies, partially offsetting living costs.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold a German Hochschulreife (Abitur), fachgebundene Hochschulreife, or Fachhochschulreife — or demonstrate equivalent qualifications recognised under Thuringia's Higher Education Act (including a professional qualification pathway for skilled workers without Abitur). Crucially, admission requires a signed training contract with a DHGE-accredited practice partner company before any application to the university is submitted. International applicants must have their foreign school-leaving certificate assessed for equivalence to German higher education entrance qualifications. German language proficiency of C1 is strongly recommended (all instruction is in German). A student visa is required; early application is advised given typical consulate processing times. An APS certificate is required for applicants whose prior qualification was issued in India, China (mainland, HK, Macau), or Vietnam, as it must accompany the visa application. Contact for international applicants: [email protected]

Languages of instruction

Primarily German. All lectures, seminars, and examinations are conducted in German; a C1 level is strongly recommended. Limited English-medium mobility modules and partner-university theory phases are available for outgoing students (B2 required).

Campuses & locations

Campus Gera

Main campus located at Schloss Tinz in Gera; houses central administration and the International Office

Campus Eisenach

Eisenach campus features a teaching building and a newer technical building with laboratories and workshop equipment

Living in Thüringen

The DHGE spans two Thuringian cities: Gera, the third-largest city in Thuringia, recognised as a university city since 2017, offering an affordable cost of living and green surroundings; and Eisenach, a historic city at the foot of the Wartburg castle in western Thuringia, known for its Bach and Luther heritage. Both cities are well connected by rail and are within reasonable distance of larger centres such as Erfurt and Jena.

Student life & support

Students at the DHGE divide their time between campus and their practice partner company, giving student life a distinctly professional character compared with traditional universities. Both campuses have cafeterias. The International Office organises short-term mobility programmes including a London trip and a Prague English Workshop. Outgoing Erasmus+ internship support is available for practical phases abroad. Gera municipality offers a relocation bonus of €100/year for students who register their primary residence in the city.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus