About Us

Working with over 1,000 companies and social institutions, the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University Villingen-Schwenningen provides for its 2,000 students 17 bachelor degree programs in Economics and Social Sciences. For the students at BW Cooperative State University VS, the focus is not only placed on the understanding of theoretical ideas but also their practice. This is achieved through the "Cooperative" program with our partner companies. These partners include universities around the land and outside the country in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, South America, Russia and Asia. All students will have the opportunity to spend a study semester or internship abroad.

Program

A student enrolled at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University is both a student and an employee. Thus, the Cooperative State University has two places of learning. Both partners share the responsibility of qualifying students for their profession: the company or social institution providing "the centre for on-the-job training," and the Cooperative State University as "the centre for academic course work." The three years at the Cooperative State University are divided into two phases. The first phase that contains foundation courses and basic training leads to a preliminary job qualification and is completed in two years. The Bachelor degree is achieved after a third year of more specialized studies and training. Phases of coursework (theory) normally last 12 weeks and alternate with periods of on-the-job-training of equal duration.

Campus and Location

The campus, itself, adds to the learning experience. BW Cooperative State University VS has one of the most developed campuses in the entire land. One example of how this is true is our well-equipped library with a collection of 47,000 volumes, 200 journals and access to data bases, a high-performance data center and a modern e-learning center. The newly built cafeteria always makes sure the students have enough energy to study by supplying healthy, freshly prepared meals at affordable costs. The campus is also in a great location for those wanting to explore the beautiful Black Forest - Baar region. Located at the heart of the town of Schwenningen, the campus is not far from fun attractions like discos, theaters, and stores. It is also ideal for making trips to any nearby areas in Baden-Württemberg which include the Fürstenberg Brewery, Rhine Falls, Triberg Waterfalls, Lake Constance, and Stuttgart.

Requirements for Admission

The requirement for studying at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University is the German 'Abitur' (advanced school-leaving certificate). In addition, a contract that defines the conditions of the traineeship must be signed upon on enrolment. If you are not a German citizen and are applying from abroad, please note the entry requirements (found HERE) for the Duale Hochschule / Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. Also, you must have a training contract with one of our cooperating training companies before you can apply. This is required for students who wish to study full time at our university or complete an apprenticeship combined with the professional experience. Our other programs for international students and their requirements can be found HERE.

Our History

The 'dual system of learning', in which employers co-operate with state-run vocational colleges, has had a long tradition in Germany. In 1974 the Berufsakademie transferred the traditional system of dual vocational training to the level of higher education.
The initiative was started in 1972 by three global corporations, Bosch, Daimler Benz and SEL, together with the Chamber of Commerce and the Academy of Administration and Business (VWA). The objective was to develop a system of dual education for secondary school graduates and to extend the principles of the dual system of vocational training to higher education in business and engineering.
The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University has its origin in Berufsakademie Villingen-Schwenningen / University of Cooperative Education. It was founded in 1975 as the third Berufsakademie in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Around 1,800 students are currently enrolled in the Business School and the School of Social Sciences.
The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University has experienced rapid growth. Expanding numbers reflect a growing demand in business and the social services for young employees with solid professional training.
The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University is a pioneer in vocationally-oriented education at the university level. The integration of companies and social institutions as active partners in higher education fosters graduates of a high calibre. For this reason, the Berufsakademie offers an attractive alternative to traditional university study.