Dual study programme for the teaching profession at secondary schools: Apply now!

Another new feature is the opportunity to take the placement test (DPT test), which is compulsory for English studies programmes, during the application phase. This gives applicants early certainty as to whether their English language skills meet the requirements for the degree programme.

Education Minister Christian Tischner praises the established successful model: "The dual study programme is an important way of strengthening our mainstream and community schools, especially in the regions. We were able to successfully increase the number of places last year. By starting the application process earlier and further developing the selection process, we are now creating even better conditions – both for the students and for the training schools. In this way, we are ensuring that prospective teachers are prepared for their future appointment at an early stage, with a practical orientation and with the necessary professional prerequisites, and that they can be recruited for the teaching profession in Thuringia in the long term."

"With the launch of our dual teacher training programme in 2024, we as a university have taken an important step towards tackling the shortage of teachers at secondary schools in Thuringia," says Professor Julia Knop, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Erfurt. "We are in close dialogue with our students and the training schools - not least to ensure that everyone feels well supported on this new path. We are delighted to be welcoming the third intake of dual students this year. This success shows once again that the University of Erfurt is a reliable partner in the training of prospective teachers in Thuringia."

On Saturday, 14 March 2026, a central information event on the dual course catalogue will take place at 10 a.m. in the Centre for Communication and Information (KIZ) at the University of Erfurt. In addition to information on the programme structure and application modalities, there will be the opportunity to ask individual questions. A digital information event at the end of the application period offers a further opportunity to clarify questions. This will take place on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at 5 pm. If you would like to attend, please register informally by emailing info@lehrerinthueringen.de is requested. Once you have registered, you will receive an access link to the online event. The application deadline for the dual study programme is 31 March.