Dropping out of a dual study program – a decision many make, often for good reasons. The critical question: What costs will I incur? Unlike a regular study program, a dual study program involves two contracts and often includes repayment clauses.
This article concisely explains the costs, repayment clauses, how to terminate, and your options after dropping out.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- Terminate two contracts: Employment contract + Study contract
- Repayment clauses can range from €5,000 to €20,000
- Notice periods usually 3-6 months
- Public sector: More moderate regulations
- Continuing studies at another university is possible
Can you drop out of a dual study program?
Yes, you can terminate both the employment contract with the company and the study contract with the university. Legally, both contracts are usually independent of each other, but in practice, they are often linked.
1) Employment contract with the company (training allowance, social benefits)
2) Study contract with the university (often paid by the employer)
If you terminate one contract, the termination of the other usually follows automatically.
Dropping out of a dual study program – what are the costs?
The biggest cost trap is repayment clauses in the employment contract. These can include:
"In case of termination within 2 years after graduation, 100% of the training costs are to be repaid, thereafter staggered: 3rd year 66%, 4th year 33%, from 5th year no repayment."
Example Calculation
Tuition fees: €24,000 (3 years at €8,000 each) | Salary: €36,000 (3 years at €12,000 each) | Dropping out after 2 years | Repayment: ~€16,000 tuition fees + possibly proportional salary
How do I terminate my dual study program?
You must terminate both contracts in writing. The notice periods are stated in your employment contract and are usually 3-6 months.
Termination steps:
- Check employment contract: Notice period, repayment clauses, special termination rights
- Terminate in writing: Registered mail with return receipt to the HR department
- Inform the university: Apply for exmatriculation (usually informally possible)
- Plan handover: Complete projects, return work materials
Similar to dropping out of a regular study program, you should prepare the decision well and have alternatives ready.
Dual study program at risk?
Before you drop out - there are discreet ways to master even difficult exam periods
Learn moreDropping out of a dual study program in the public sector
In the public sector, regulations are often more moderate than in the private sector:
- Lower repayments: Often only tuition fees, no salary
- Goodwill arrangements: Often discounts in cases of health or social hardship
- Shorter notice periods: Usually 3 months instead of 6
- Collective bargaining agreements: Clear, transparent conditions
Repaying money - how much and when?
The amount of repayment depends on several factors:
Dropping out in 1st year: 100% repayment | Dropping out in 2nd year: 66% repayment | Dropping out in 3rd year: 33% repayment | After graduation: Staggered over 2-3 years
What is legally permissible?
Not all repayment clauses are legally valid. Clauses are often invalid if they:
- Demand complete repayment of salary (only proportional training costs are permissible)
- Apply for longer than 2-3 years after graduation
- Do not have a staggering based on length of employment
- Apply even in the case of employer termination
In case of doubt, it is worth consulting a specialist lawyer for labor law. You can find more about your rights in case of dropping out of vocational training in our guide.
After dropping out - your options
Continuing studies with credit transfer
You can have modules you have already passed recognized at a new university. This saves time and money. Important: The new university decides on the recognition, not the old one.
When switching from a dual to a regular study program, you must consider BAföG regulations for changing degree programs – usually only eligible for funding until the 3rd semester.
Not sure whether to drop out yet?
Perhaps there are discreet ways to pass even critical exam periods
Learn moreConclusion: Dropping out of a dual study program
- Terminate two contracts: Employment contract + Study contract
- Repayment clauses can amount to €5,000-€20,000 – carefully check the contract!
- Observe notice periods, usually 3-6 months
- Public sector often has more moderate regulations
- Continuing studies at another university is possible with credit transfer
- Not all repayment clauses are legally valid – consult a lawyer in case of doubt
Dropping out of a dual study program is financially and legally more complicated than dropping out of a regular study program. Repayment clauses can be substantial, but not all are legally valid. It is important to carefully check your contract and, in case of doubt, seek legal advice before terminating.
"Dropping out is not a defeat, but often a new start in a more suitable direction."
