University dual education is a model of education that combines academic study with workplace-based training, enabling students to alternate periods of study at university with periods of work-based training in a company over a substantial part of their degree, across one or more full academic years.
This training is characterised by students acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical skills simultaneously, enabling them to apply what they learn in the classroom to real work situations.
In dual education, students have a training agreement or learning contract with the company where they undertake their placement, which allows them to receive remuneration during the training period. In addition, they are often supervised and guided by both university lecturers and workplace mentors, which helps them to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge effectively.
It is a form of higher education that is very popular in some European countries, such as Germany and France, and has gradually been expanding to other countries in recent years. In particular, the Basque Country is the region in Spain leading the development of dual university education.