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NRW-Technikum
try | decide | study MINT

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The NRW-Technikum is studies to try out! Within one semester - i.e. in six months - you have the chance to try out a degree programme and a possible apprenticeship. The focus is on the STEM/MINT disciplines: maths, computer science, natural sciences and technology.

 

After the NRW-Technikum, you have the choice:

  • Start full-time or part-time studies
  • Start a dual study programme (here an apprenticeship is integrated into your studies and you receive two degrees)
  • Change of degree programme
  • Exmatriculation and change to a dual, in-company vocational training programme

 

What can you expect?

  • Try out STEM studies: During the programme, you can simply try out STEM studies and a STEM profession.
  • Practical insights: You will find out how studies work and what career prospects are possible as a computer scientist, forensic scientist or engineer, for example.
  • Clarity for the future: The programme enables you to make an informed decision as to whether STEM studies suit your interests and abilities.

 

All high school graduates (m/f/d) can take part in the programme. For male participants, the NRW-Technikum runs under the name Orientierungssemester (orientation semester) without an additional supporting programme. Otherwise, it is structured identically and you can choose from the same lectures.

Additional info

Until summer semester 2026 (i.e. until 31 August 2026), you can do the practical phase or your internship instead of an interdisciplinary project during the orientation semester .

From the winter semester 2026/27 (from 1 September 2026), you will then have the opportunity to register part-time every semester. This means you can attend lectures like dual students and complete your internship at the same time.

Semester ticket

You can reach your university and your internship company free of charge with your semester ticket, but you can also use the ticket in your free time.

Child benefit & family insurance

As a student up to the age of 25, you will receive child benefit during the orientation semester and are covered by family insurance.

Learn soft skills

Take part in workshops, excursions, lab visits, networking meetings as part of the MINT Forum, the Summer and Winter Academy, the Campus Week and much more to improve your soft skills.

Experience practical application & gain

Gain an authentic and realistic insight into studies and careers. Test your skills in a STEM profession during a company internship!

Your commitment and the certificates for your studies and internship offer you clear advantages when you apply for a degree programme or a job later on.

Recognition of your achievements

You can collect up to 20 ECTS (credit points) for your studies in the orientation semester.

(ECTS stands for "European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System". These are points that measure the workload for academic achievements, with one point corresponding to around 25 to 30 hours of work. ECTS makes it possible to transfer credits between universities in Europe).

Make a decision

Make an informed decision after the NRW-Technikum: whether for studies, a dual study programme or an apprenticeship.

Do you need support? We will be happy to advise you and discuss your next steps together.

Get started straight away

After the orientation semester, you can continue your studies without any obstacles.

Teilnehmerinnen eines Workshops
Teilnehmerinnen eines Workshops
MINT Forum
for women

The MINT Forum was founded in 2013 and has developed into an active network over time. Its aim is to connect women from MINT fields and support them on their path to future careers. We are now delighted to have strong cooperation partners at our side who are helping to expand and shape our network in the best possible way.

MINT Forum »
Die Mentees und Mentorinnen tauschen sich in großer Runde aus
Die Mentees und Mentorinnen tauschen sich in großer Runde aus
Mentoring
for women

To help female students get started in their careers, the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences offers mentoring programmes in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Female students (mentees) are assigned a mentor from a company with whom they can discuss important issues and who can give them a realistic insight into everyday working life.

Mentoring »
Logo vom NRW-Technikum der Uni Paderborn
Logo vom NRW-Technikum der Uni Paderborn
Programmes at cooperation partners
for women

The NRW Technikum is offered at Paderborn University and Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, among others. It is also possible to participate in their programmes.

more information »

Gender equality events

The Hochschule Niederrhein's Equal Opportunities programme has many offers for different groups throughout the year, which you can also take part in.

For students and staff: Open Consultation hours of the Equal Opportunities Officer
Date: 2025-09-19 / 10:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Zoom
Speak up - voice and body language as a communication factor
Date: 2025-09-22 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: FE02, Krefeld South Campus
Speak up - voice and body language as a communication factor
Date: 2025-09-23 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: FE02, Krefeld South Campus
Speak up - voice and body language as a communication factor | Part 2
Date: 2025-09-26 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: FE02, Krefeld South Campus
For students and staff: Open Consultation hours of the Equal Opportunities Officer
Date: 2025-09-26 / 10:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Zoom
For female employees: Positive self-management for women - impulses for more success and satisfaction (2 days!)
Date: 2025-10-01 / 10:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Krefeld South Campus and online
Retirement provision - making financial provision
Date: 2025-10-07 / 07:00 o'clock (pm)
Location: Zoom
For female employees: Positive self-management for women - impulses for more success and satisfaction (2 days!)
Date: 2025-10-10 / 09:00 o'clock (am)
Location: Krefeld South Campus and online

How do I register?

To take part in the NRW-Technikum or the orientation semester, you must register and pay the semester fee.

You can find further information and contacts in the faculties on the orientation semester page.

Your contact person

Dr. Sandra Laumen, Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing.
Equal Opportunity Officer
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