Faculty of Technical Sciences

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 Technical Sciences Collaboration Work-integrated Master’s degree programme

Hire a Work-integrated Master’s student

A new reality is emerging in the Danish engineering job market.


From 2026, Aarhus University will offer all Master of Science in Engineering programmes as Work-integrated Master’s degree programmes, opening up an entirely new talent pipeline for businesses. Through this scheme, companies gain direct access to hire the university’s engineering students in part-time positions (25 hours per week).

Does your company want to be first in line for the next generation of engineering talent? Then keep reading!

Starting in January 2026, the following programmes will be offered as work-integrated Master’s degree programmes:

From the summer of 2026, we will offer the following programmes as work-integrated Master’s degree programmes.

Why should your company hire a Work-integrated Master’s student?

Five benefits for your company:

  • Hire engineering students with the latest knowledge and strong academic ambitions
  • Offer your own Bachelors of Engineering the opportunity to continue their studies – without leaving their job
  • Gain a collaboration model that adapts to your company’s daily operations and needs
  • Build direct connections to research environments and technological expertise at the university
  • Use the Work-integrated Master’s programme scheme as an effective path to recruitment and retention​​​​​​​

Two ways to collaborate with a Work-integrated Master’s student

With a Work-integrated Master’s student, your company gains access to employees with the latest expertise in exactly the area you want to strengthen or develop.

When you hire a Work-integrated Master’s student, you create an employment contract and a job description. The university must approve the professional content of the position to ensure that the complexity and level of responsibility match the standards of a Master of Science in Engineering programme.

The student is obliged to inform Aarhus University of any significant changes to their employment during their studies.

We guide you through the entire process and ensure that the framework complies with education regulations – and that it works in practice within your company.

You can collaborate with a Work-integrated Master’s student through two different schemes, both of which lead to a full Master of Science in Engineering degree (cand.polyt.).

1+2 work-integrated Master’s degree programme (3 years)

  • The student begins with one year of full-time study at the university, and may also take on a student job with your company.
  • In the following two years, part-time study is combined with a part-time position at your company. Employment with your company should average 25 hours per week over the year.
  • You will remunerate the student during the final two years.
  • The teaching is project-based, allowing tasks with a high degree of flexibility and professional relevance.

Flexible work-integrated Master’s degree programme (4 years)

  • The student works and studies simultaneously throughout the entire period. Employment should average 25 hours per week over the year.
  • You will remunerate the student for all four years
  • Working hours are adapted to teaching schedules and exam periods.
Programme structure 1+2 work-integrated Master’s degree programme and Flexible work-integrated Master’s degree programme
The offering of the new 1+2 professional master's degree programmes is pending approval by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

How do you find the right student?

A good match between student and company is crucial for a successful Work-integrated Master’s programme. At AU Engineering, we are ready to help you find the right candidate – or assist a current employee in starting their journey to becoming a Master of Science in Engineering.

We offer:

  • 1:1 guidance on relevant programmes and specializations
  • Assistance in finding students who match your technology area and business needs

Questions? Contact us here. 

In addition, you can also search for Work-integrated Master’s students and post positions via:

  • AU Jobbank – target your postings directly to engineering students

What does it take to hire a Work-integrated Master’s student?

When you hire a Work-integrated Master’s student, the tasks must have clear professional relevance to the student’s programme of study. There must also be flexibility regarding teaching schedules and exam periods.

You will prepare an employment contract and a brief job description, which must be approved by Aarhus University. This ensures that the collaboration provides both learning opportunities and value for your company and the student.

How to get started

  1. Find the right profile
    Attend Master’s Days at AU Engineering, use the Jobbank, or contact us to learn more.
  2. Reach an agreement
    Draft an employment contract and a job description (at least 25 hours per week on average), which must be approved by the university.
  3. Student applies for admission
    Once the agreement is in place, the student applies to the Work-integrated Master’s degree programme, including your agreement as an attachment.

CONTACT

Contact our engineering departments if you would like to learn more about the possibilities of hiring a Work-integrated Master’s student.

For students

If you are a student and would like to learn more about the possibilities of enrolling in a Work-integrated Master’s degree programme, click here to read more.
Revised 23.10.2025
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Heidi Søndergaard