The successful partnership between Aachen University of Applied Sciences and the Mies van der Rohe School is entering its next phase: We are pleased to report that the joint “Manufacturing Processes” module is now in its third year. In the winter semester of 2026/27, 16 students from the two-year vocational school for engineering technology will have the opportunity to get a taste of academic life alongside students from Aachen University of Applied Sciences and to experience engineering concepts in a hands-on way.
The new round began on October 7, 2026. The first two sessions focused on getting to know Aachen University of Applied Sciences and its diverse range of degree programs. The students gained insights into everyday university life, toured laboratories, and got a taste of student projects. Student life was also a key part of the experience: During a group lunch in the cafeteria, they were able to experience the university from a completely different perspective.
Moving forward, the high school students will participate alongside university students in lectures, exercises, and lab sessions as part of the “Manufacturing Processes” course. This program uniquely combines high school education, university-level instruction, and practical application.
The goal of the partnership is to show students the path to a degree in engineering and to help them overcome any reservations they may have about attending college. The partnership opens up new perspectives, especially for young people who, after completing high school, would like to pursue a career path focused on practical experience first: The practical experience they’ve already gained can later serve as a valuable basis for deciding whether to pursue an academic education.
“We are very pleased that the partnership has now been established for its third year and that we can once again inspire students to take an interest in technology, higher education, and the opportunities at Aachen University of Applied Sciences,” says Prof. Dr. Kristian Arntz, Dean of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics and head of the Manufacturing Processes division.
The collaboration is also a benefit for the Mies van der Rohe School, says Andreas Gossens, department head of the technical high school and the two-year vocational school for technology: “The students get firsthand experience of how theoretical knowledge is taught at a university and applied in practice in labs and projects. This turns a glimpse into university life into a concrete experience—and for some, perhaps even a first step on the path to pursuing an engineering degree later on.”
