Frequently asked questions about studying at the FHD

Attend our taster lectures and information days, or arrange an individual consultation – either on site or online. We will help you find the degree programme that really suits you and your life. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

Student counselling

Studying full-time at Dresden University of Applied Sciences means that your studies are your main focus. You will usually attend lectures and courses four days a week at our campus on Straßburger Platz. The structured timetable leaves you enough time to work part-time (e.g. 8–10 hours per week). This study model is ideal if you want to graduate quickly and concentrate fully on your subject.

A part-time degree programme at the FHD in Dresden allows you to combine work and study in the best possible way. You work in your main job (e.g. 30 hours a week) and study at the same time – usually every other Friday evening and Saturday. You can find the exact lecture days on the relevant degree programme page. This mode of study is perfect for working professionals and family people who want to gain further academic qualifications without giving up their income.

Unlike a dual study programme, you are not tied to a specific partner company and are free to organise your professional activities as you wish. This allows you to remain flexible in your career planning whilst benefiting from practical course content.

Dual study programme vs. part-time study programme

The choice between full-time study and part-time study depends on your life situation and your goals:

• Full-time study: Shorter duration, more intensive campus life, faster completion.
• Part-time studies: Greater financial security, better compatibility with work and family life, longer duration of study.

Both models at FHD offer you structured study plans, individual support and a high degree of flexibility.

Book a consultation appointment

Yes, it is possible to combine full-time studies in Dresden with a part-time job. Classes take place on four weekdays, often with free afternoons. This allows you to plan your working hours flexibly. Many FHD students have a part-time job. You can find regular updates on student job vacancies via our JobTeaser portal and the notice board.

Yes, you can participate in a trial study programme at the FHD in Dresden at any time. You will attend selected courses, get to know the campus, our professors and students, and gain a realistic insight into everyday student life.

Arrange a taster session

Yes, Dresden University of Applied Sciences (FHD) is a state-recognised, privately funded university. It has been accredited by the Free State of Saxony since 2010 and is also institutionally accredited by the German Science Council. All degree programmes are also programme-accredited by renowned agencies such as ZEVA, AQUIN and FIBAA. 

Yes, FHD degrees (bachelor's and master's) are state-recognised and equivalent to those awarded by universities in Germany and the EU. Thanks to the Bologna Process, the bachelor's/master's system applies throughout Europe, regardless of the type of higher education institution.

The FHD is divided into three faculties: 

• Faculty of Applied Social Sciences 
• Faculty of Business Administration 
• Faculty of Design 

At FHD, you will study in small groups. This enables personal support, intensive exchange and a pleasant learning atmosphere.

You can transfer to FHD at any time. Together, we will review which credits you have already earned so that we can recognise them and you can continue your studies seamlessly. Simply contact our student advisory service. 

Student advisory service

The duration of your studies depends on your chosen degree programme. Professionals with work experience have the opportunity to shorten their studies by transferring credits from previous studies or vocational training (e.g. nursing training). Students who have already begun studying the same subject can have individual modules recognised and thus shorten their studies at Dresden University of Applied Sciences.

Yes, you can shorten the duration of your studies by transferring credits from previous vocational training, studies already begun or further education. However, there is no entitlement to recognition; each transfer is examined individually. Our student advisory service will assist you with any questions you may have about the recognition process and shortened study programmes.

Crediting of previous achievements

Yes, simply submit your documents as part of a non-binding application. Our departments will check individually whether your previous achievements (e.g. from a preliminary course of study) can be credited.

Crediting of previous achievements

The FHD cooperates with a large number of companies from the fields of business, design, tourism, event management and social services – many of them based in Saxony.  

 Some of our partners: 

• Ernst & Young  
• Dresden Marketing GmbH 
• Technical Collections Dresden 
• Deutsche Telekom MMS 
• Dresden State Art Collections 
• Fraunhofer IPMS 

You can find a complete list on the degree programme pages.

Graduates of Dresden University of Applied Sciences have excellent career prospects. Practical course content, small learning groups and close contacts with industry ensure that you are well prepared for your career path. An optional semester or internship abroad further strengthens your international profile. You can find more career prospects and career paths of our graduates on the respective degree programme pages.

Studying at the private University of Applied Sciences Dresden offers many advantages:

• Study without an NC requirement – even without a school leaving certificate
• Small groups & personal support
• Highly practical with projects, internships and practical semesters
• Planning security thanks to a fixed timetable
• Central location at Straßburger Platz in Dresden

You can apply at any time. The official application deadline

• for the summer semester is 31 March
• and 30 September

Nevertheless, you can still apply after the deadline, as this is only a guideline.

It pays to apply early: higher chances of getting a place + an early bird discount of €400 on the enrolment fee.

Early bird discount

For our non-NC Bachelor's degree programmes, you will need:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Technical college entrance qualification
• Subject-specific university entrance qualification
• or one of the alternative admission routes in accordance with §18 SächsHSG (studying without an Abitur).

In general, always check the page for your degree programme for any additional admission requirements.

Yes, you can study without a school leaving certificate if you have a professional qualification (e.g. master craftsman, business administrator).

You can find more details on our website:

Studying without a school leaving certificate

International students require the same entry qualifications as German applicants, as well as German language skills at least at B2 level.

You can apply online to study at Dresden University of Applied Sciences at any time. The application is non-binding, so you can take your time to consider whether you want to have previous achievements or professional qualifications credited towards your degree.

What documents do you need for your application?

For a complete application to FHD Dresden, please upload the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae

• School leaving certificate (A-levels, technical college entrance qualification or equivalent)

• Training or further education certificate (if available)

• Certificate of exmatriculation or certificates from previous studies (if available)

• Proof of B2 German language skills for international students

If you would like to have previous vocational training, further education or modules from a previous degree programme credited, we also require your framework curriculum or module descriptions. You can also submit these documents later if you do not have them ready immediately.

No degree certificate yet? No problem!

If you have not yet received your school leaving certificate or training certificate, you can still apply online for your place at university in Dresden. Simply submit your current half-yearly report card. You can submit your final degree certificate later, as soon as it is available.

APPLY NOW

After submitting your online application, the FHD will review your documents. If you meet the requirements and there are places available, you will receive your admission within a few days.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All degree programmes are NC-free. Selection is based on your qualifications and not your grade point average. Applying early increases your chances.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The university entrance examination at Dresden University of Applied Sciences assesses whether studying a particular subject is appropriate for you, even if you do not have a school leaving certificate but do have a vocational qualification. You will first receive an invitation to an online consultation and preparatory material. The examination consists of a 90-minute written part and a 30-minute oral examination. The examination will be marked within a week and, if you pass, you will receive your subject-specific university entrance qualification.

Registration for the university entrance examination

You can find the current tuition fees in the information material for your desired degree programme. They guarantee you a high-quality education with individual support, small groups and a strong practical focus.

REQUEST INFORMATION MATERIAL

As a private university, the FHD is entirely self-financed – without any government funding. The tuition fees guarantee you the best teaching quality, personal support and practice-oriented studying.

There are many options: BAföG, education loans, scholarships or private funding.

The FHD offers personal financial advice.

Overview of financing options

No, there are no hidden fees at FHD. The tuition fees are clearly listed in the respective course information material. In addition, you pay a one-time enrolment fee and a contribution towards your semester ticket, which allows you to use public transport throughout Germany. We also offer regular discount promotions that allow you to save on fees.

Financing & discount promotions

The FHD offers flexible payment models: 

• 5% discount for one-off payment at the start of studies 
• 3% discount for annual payment 
• Monthly payment

In addition, there are discount promotions that can reduce your study costs.

Financing & discount promotions

The FHD is located on the Straßburger Platz campus, Güntzstraße 1, 01069 Dresden. You can easily reach us by tram with lines 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 of the Dresden Transport Authority (DVB). You can find stop information on the DVB website. 

Paid parking is available in the surrounding streets.

Once you have been admitted to study at the FHD, we will send you your letter of admission and the study contract by post.

Step 1: Submit any missing documents

Your letter of admission will contain all the information you need about which documents you may still need to submit. Send these to FHD Dresden promptly by email, post (in the case of certified copies) or in person.

Step 2: Observe the deadline

The letter of admission also specifies the deadline for reserving your place at the university. Within this period, you can decide whether you would like to study at FHD Dresden.

Step 3: Return the study contract

If you decide to enrol, return two signed copies of your study contract by post.

Step 4: Everything else you need to know about starting your studies

Once all the documents have been submitted and the study contract has been returned, you do not need to do anything else. Before you start your studies, we will send you all the important information about:

• Timetable

• Student ID

• Semester ticket

• First semester information

This will ensure that you are well prepared and can start your studies at FHD Dresden in the best possible way.

Yes, all bachelor's degree programmes at FHD are practice-oriented. At least one compulsory internship or practical project is an integral part of your studies, regardless of the type of programme. You can find detailed information in the study schedule for your degree programme.

Yes, FHD supports semesters or internships abroad in many degree programmes. With over 150 partner universities, you will find the right one for you and your next adventure abroad. Our International Office will advise you on partner universities, financing (e.g. Erasmus+ or BAföG abroad) and accompany you throughout the entire preparation process.

Semester abroad

Yes, the FHD organises a first semester week with get-to-know-you events, campus tours and a leisure programme. This gives you the opportunity to get to know your fellow students, as well as the campus and the city of Dresden.

No, you will receive a ready-made timetable so that you can concentrate fully on your studies.

No – at Dresden University of Applied Sciences, you do not have to enrol in individual courses yourself. At the beginning of each semester, you will receive a complete timetable with all your courses. This allows you to concentrate fully on your studies without having to worry about organisational details. Of course, this also applies to your first semester at FHD.

Yes, at the start of their studies at FHD, we invite all new students to an introductory event. Here you will get to know your degree programme, your study group, the professors and the campus. You will also receive important information about your timetable, the semester ticket and all organisational procedures.

Most FHD degree programmes have only one fixed study group, some have two. First-year students who enter in a higher semester are assigned to an existing group from the previous year. You will find out which study group you are in on the first day of your studies – this way, you can start the new semester together with your fellow students.

No, attendance is not compulsory at Dresden University of Applied Sciences. However, we recommend that you attend classes regularly in order to get the most out of your studies. Depending on the study model (full-time or part-time), classes are held on site or online.

You will receive your personal timetable in good time at the beginning of the new semester. You will be informed of all relevant examinations in a timely manner.

FHD lecture notes are available to you via our online learning platform ILIAS. You will receive your login details after you enrol.

Yes, you will receive a semester ticket at FHD. It allows you to travel throughout Germany on public transport. The ticket is activated via FHD.

Yes, FHD offers support for finding internships, applying for jobs and job hunting. The Career Service will assist you with your concerns, such as checking your application documents. Job vacancies, working student positions and internships are regularly posted on the notice board and on the internal job portal.

Yes, you can interrupt your studies at the FHD for personal reasons (semester of leave). This requires a formal application. Credits already earned will generally remain valid. Please contact Student Services for more information.

Dresden offers many attractive residential areas for students. Äußere Neustadt is particularly popular with its lively cultural and nightlife scene. Those who prefer a quieter but still central location often move to Hechtviertel or Löbtau, which offer affordable rents and green surroundings. Johannstadt scores points for its close proximity to the campus, while Pieschen impresses with its proximity to the Elbe and modern residential structure.

As a student in Dresden, you can choose from many different types of accommodation – from shared flats and small apartments to furnished short-term accommodation. Popular platforms for finding accommodation are WG-Gesucht, Immowelt, Immonet and Kleinanzeigen.de.

Life in Dresden is significantly cheaper than in many other major German cities such as Berlin, Munich or Hamburg.