Technical University Dresden (TUD), the largest university in Saxony, has a history of almost 200 years. Situated in one of the cheapest cities to study in Germany, TU Dresden is known for its Engineering courses. Presently, the university is home to 32,000 students who are enrolled in one of the 124 TUD academic disciplines, offered through its 17 faculties in 5 schools. Check: TU Dresden Courses.

As of 2023, Technical University of Dresden is listed amongst the top 10 largest universities in Germany. Ranked #173 in QS World University Rankings 2023, the university has a world class reputation for its research excellence. Last year, TUD secured funding for its research in the field of biomedicine and bioengineering.

As a public German university, TU Dresden doesn’t charge any tuition fees. However, unlike other universities, it doesn't offer any scholarships to international students. Those seeking funding to study at TUD, need to explore external funding options like DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Boll Scholarship, etc.

Also Check: Technical University of Dresden Admissions 2023

Technical University of Dresden Rankings

TU Dresden Rankings in the world have improved over the previous years. According to different ranking agencies, the university’s world rankings are

  • #173 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
  • #152 in Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings
  • #186 in Global Universities in the US News and World Report 2023 rankings
  • Times Higher Education (THE) also ranked TUD’s Postgraduate Engineering and Technology program at #94, and PG Computer program ranked #126-150.

In terms of national rankings, the university has managed to keep its place intact. For more than a decade now, Technical University Dresden has ranked in Top 15 universities in Germany. Check:TU Dresden rankings in last 5 years.

Highlights

University Type Public Research University
Establishment Year 1828
Student Population 31,517
Student Faculty Ratio 35:1
Tuition fees NA
English Language Proficiency DSH, TestDaF, IELTS,TOEFL
Percentage of International Students 12.5%
Programs 124
Official Website www.tu-dresden.de

Technical University of Dresden Campus and Accommodation

TUD’s main campus is situated south of the Dresden city centre and its outer campuses are situated in Tharandt, Dresden Blasewitz, Dresden Johannstadt, Pirna, and Zittau. TU Dresden campus caters to all student needs, from high-tech labs and WIFI facilities available throughout campus to Saxon State and University Library Dresden (SLUB), students can experience it all.

  • The TUD library is one of the largest and best-equipped libraries in Germany.
  • Students have the opportunity to register for 40+ sports at the University Sports Centre (USZ).
  • TUD Students can take part in several multicultural programs and can even learn a foreign language for free.

Accommodation

TUD offers on-campus and off campus housing facilities to all students in UG and PG level. The room types vary from single apartments to shared houses.

The accommodation costs for different housing types available on campus are tabulated below:

Accommodation Type Cost in EUR
Single Apartment 225-414
One-bedroom in 2-shared flat 173-299
One-bedroom in 3 and 4-shared flat 160-292
One-bedroom (with private bath) in a shared flat 243-270
One-bedroom in 5-person plus shared flat 185-292
One-bedroom for 10 and more persons 142-235

Technical University Dresden Programs

Technical University of Dresden offers a wide range of UG and PG programs in over 124 academic areas via its 17 faculties and 5 academic schools. Programs offered by the university are taught in German and english language. For the programs taught in English, International students are required to submit their ELT scores while making an application to TUD.

TUD doesn’t charge any tuition fees for UG and PG level courses from both domestic and international students.

Program Program Deadline English language proficiency
MS Biochemistry July 15 IELTS- 6.5 TOEFL- 550
MS Molecular Bioengineering May 31 IELTS- 6.5 TOEFL- 92 (ibt)
MS Transportation Economics May 31 Knowledge of English at B2 Level
MS Hydro Science and Engineering May 31 Knowledge of English at C1 Level

Technical University of Dresden Admissions

TU Dresden is a member of uni-assist and has commissioned it to accept and evaluate application documents from international students. The uni-assist applications will cost 75 EUR (85 USD), for a single application.

Admissions at TU Dresden Germany take place for the winter and summer semesters. While TUD bachelor and English-taught master program applications are only invited for the winter semester, TUD German-taught master program admissions are conducted in both winter and summer season.

Application Deadlines: TU Dresden admission deadlines for international students are uniform for the majority of programs. Application deadlines are mentioned below:

  • Winter (October-March): April 1
  • Summer (April-September): October 1

Supporting Documents:

  • Printed application form
  • Personal data sheet or short CV
  • Letter of motivation
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Copy of passport (page with photo & name) or ID Card
  • Authorized copy of original & sworn German/English translations of:
    • High School certificate with subject & grade summary
    • If applicable, the graduation certificate
  • Minimum German language proficiency score: DSH 1;TestDaF; DSD II; TDN 3/4 , B2 Goethe-Institute,
  • Minimum English language proficiency Test score are as follows;
    • TOEFL-IBT: Overall score of 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.
    • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 176 overall, not less than 169 in any element.
    • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, Not less than 6.0 in any section.

Note: Applicants must ensure that spelling of their name on the uni-assist TU Dresden application is the same as that on their passport.

Technical University Dresden Cost of Attendance 

Tuition Fees

Like several other public German Universities, students are not charged any TU Dresden tuition fees for their chosen program. However, there are a few masters programs such as International Studies Intellectual Property Law that charge a tuition fee of 2500 EUR per semester.

Instead of the tuition fees (or along with it), students are required to pay a semester contribution of 276 EUR (312 USD) per semester. This includes a ticket to use public transportation in Dresden.

The total cost of attendance, including the living costs for the international students is tabulated below:

Expenses Cost (in EUR)
Semester Expenses 276
Distance Learning Program 100
Second Degree 350

Living Expenses

In terms of accommodation and other living expenses, Dresden is considered affordable compared to other big German cities. Basic cost of living (food, rent, personal items) for an international student is estimated to be 700 EUR (790 USD) per month.

Technical University Dresden Scholarships

Financial aid is available for international students commencing education at TU Dresden. While there are no scholarships or grants offered by the university, students can apply for scholarships like DeutschlandStipendium Program, DAAD scholarships, Heinrich Boll Scholarship, etc.

International students from India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia can also apply for scholarships in their home country.

Technical University Dresden Alumni

TU Dresden has helped shape many famous scientists and professionals who have revolutionized the impact of their study in the real world.

Few notable alumni members of TUD are:

  • Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, founder of the artist group "Brücke".
  • Edmund Frohne, president of the Deutsche Bundesbahn in 1952.
  • Maria Reiche, famous for her research in the Nazca lines in Peru.

Technical University Dresden Placements

TUD offers placement and career related assistance to the students through its Career Services. The services provided include Career Counseling, workshops and training, campus events, etc. The top paying degrees at TUD are:

  • MBA: 189,000 EUR
  • Masters in Science: 53,000 EUR

Top paying professions and average salary of TUD graduates is tabulated below:

Profile Average Salary (In EUR)
Financial Services 189,000
Marketing and product communication 60,000
IT and Software Development 57,000

One of the many reasons to study at TUD is its affordable cost of attendance and renowned research facilities. Widely recognised globally for its technical courses, Technical university of Dresden is an attractive destination for higher studies among international students.

With academic programs and multicultural education experience, Technical University Dresden aims to offer all students a unique experience. It is because of its continuous efforts that TU Dresden rankings have also drastically improved from #179 in 2019 to #173 in 2022, as per QS Rankings 2022. Result of this being the significant growth in the number of international students at TUD. In the last 10 years, international student presence at the university has increased from 9.9% in 2022 to 16% in 2023.

FAQS

Ques. What is the feeling of studying at Technical University Dresden ?

Ans. The university is regarded as one of the greatest in Germany for Electrical engineering. The most important part of this University is it gives special importance to research. Also, the environment within the University is really calm and soothing.

Ques. Is TUD a reputable institution?

Ans. TUD is one of the best technical universities in Germany and the largest university in Saxony. Dresden is one of the cheapest cities to study in and is an immaculate choice for international students. The university has a history of teaching for more than 200 years, and hence, yes, it is a reputable institution.

Ques. What if I’m not sure which course to opt for?

Ans. TUD offers career counseling and one-on-one counseling sessions to students regarding their choice of studies, career, opportunities, etc.

Ques. How tough is it to get into the nanoelectronics master’s programme in TU Dresden?

Ans. The main points are that the candidate’s GPA must be more than 8.5 in Indian Grading System. Also, TOEFL IBT score must be more than 90. The German language certificate is highly important in securing a seat in the nanoelectronics master’s program.

Ques. Which is better for a course in Civil Engineering, TU IN Munich or the TU in Dresden ?

Ans. Both are highly reputed universities but considering a lot of other factors the Technical University Dresden is much more preferred for pursuing a course in Civil Engineering.

Ques. What language skills do I need to prove when applying to TU Dresden?

Ans. A language level of at least B1 according to the European Framework of Reference is recommended.

Ques. What courses is TU Dresden popular for?

Ans. TUD is popular amongst students for its engineering programs. It is one of the best universities in Germany offering technical courses.

Ques. Are scholarships available for international students at TUD?

Ans. No, international students are not offered any specific scholarships by the Technical University of Dresden

Ques. How much do I need to finance my living costs?

Ans. Living expenses including accommodation and personal expenses are estimated to be around 700 Euros per month, for an international student.