# FAQ International students

**Source**: https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/faq
**Parent**: https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales?set_language=en

The following FAQs apply to applicants without German citizenship with a first university entrance qualification/school-leaving certificate (HZB) from abroad.

For a successful application, you will find answers to many questions and further links on this page.\
Please inform yourself thoroughly and read the information provided both before and during the application process.

## Table of contents

1. 1. [Preparing your application](#section-1)
   2. [Application](#section-2)
   3. [Admission](#section-3)
   4. [Enrollment](#section-4)
   5. [Arrival](#section-5)
   6. [Studies](#section-6)

## Preparing your application

[What are the general conditions for studying in Germany?](#)

Before applying, please check whether you have the necessary qualifications to study in Germany.

For university admission, TU Dresden follows the recommendations of the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education in Germany) when checking certificates.\
These recommendations are publicly available in the [Anabin](https://anabin.kmk.org/cms/public/startseite) database.

On the following websites, you can find more information regarding the general requirements for studying in Germany, such as visa, funding, blocked account and much more.\
Information can be found on the pages of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research [Studying in Germany](https://www.study-in-germany.de/de/warum-deutschland/) and on the Federal Government's portal for skilled workers from abroad [Make it in Germany](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/studium-ausbildung/studieren-in-deutschland/absolvieren).\
You can also find information on the [DAAD](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/) website.

[Which degree programs are offered at TU Dresden?](#)

You can find all information about the degree programs offered at TU Dresden in the [SINS study information system](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/studienangebot/sins/sins_start).

In SINS you will find information on the main course contents, admission requirements and the necessary prior knowledge for all degree programs.\
You will also find information on the possible start date, application deadlines, duration of study, language of instruction, documents to be submitted and assignment to the subject-specific course at the preparatory college (Studienkolleg).

If you have any questions about the degree program, please get in touch with the relevant contact person.

[How can I finance my studies?](#)

Please be sure to check your requirements for financing your studies in advance!

You should assume that you will have to finance your studies in Germany yourself!\
Applicants from non-EU countries need sufficient proof of financial means to apply for a visa.\
Important information on financing can be found  on the [DAAD](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/stipendien/) website.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship in Germany, you can also find information on the [DAAD](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/stipendien/) website. Information and links to scholarship providers can also be found on our pages on [scholarships](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/stipendien).\
Please note that TU Dresden does not generally award full-time scholarships. Only a limited number of short-term scholarships are available during your studies, e.g. during the graduation phase.

[What should I know about the challenges of studying in Germany?](#)

If you decide to study in Germany, you should be aware of this:\
There are numerous information, advice and support services available as part of the application process and also during your studies. Nevertheless, many things have to be dealt with independently.\
In the preparatory phase, this initially concerns the application to study, the organization of funding, visa, accommodation and travel.\
After your arrival and during your studies, you must be able to take care of many things in your daily life. This includes dealing with the authorities, matters relating to your residence status, your daily care, visits to the doctor and much more. Therefore, please check in advance whether your personal circumstances and health allow you to study in a foreign country and make sure that you meet all the necessary requirements.

The course itself requires a high degree of independence and is demanding.\
There are generally no compulsory attendance requirements in courses and the course can be organized freely in many respects.\
A prerequisite for successful study is therefore a high degree of independence, self-discipline and the willingness and ability to learn independently and on your own responsibility.

## Application

[When does studying at TU Dresden begin?](#)

For undergraduate degree programs (Bachelor, Diplom, Staatsexamen), studies usually begin in the winter semester (semester begins on October 1).\
There are different regulations for Master's degree courses, some also or only start in the summer semester (semester starts on April 1).\
You can find the information on the possible start dates and application deadlines in the [study information system SINS](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/studienangebot/sins/sins_start)

If you still have to attend the preparatory college (Studienkolleg) or would like to apply for our preparatory German course (Propaedeutikum) you can apply for both the winter semester and the summer semester.\
Please note our information on [study preparation](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/studienvorbereitung)

[What are the application deadlines?](#)

The application period for the winter semester usually begins on April 1, the application for the summer semester on October 1. However, there are exceptions!

The application deadline varies and depends on the regulations for the respective degree program and the respective application requirements.

Please check carefully in the study information system [SINS](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/studienangebot/sins/sins_start) which application deadline applies to you or your desired degree program!

[Where do I have to apply?](#)

International degree seeking students generally have to apply for a degree course via [uni-assist](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/online-bewerbung/bewerbungsverfahren-ueber-uni-assist). However, there are exceptions depending on the respective requirements and the desired degree program!\
You will be guided on the right way to apply by our [on this website](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/online-bewerbung?set_language=de).

Exchange students (e.g. ERASMUS) apply directly to the university and can find all information on the pages about [exchange studies](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/austauschprogramme).

[What study preparation programs are available?](#)

If you still have to attend a preparatory college to gain admission to a university in Germany, you will be delegated to the state preparatory college in Leipzig or the TUDIAS preparatory college in Dresden for the entrance test as part of your application to study.

TU Dresden offers a preparatory German course lasting one semester to prepare you for your studies. The prerequisite for admission to this course is passing an entrance test at level B2.

All information about the preparatory college and the preparatory language course can be found on the [course preparation website](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/studienvorbereitung).

[What German language skills do I need?](#)

For enrollment in German-language degree programs, you must provide proof of a language test for university admission at level C1.\
Information on the minimum requirements for the application, the options for preparing for studies at TU Dresden and proof of German language skills can be found on the [German language skills for studying](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/studienvoraussetzungen/sprachkenntnisse) page.

No proof of German language skills is required for English-language Master's degree programs.\
However, we would like to point out that German is the official and everyday language in daily life and that knowledge of German is an advantage, especially outside the university.\
German language skills at a level of at least A2 are recommended.\
Take the opportunity to acquire at least a basic knowledge of German before you arrive in Germany!

[What do I need to know to apply via uni-assist?](#)

The application via uni assist takes place **online** and all required application documents are uploaded by you in the uni-assist portal.

Information on the application procedure via uni-assist and the required documents can be found [here](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/online-bewerbung/bewerbungsverfahren-ueber-uni-assist).

[What is the selma web portal and who has to apply there?](#)

The selma web portal is TU Dresden's portal for application, student and examination administration. You will receive our notifications and information via this portal as part of the application process.

Please note:\
If you have to apply via uni-assist, please do not register via the selma web portal!\
Your data will be automatically transferred to the selma web portal after your application has been checked and forwarded via uni-assist.\
You will be informed by us and will receive a login by e-mail.

You only need to apply via the selma web portal if you are directed to the start page of the selma web portal [on this website](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/online-bewerbung?set_language=de).\
This is only the case for individual degree programs or under special conditions!

[What are the rules for applying for the summer semester?](#)

First check the TU Dresden's study information system to see whether the degree program you want to apply for starts in the summer semester with the 1st semester.

If a degree program does NOT start in the summer semester, special rules apply:\
In this case, you can only apply for [study preparation](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/studienvorbereitung) or, if applicable, for a higher semester.\
Applications for the 1st semester are not possible!

For the summer semester, the following applies to applications for study preparation - preparatory German course (Propädeutikum) or preparatory college (Studienkolleg):\
You must select the 2nd semester of study when applying via uni-assist!\
Your application will then be processed by uni-assist for study preparation.\
If you already have a confirmation of participation in a C1 language course, your application cannot be considered for the German course/propaedeutic course, as you already have language skills for the DSH examination. Your application will then be rejected for the summer semester.

For some degree programs, participation in the preparatory German course (Propädeutikum) is not possible. Please check this in the information on the [preparatory course](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/studienvorbereitung) before applying.

[How can I apply for a higher semester?](#)

It is possible to apply for a higher semester if you have already completed a substantial amount of coursework in the relevant subject area.

A certificate of credited semesters must be submitted with the application. You can apply for this from the relevant Examination Office before applying for the degree program. The application for the certificate should be submitted early, at least 6 to 8 weeks before the application deadline.\
Please refer to the information on the [crediting procedure](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/studiengangs-fachwechsel/anrechnungsverfahren)!

If the Examination Committee cannot issue its own certificate confirming the crediting of the semester, the form: [**Crediting Certificate**](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/ressourcen/dateien/immatrikulationsamt/wechsel/anrechnungsbe.pdf) can be used.

**Applications in the summer semester for degree programs which only start (1st semester) in the winter semester:**\
If the certificate from the responsible Examination Committee regarding the recognition of previously achieved credits for admission into a higher semester is not available by the application deadline, the application is deemed incomplete and must be rejected.

**Applications for degree programs with no admission restrictions in the winter semester:**\
If the certificate from the responsible Examination Committee regarding the recognition of previously achieved credits for admission into a higher semester is not available by  the application deadline, you will be admitted to the 1st semester if all other requirements are met. You can submit the certificate of credited semesters at a later date. According to the crediting and classification by the Examination Committee, you will be allocated a certain starting semester.\
\
**Applications for degree programs with admission restrictions (NC selection process):**\
In degree programs or subjects with admission restrictions (NC), these also apply to higher semesters. There can only be as many successful applicants as there are free spaces on the course in the respective semester. All degree programs or subjects with admission restrictions are marked (NC) in the [**Course Catalog of TU Dresden**](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/studienangebot/sins). When applying for a higher semester, the certificate for the recognition of previously achieved credits for admission into a higher semester must be submitted by the end of the application period.

[What do I have to consider for a degree program with restricted admission (NC)?](#)

Degree programs for which there were more applications than places in previous years have an admission restriction, the so-called [NC](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/studienangebot/sins/glossar#ck_index_n) (Numerus Clausus). The allocation of study places in degree programs with admission restrictions is regulated by the [Saxon Ordinance on the Allocation of Study Places.](https://www.revosax.sachsen.de/vorschrift/18734)\
The conditions and application modalities applicable to each degree program can be found in the study information system [SINS](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/studienangebot/sins/sins_start).

Please note that admission opportunities are basically dependent on the number of applications received for the degree program in question, which are subject to change. You can find an initial orientation in the overviews of the [allocation procedures for NC degree programs](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/studienvoraussetzungen/numerus_clausus). In this table, you can see up to which average grade according to the German grading system, German and European applicants were admitted to the degree program.

When allocating study places on degree programs with restricted admission (NC) to applicants from non-EU countries, other criteria such as the quality of German language skills, the existence of a [TestAS](https://www.testas.de/de/) and criteria relating to the country of origin are taken into account in addition to the average grade.

[Do I have to have my certificates notarized for my application?](#)

The application documents are submitted via uni-assist in an online application procedure.\
Scans of the original documents must be submitted.

If applying via selma, copies of all documents must be submitted in paper form.\
Notarized copies are generally not required.

In individual cases, certified copies may be requested for verification.\
In this case, you will be notified individually by e-mail.

[Which translations do I need?](#)

When submitting certificates and documents that are not issued in German or English, translations into German or English must also be submitted with the application.\
The translations must be provided by officially certified translators.\
Information on this can be found on the [uni-assist](https://www.uni-assist.de/bewerben/dokumente-sammeln/beglaubigungen-uebersetzungen/#c1625) website.

[Can I have my certificates checked before submitting my application?](#)

For capacity reasons, we cannot check certificates in advance.

However, you have the opportunity to check the evaluation of your certificates yourself.\
Uni-assist and TU Dresden follow the recommendations of the ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education in Germany) when checking certificates. These recommendations are publicly available in the [Anabin](https://anabin.kmk.org/cms/public/startseite) database.

[Who needs an APS-Certificate?](#)

Applicants with Chinese, Vietnamese or Indian educational certificates must submit a certificate from the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) with their application.

The responsible testing center will carry out a document check. Under certain circumstances, this may also include a plausibility interview. They then issues a certificate (APS certificate), which is required by German universities as an admission requirement. This certificate certifies that the documents submitted are genuine and that sufficient academic achievements have been made to apply to a German university.

The original APS-Certificate must always be submitted with the application for studies or, in the case of online applications (via uni-assist), a scan of the original must be uploaded.

All information can be found under the following links:\
[Information for China](http://www.aps.org.cn/)\
[Information for Vietnam](https://vietnam.diplo.de/vn-de/willkommen/aktuelles/aps/1236800)\
[Information for India](https://aps-india.de/)

[How can I reapply?](#)

If you have already received a letter of admission for an application to TU Dresden in a previous semester and would like to reapply, you do not have to reapply via uni-assist.\
The reapplication must be made within one year of the semester in which the last notification was issued!\
Otherwise, a new application via uni-assist is required.

- To apply for the direct start of your studies and if the desired degree program begins in the semester of reapplication, please log in to your user account in the [selma web portal](https://selma.tu-dresden.de/APP/EXTERNALPAGES/-N000000000000001,-N000155,-AEXT%5Fwillkommen) and create a new application.
- If you are reapplying for the winter semester for preparatory college or preparatory course, please log into your user account in the [selma web portal](https://selma.tu-dresden.de/APP/EXTERNALPAGES/-N000000000000001,-N000155,-AEXT%5Fwillkommen) and submit a new application.
- When reapplying for the summer semester for preparatory college (Studienkolleg), preparatory German course (Propädeutikum) or [Brückensemester](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/vorbereitungssemester), please use the [reapplication form](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/ressourcen/dateien/internationales/Wiederbewerbung-Internationale-Bewerber.pdf)

**Submitting the documents:**

Please send the application form to the International Office by e-mail or by post with the following documents within the [application deadline](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/bewerbungsfristen) for the desired degree program.

- Application for admission from your selma application or printed and signed application for re-application
- Copy of the last notification from TU Dresden
- if applicable: new proof of your German language skills since your last application
- if applicable: new qualifications acquired since your last application, e.g. certificate of assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung/FSP or Bachelor)
- if you want to change the degree program with your reapplication you have originally applied for: if applicable additional documents required for the respective degree program\
  \
  **Postal address:**\
  TUD Dresden University of Technology\
  International Office\
  01062 Dresden\
  \
  **E-Mail:**\
  studium.international@tu-dresden.de

## Admission

[What are the next steps once I have submitted my application?](#)

If you apply via uni-assist, you will receive a test report from uni-assist after a positive review. Your application will be sent electronically to TU Dresden and imported into the selma web portal.

After we have received your application, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application and a login for your user account in the selma web portal. We will then process your application without you having to take any further steps.\
Please do not make any further registrations or changes in the selma web portal!

If you had to apply via the selma web portal, you will receive a confirmation of receipt once your application documents have been received and your application will then be processed.

[How long do I have to wait for my decision?](#)

The processing time for your application at uni-assist is approx. 4-6 weeks after receipt of your application. After a positive review, your application will be forwarded to TU Dresden.

After forwarding the application to TU Dresden, the further processing time depends on the respective application conditions:

- **Undergraduate programs with open admission** and for study preparation (preparatory college, German preparatory course): Notifications are sent out on an ongoing basis and you will receive our notification within 2-3 weeks.
- **Degree programs with restricted admission (NC**):\
  The selection procedures are usually carried out 3-4 weeks after the application deadline and the corresponding notifications are issued.
- **Degree programs with aptitude assessment and applications for Master's degree programs**:\
  The application must usually first be reviewed in the relevant faculty before the notifications are issued. The processing times vary and are the responsibility of the respective faculty.

Please note that inquiries about the processing status cannot be answered.

[How do I receive my notification?](#)

Applications are processed and notifications issued via the selma web portal. Notifications are usually made available in your selma user account. You will be notified by e-mail.

For degree programs with aptitude assessment, the notification of aptitude is issued by the faculty and you will usually receive it by email.

[What do I have to do after receiving my letter of admission?](#)

Together with the letter of admission, a document entitled "**Information on admission**" will be made available in your user account on the selma web portal.

In this document you will find information on applying for a visa and finding accommodation. You will also receive initial information on the formalities of enrollment and the start of your studies.

Please read this information carefully and follow the instructions!

[What do I need to know to apply for a visa?](#)

Non-EU citizens can only study in Germany with a valid visa/residence permit!

As a rule, Non-EU-Applicants must apply for a visa for the purpose of studying in Germany before entering the country.

All information on visa requirements and how to apply can be found on the website of the [Federal Foreign Office](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/fragenkatalog-node/08-studentenvisum-606218).

- Please also note the following information:\
  We know that in many countries it is difficult to get appointments to apply for visas and that it often takes a long time for visas to be issued.\
  We regret to inform you that we have no means of supporting or speeding up this process and ask you to refrain from making any requests in this regard.
- In principle, visas can be applied for on the basis of the letter of admission. The certificate of enrollment is not mandatory to apply for a visa. Unfortunately, no additional letters can be issued.
- If you are unable to arrive on time or for the desired semester due to the late issue of a visa, please refer to our information on late arrival and reapplication.

Further links to comprehensive information can also be found in the question:\
**What are the general conditions for studying in Germany?**

[When and how do I have to look for accommodation?](#)

Please note that you will have to look for a room or apartment yourself.\
We strongly advise you to book accommodation before you arrive, at least for the first few days!

We recommend the halls of residence of the Studentenwerk Dresden, which are inexpensive, furnished and usually close to the campus.\
**If you would like to live in a hall of residence, please apply for a room as soon as possible after you have been admitted - places are limited**!\
Please also note that there are certain criteria for the allocation of places in halls of residence. All information about applying for a room can be found on the [Studentenwerk](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/english/wohnen/) website.

Another option is to look for a room in a so-called [shared flat (WG)](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/) . These rooms are often furnished and rented out for a shorter period of time.

If you cannot find long-term accommodation straight away, you should definitely book a hostel or other accommodation in advance for the first few days.\
Please make sure you do this early, as many offers are fully booked at the beginning of the semester!\
Further information and links can be found on our page about [accommodation](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/rund-ums-studium/wohnen?set_language=en).

## Enrollment

[When will I receive the enrollment information?](#)

The information on the required formalities is provided in your user account in the selma web portal as a PDF document "**Information on enrollment**".

For applications for the winter semester, the document will be made available after admission for studies from mid-June at the earliest, for applications for the summer semester from mid-December at the earliest.\
You will be notified by e-mail when the document is available.

[What needs to be done for enrollment?](#)

Please note that all formalities for enrollment are only to be completed after the document "**Information on enrollment**" has been provided!

You will receive the documents and information on all formalities via the selma web portal and will be notified by e-mail when they are ready.

The following formalities must then be completed for enrollment:

- Submission of the registration for enrollment
- Transfer of the semester fee
- Completion of the health insurance formalities
- In individual cases, you may need to submit other missing documents, which are listed in your letter of admission.

[What is the semester fee?](#)

The [semester fee](https://www.stura.tu-dresden.de/semesterbeitrag)is a compulsory contribution that must be paid each semester. The fee includes a social contribution for the services of the [student union](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/) and [student body](https://www.stura.tu-dresden.de/). The fee usually also includes the [semester ticket](https://www.stura.tu-dresden.de/semesterticket) for local public transport in Germany.

The semester fee is not a tuition fee and must also be paid by students who are studying at TU Dresden as part of an exchange program (e.g. Erasmus) or as part of a double degree program.

The fee costs approx. 300 € for direct study students.\
Different rules apply for distance learning students, so called "Nebenhörer" and students on leave of absence.\
You will be informed about the exact amount to be transferred and the payment modalities during the enrollment process.

[What does compulsory health insurance mean?](#)

As a rule, the university must have a valid health insurance status in Germany for all students. This is reported electronically to the university by one of the statutory health insurance companies.

Depending on your personal requirements, you must take out health insurance as a student in Germany or you can have health insurance from another EU country or private health insurance in Germany recognized.\
Different regulations apply under certain circumstances.

You will receive detailed information during the admission process via the selma web portal and it can be found in the information sheet on [health insurance](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/ressourcen/dateien/internationales/KV_englisch.pdf).

Please note:

- The respective insurance status must be reported electronically to the university by one of the statutory health insurance companies in Germany!
- Doctoral students and students preparing for their studies are exempt from the obligation to register.

To provide information about health insurance in Germany and the necessary formalities, Techniker Krankenkasse, for example, offers [webinars](https://online-terminvergabe-techniker.de/Portal/Event/SD0UPS).

[Until when can I complete the enrollment formalities?](#)

The formalities for enrollment must be completed by the following deadlines:\
**September 30** (for winter semester applications)\
**March 31** (for summer semester applications)

You must have completed the following points by the respective deadline:

- Submission of the application for enrollment
- Transfer of the semester fee
- Completion of the health insurance formalities
- Submit any additional documents that may be required

[When will I be enrolled?](#)

The enrolment period begins in **mid-August** for the winter semester and in **mid-February** for the summer semester. Enrollment at an earlier date is not possible.

It can take up to two weeks to process an enrollment once the documents have been received and all the necessary formalities have been completed.

All formalities can be completed by e-mail or online and you can be enrolled before you arrive in Dresden.

Enrolment is completed after your arrival in Dresden by collecting your student ID card [Campuscard](https://tu-dresden.de/campuscard) in person.

[What information will I receive after enrollment?](#)

After we have enrolled you, you will receive some important information about the start of your studies by e-mail.\
We will initially send this to the e-mail address you provided with your application, but then to a personal TU Dresden e-mail address that will be generated for you when you enrol.

You will receive this in the days following enrollment:

- Instructions on how to activate your student login and your personal TU Dresden e-mail address (please activate immediately).
- Message about the provision of your enrollment certificates in the selma web portal.
- Information about arrival, the start of your studies and the various introductory offers and our international tutorial program.

Please check your e-mails regularly and follow the instructions!

## Arrival

[Where can I get my student ID card, the "Campuscard"?](#)

Generally, the [Campuscard](https://tu-dresden.de/campuscard) must be collected in personat the Servicepoint of the ServiceCenterStudium (SCS) in the Fritz-Förster-Bau, Mommsenstraße 6.\
The personal pick-up of the Campuscard will serve for the confirmation of your arrival.

[Where do I have to register after arrival?](#)

Anyone moving into an apartment or room (hall of residence, shared flat) in Germany must register within two weeks at the relevant registration office (Bürgerbüro).

You will need the following to register

- Passport or identity card
- Certificate of residence (you will receive from the landlord)
- Completed registration form

Further information, the forms to be submitted, the addresses and opening hours of the citizens' offices can be found on the website of the [City of Dresden](https://www.dresden.de/de/rathaus/dienstleistungen/wohnsitz_meldung_d115.php).

[Who must also register with the Foreigners' Registration Office?](#)

Students from non-EU countries (third countries) must apply for a residence permit at the responsible immigration office before their visa expires or before the end of the period for visa-free entry.

For registration in Dresden, you can find information from the Foreigners' Registration Office on how to [apply](https://www.dresden.de/de/rathaus/dienstleistungen/aufenthaltserlaubnis_d115.php) and how to [make an appointment](https://www.dresden.de/de/rathaus/dienstleistungen/auslaenderangelegenheiten-terminabsprachen.php) here.

[Until when is a late arrival possible?](#)

In principle, you can arrive and begin your studies up to one month after the start of the semester (by October 31 or April 30).

The possibility of arriving even later depends on the degree program in question.\
For degree programs with a high proportion of internships, compulsory courses and early examination dates, there are arrival regulations and a later arrival cannot be granted. You will be informed of this by e-mail.\
For degree programs without arrival regulations, it is up to you to decide whether you would like to start the semester at a later date.

We would like to point out that late arrival generally leads to disadvantages, as you will miss the introductory events and courses.\
While lectures can be made up for if necessary, the corresponding tutorials cannot be made up for. Participation in courses with registration and taking examinations is subject to deadlines and may no longer be possible if you arrive very late. As many degree programs are structured in an annual rhythm, you may have to reckon with an extension of one year.\
At TU Dresden, you will study on site. Online study is not possible!

Please also note that the regular enrollment deadlines also apply to late arrivals (see "By when can I complete the enrollment formalities?") and that all enrolment formalities must be completed (including payment of semester fees and health insurance contributions).

Should you nevertheless decide to arrive late, please contact the [International Tutorial Program](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienstart/internationales-tutorienprogramm/tutorenteam) in order to receive support and initial orientation in your studies despite the disadvantages described above.

We offer all students who are unable to arrive within one month of the start of the semester the option of canceling their enrollment. You will be informed about this and about the possibility of reapplying by e-mail (see also the question about reapplying under "[Application](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationales/faq#section-2)").

## Studies

[Who will support me when I start my studies?](#)

A special offer for all international students is the International Tutorial Program.\
Our team will help you find your way around the German study system, support you in drawing up your timetable, explain how to use TU Dresden's online portals, arrange contacts and answer any questions you may have.

The first tutorial takes place before the introductory events of the faculties, so that you are well prepared to attend the faculty events afterwards.\
You will be invited to the tutorials by e-mail as part of the enrollment process.

The exact information, dates and contacts can be found on the pages of the [International Tutoring program](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienstart/internationales-tutorienprogramm/tutorenteam).

There are also various mentoring and buddy programs to provide support and establish contacts. You can find an overview and various offers that apply specifically to international students on the [Mentoring and Buddy Programs](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/beratung-und-service/tud-gemeinsam-studieren/mentoringprogramme) page.

[What introductory and familiarization events are there for my degree program?](#)

At the start of the winter semester, events are offered for all new students and for all degree programs at the faculties to welcome them, introduce them and help them get to know each other.\
These take place as part of an introductory week before the start of the courses as "first semester introductory events" (ESE).\
During the week, you will receive a lot of important information about starting your degree program and get to know other students and lecturers.\
You can find the offer and the links to the individual dates on the [start of studies](https://tu-dresden.de/studienstart) page.

At the start of the summer semester, introductory events are only offered for degree programs with a possible start date in the summer semester.\
If you are starting your studies in a higher semester in the summer semester and there are no introductory events, you can get support from the [International Tutoring program](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienstart/internationales-tutorienprogramm/tutorenteam).

[Where can students who arrive late find support?](#)

Students who arrive late due to visa delays and have missed the introductory events should first contact the [International Tutorimg program](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienstart/internationales-tutorienprogramm/tutorenteam). The tutors can provide you with the necessary contacts and help you find your way around.

For students who arrived late and anyone who still has questions, the International Office offers a "Meet and Greet" event at the end of October and the end of April.\
At this event, you will get to know the International Office and receive an overview of all the important formalities and offers relating to your studies. You can also ask any questions you may still have.\
Information on the dates can be found [here](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienstart/meet-greet-fuer-internationale-studierende).

[What formalities do I have to consider during my studies?](#)

There are various formalities to take care of during your studies.\
These include [re-registration](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/rueckmeldung) by paying the semester fee for the next semester, maintaining your [health insurance](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/krankenversicherung), any necessary [leave of absence](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/beurlaubung) from your studies or [change of degree program](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/studiengangs-fachwechsel/anrechnungsverfahren), and [de-registration](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/exmatrikulation) at the end of your studies.

Information on the formalities during your studies can be found under the points mentioned above and on the pages on [study organization](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation#intro).

[What advice and support services are available during my studies?](#)

If you have any questions, difficulties or special needs, a wide range of advice and support services are available to you during your studies. These support you with study-related questions as well as with a wide range of problems and concerns relating to your studies.\
Our [Counseling Compass](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/beratungskompass#b_start=0&c1=11) will help you to find the right services.

There are also various mentoring and buddy programs to provide support and establish contacts. You can find an overview and various offers that apply specifically to international students on the [Mentoring and Buddy Programs](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/beratung-und-service/tud-gemeinsam-studieren/mentoringprogramme) page.

[What leisure activities are available at the university, in Dresden and the surrounding area?](#)

The [Cultural Office of the International Office](https://tu-dresden.de/studium/rund-ums-studium/kulturbuero) offers attractive events ranging from city tours and museum visits to games evenings, cooking and craft evenings, which focus on new friendships and exciting experiences. Many of the events are held in English.

There are also numerous other offers at the university where you can make new contacts and friends. These include, for example, the [university sports](https://tu-dresden.de/dhsz/sportangebote/aktuelle-sportangebote), offers from the [Student Union](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/internat/international-coffee-hour.html) and the activities of numerous [university groups](https://www.stura.tu-dresden.de/hochschulgruppen).

In addition, there is a wide range of opportunities in Dresden and the surrounding area, so you should not be bored in your free time either! The spectrum ranges from cultural events, museums, exhibitions and festivals in the summer to the Christmas markets at the end of the year. You can find initial information on the pages of the [City of Dresden](https://www.dresden.de/index_de.php).