Master Programme Hydro Science & Engineering

🔹Module Compendium : This document provides an overview of the module schedule. Detailed descriptions are available in the English Compendium and the German Modulhandbuch. Official documents are in German; English versions are for reference only.

🔹The Study Regulations (Studienordung) and the Examination Regulations (Prüfungsordnung) define the degree requirements.

🔹Here you find the schedules for the winter term and the summer term.

🔹It is possible to take a wide range of modules, not only from the below mentioned Module compendium, but also from courses within the Faculties of Environmental Sciences as well as Civil Engineering. Students with German proficiency can also take modules held in German.

Find a detailed overview here.

For your Master's Certificate you have to fill in an application form of the examination office. There you have to decide whether you want to have disclosed possible surplus modules in your certificate.

 Officially authenticated photocopy of the English translation of your degree certificate(s) (if the original was issued in a language other than German or English), completed with a list of grades and the corresponding scale (minimum to pass, maximum achievable).

🔹All applicants have to check several criteria, which are to find in detail in the Eignungsfeststellungsordnung and the Aptitude Test Regulations, respectively.

Having the eligibility regulations in mind the Admission Board will decide on candidate´s admission. In case of acceptance a letter of admission will be issued by TU Dresden International Office, called "Zulassungsbescheid". This letter can be used to apply for a student visa at the German Embassy of your home country. You are not allowed to start studies with a tourist visa. Accepted German citizens should report to the TU Dresden Immatrikulationsamt beginning of the semester.

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at the C1 level through recognized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English qualifications, or equivalent certifications. Detailed information on accepted tests and minimum score requirements can be found in the attached document. Check accepted english test here.

A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is generally not considered sufficient proof of English language proficiency for admission to the HSE program. Applicants are required to provide standardized English language test results that meet the C1 level requirement.

The Master Course Hydro Science and Engineering is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a limited number of scholarships to highly qualified applicants. The current call for applications and necessary application documents for the scholarship for an EPOS study program can be found on the DAAD's website. The checklist you can find HERE.

Other scholarships: The International Office of TU Dresden provides information to interested applicants and students as well as information about scholarships in general and in particular:

• DAAD/STIBET scholarship
• National Scholarship Program (Deutschland­stipendium)
• Erasmus Mundus Master Programmes scholarship

External funding: Check out different funding opportunities in our list of funding bodies.

Part-time job: As an international student in Dresden, it is possible to get part-time jobs within and outside university, as long as it will not jeopardize your studies. You can find more information about working and studying such as allowed working hours, minimum wages and more in the Federal Employment Agency website.

The credit point system, which is to be used is the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

For example, if the module has 4 credit hours and the entire degree program comprises 133 credits, conversion factor from credit hours to ECTS:

U = 60 x D / CS

D is the number of years that the degree program comprises.  CS is the number of credits that the entire degree program comprises, i.e. 133.

Assuming that the duration of study is D = 3, the conversion factor would be:
U = 60 x 3 / 133 = 1.35;

ECTS for the 4-credit-hour module would therefore correspond to 5.41 ECTS. (Make sure to include two decimal places!)

With D = 4:
U = 60 x 4 / 133 = 1.80 ;

ECTS for the module would then be 7.22 (Make sure to include two decimal places!)

Yes! Students come from diverse fields such as civil/environmental engineering, earth sciences, biology, or geography. The program is designed to integrate scientific and technical backgrounds, and the first semester offers core modules to bridge knowledge gaps.

HSE combines interdisciplinary water science with practical engineering tools, a strong link to research institutions, and global relevance through DAAD EPOS scholarships and Erasmus Mundus partnerships. The program is hosted in a university with a century-long tradition in water engineering and offers flexible study profiles to match your interests.

Yes. The HSE program has welcomed students from over 130 countries throughout its history. While the number varies by year, the community is consistently diverse and supportive. You’ll find assistance through welcome events, student tutors, the International Office, student councils, and cultural programs. Dresden is a student-friendly city where international students quickly feel at home.

Yes, even if most of you are already abroad, there are several options of further exploring the world, especially Europe.

One great opportunity in our Department is the ERASMUS+ network. In addition there are numerous project-related partnerships at different chairs. 

Additionally, TU Dresden offers many other opportunities for a stay abroad with TUDweltweit.

Please also check the website of the International Office for further information.

Absolutely. TU Dresden offers free and low-cost courses in “German as a Foreign Language” and other languages. Each student receives a budget of 4 SWS (course hours per week) per semester for language learning (not counted toward the Master’s degree). You can also join the Buddy Program, language cafés, or local schools. Knowing some German improves daily life and job opportunities in Germany.

Compared to most European university cities, Dresden offers a high quality of life at a reasonable cost. Monthly living expenses usually range from €750–900, covering rent, food, health insurance, and public transport. Student dormitories typically cost €250–350 per month. The semester fee includes a public transport pass valid across Dresden and much of Germany.

Yes, within limits. International students can work up to 120 full or 240 half days per year. Many students take part-time jobs in research groups or the university. Knowing some German helps if you seek jobs outside academia.

There are many clubs and associations—sports, music, international groups, sustainability, culture, and more. The Studentenwerk, ESN (Erasmus Student Network), and TU Dresden offer a wide variety of cultural programs, hiking trips, game nights, and events to meet both German and international students.