Study start
Table of contents
Welcome to the TU Dresden!
You have already decided on one of our NC-free degree programs
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's/Diploma/Diploma Advanced Level)
Process Engineering and Natural Materials Engineering (Bachelor's/Diploma/Diploma Advanced Level)
Materials Science (Bachelor/Diploma)
Textile Machinery & Textile High-Performance Materials Technology (Master)
decided to enrol online for the upcoming winter semester 2023/24 (June 1 - September 15, 2024) and didn't forget to submit all the necessary documents? Congratulations, you will soon be one of the almost 500 first-year students and almost 3,000 mechanical engineering students at TU Dresden every year. We want to make your start before and in the winter semester 2024/25 easier, which is why Sophia and Marcus review their own start to their studies. They give you an insight into their first days at university and tips on what will help you at the beginning of your studies. They also tell you what TU Dresden has to offer to help you prepare for your studies.
Tips for starting your studies
Sophia und Marcus studieren an der TU Dresden im Studienbereich Ingenieurwissenschaften. Sie geben einen Einblick in ihren Studienstart und Tipps, was ihnen zu Beginn des Studiums geholfen hat. © [STUDIO]LUD Musik-und Medienproduktion
We have compiled a range of orientation, preparation, networking and advisory services, especially for engineering students, in the video and below . Our services extend throughout the summer of 2024 up to the first semester introductory week (ESE) and beyond.
Preparation and bridge courses
Start: 31.07. - 08.09.2023
To refresh and supplement school knowledge, the Engineering Sciences department offers the Engineering Sciences preparatory course, which lasts several weeks and is subject to a fee. All first-year students are eligible to take part. Participation is recommended to all "freshers" in engineering programs in order to facilitate a successful start to their studies. Special recommendation applies to all those with a longer break between school and the start of their studies (e.g. voluntary service, vocational training), students with other university entrance qualifications as well as beginners without an advanced school-course in mathematics/physics. More information about the preparation course you can find here
Start: 11.09. - 06.10.
Every year at the start of the winter semester, the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at TU Dresden organizes bridge courses for high school graduates in the subjects chemistry, physics and mathematics. The bridge courses serve the immediate study preparation of future students of engineering, economics and natural sciences. The focus is on repeating and deepening the parts of the curriculum that freshers are expected to know, but which experience has shown to cause the most difficulties in application. Any first-year student whose course of study includes physics, chemistry, or mathematics as a teaching subject may participate. Participation is free of charge, registration is not required. The individual courses are largely coordinated, so that it is also possible to attend more than one course. Further information
Start: Time independent
For an optimal start into your studies, the TU Dresden offers you the most important contents of the subjects mathematics and physics compactly summarized and interactively prepared as online courses. This allows you to prepare yourself at your own pace at any time and from anywhere. Numerous exercises and tests allow you to check whether you have understood everything. Tutors answer questions about the course material both by e-mail and in the forum. The course is aimed at students in the 11th and 12th grades as well asfor freshers
The use of the course is free of charge. For more information on how to use the course and links to the online courses you can find here.
Start: 31.08.-08.09.2023
In the trial study tryING you get an insight into the breadth of engineering science courses at the TU Dresden. High school graduates take part in university life and, in addition to the preliminary math course, attend various workshops and research the ideas and technologies of the future. The preliminary math course gives you the best possible start to your studies, and interesting excursions to companies show you how varied the everyday working life of an engineer can be. In addition, you will meet female students to exchange experiences.
Here you can learn more
Start: Our courses start every six months in spring and fall
Would you like to break out of the typical male and female stereotypes, find out what really suits you and get a first insight into studying and working according to your talents?
Then Connect to Talent is just right for you! By participating in our project, you can become confident in your choice of studies and make contact with a regional company in your field of interest. Would mechanical engineering, materials science or process engineering be something for me? You'll find the answers here. Get to know role models and exchange ideas with like-minded people. You can also expand your professional and personal skills in our workshops.
Networking and advisory services
2. till 8.10.2023
For all first-year students, the Student Council of Mechanical Engineering prepares the Freshers week every year before the start of lectures. During this week you will get to know all the important things about studying. There will be many voluntary events and campus tours, which will help you to find your way in the (new) city and at the university and to make first contacts. At the end of the week, the seminar group enrollment takes place. This event is mandatory for every new student.
Period: The connectING regulars' table takes place three times a semester.
The Equal Opportunities Team of the School of Engineering Sciences offers female and male students of the School of Engineering Sciences the opportunity to network away from the lecture hall and desk. The program includes excursions, exciting lectures & the freedom to exchange ideas at eye level on a wide variety of topics, be it science, family, career or studies.
Important online portals for the start of studies & beyond
Students of the TU Dresden can currently use selma:
- view and download personal documents and records, e.g. certificate of enrollment; study history.
- submit applications
- change personal data
HISQIS - Portal for exam management.
Students receive their login data automatically upon enrolment. HISQIS is used for the following functions:
- Registration for exams
- Exam withdrawal (in due form and time)
- Confirmation statement on the current status of exams and achievements
- Performance records
- Changing of address and telephone number
- Certificates of enrolment
gOPAL is an online counselling an orientation platform for students. At the beginning of their studies, freshmen receive relevant information e.g. on the study strategies, study progress etc. Registration and more information: here
Period: At any time during your studies
TU Dresden is committed to the successful study of every single student. However, a smooth course of study cannot be taken for granted. Challenging situations can arise at any time.
With PASST?!, students and TU Dresden enter into a partnership for successful studies: PASST?! Partnership - Study Success - TU Dresden. In this partnership, we support you throughout your studies, depending on your needs. Participation is voluntary, free of charge and open to all students.
You can find further useful information about starting your studies on the TU Dresden start pages.