FAQs

The program lasts two semesters and always begins in the winter semester (starting with the orientation week at the end of September).
It is not possible to start in the summer semester.

Prerequisite is the university entrance qualification for German universities (e.g. the Abitur).

For applicants who have not acquired their study qualification at a German-speaking institution, German language skills in accordance with §7 of the Immatrikulationsordnung are required. Language skills must be proven by means of adequate language certificates.

You can find information on how to apply on the "Application" page.

You can find information on application deadlines for the Orientation Program on the "Application" page.

No, there is no grade-based admission restriction for the Orientation Program at TU Dresden. Placement is not determined by GPA, but by lottery if the number of applications exceeds the number of places available. There are 100 places available in the Orientation Program.

No, participation in the Orientation Program is not possible alongside attending school. The program is designed for prospective students with a high school diploma (Abitur) and is equivalent in scope to a full-time undergraduate study program. Therefore, it cannot be attended only in the afternoons or evenings.

For students who wish to experience university life while still in school, TU Dresden offers the Frühstudium.

In addition, the activities offered in Modules B and C support the orientation process, help participants develop key skills and an understanding of academic work, provide insights into professional practice, and, if needed, strengthen mathematical competencies.

By the end of the Orientation Program, participants are able to make a well-informed study choice and have acquired important foundations for a successful start to their studies.

Yes, participation in the Orientation Program is also possible if you have already completed a number of semesters at a university.

However, participation is not possible if you have already obtained a university degree.

During the Orientation Program, participants are officially enrolled at TU Dresden. However, they are not enrolled in a degree programme leading to a university degree, but in a certificate programme. Participants receive a student ID card and have access to the university’s facilities and services, such as university sports and the semester ticket. They can also make use of the services provided by the Student Services Organization (Studentenwerk), including cafeterias and student residences.

As a result, participants enjoy full student status at TU Dresden without being committed to a specific field of study.

Throughout the Orientation Program, participants are supported through mentoring and coaching opportunities (Mentoring- und Coachingangebots). In addition, the staff of the Orientation Program are available to provide individual guidance and counselling.

No, the Orientation Program is equivalent to a full-time course of study and takes place exclusively in person. Personal interaction, experiencing campus life, and actively participating in lectures and workshops are essential parts of the program.

The Orientation Program offers access to courses from a total of 50 Bachelor's and Diplom degree programs as well as 28 subject areas of the 4 teacher training programs. These include fields such as the natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

The range of options is intentionally broad, providing participants with the opportunity to explore different academic disciplines, discover their interests, and identify the field of study that best matches their strengths and goals.

No, the Orientation Program does not count as a waiting semester.
Participants are enrolled as students at TU Dresden during the program. Waiting semesters are only counted for periods in which you are not enrolled at any German university.

Examinations can be taken in many degree programmes and modules, but not in all of them. This particularly applies to some admission-restricted degree programmes. Participation in the corresponding courses is generally possible regardless.

Yes, successfully completed exams can be credited to a later study program upon application.

That depends on the study offers/contents of the other universities. If the study program at the other university includes modules/examinations that are similar in content and scope to the modules/examinations completed at TU Dresden, you can apply for recognition. The final decision is made by the respective examination boards of the other universities.

If you decide to study at TU Dresden after the Orientation Program, you apply regularly for your desired study program.

No. Participation in the Orientation Program does not automatically entitle you to a place at TU Dresden. If you wish to start a regular degree program after the Orientation Program, you must apply within the deadlines and meet the respective admission requirements. However, the Orientation Program can prepare you specifically for university studies and significantly improve your chances of a successful start.

The orientation year is free of charge. Only the regular semester fee for students is charged, which includes discounted meals in the canteens, the use of sports facilities and counseling services.
More information

The Orientation Program is not eligible for BAföG funding, as it is not related to a specific course of study and does not lead to a professional qualification. In return, however, the enrollment in the subsequent course of study is not considered a change of course of study under BAföG law.

For the subsequent (full-time) course of stuy, BAföG can be applied for in the regular way.

During participation in the Orientation Program, you may be eligible to receive child benefit (Kindergeld). The decision is made by the responsible Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse). Active participation in the program is required; the certificate of participation must be submitted after completion.
If you have any questions, please contact your case worker at the Family Welfare Office (Familienkasse) of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).

As a student in the Orientation Program, you can apply for a Deutschlandstipendium. Three scholarships are awarded.

The Deutschlandstipendium is a nationwide program supporting high-achieving and committed students. It provides €300 per month, independent of parental income and without repayment. Funding is shared equally by the German government and private sponsors.
Selection is based not only on academic performance but also on social engagement, personal achievements, and individual circumstances.
For details on application requirements and deadlines, please refer to the guide to the Germany Scholarship.