Planned changes
Please note: starting in the 2026/27 winter semester, the program will be called “Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency”
Table of contents
Admission requirements
- University degree in the fields of environmental science, hydro science, engineering or another university degree in a related field of study with comparable knowledge
- English proficiency level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of the required English language skills is provided by means of a relevant examination certificate or language certificate. This can take the form of:
• Certificate of general or subject-specific university entrance qualification that serves as evidence of having learned English as a foreign language from grades 5-12,
• Certificate of higher education entrance qualification taken entirely in English or certificate of higher education entrance qualification taken entirely in English or
• Proof of a recognized English test e.g. IELTS: 5.5; TOEFL: 72; UNIcert II)
- Proof of special knowledge via a suitability assessment procedure in accordance with the suitability assessment regulation for circular economy and resource efficiencyspecial knowledge such as:
• at least 30 credits from courses related to: Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry and/or Hydro chemistry, Physical chemistry, Organic chemistry, Biochemistry or Biology and
• at least 50 credits from courses related to: Waste management, Contaminated sites, Exploration and evaluation of waste deposits, Groundwater and Soil remediation, Environmental planning, Resource management, Waste technology or Recycling technology and
• at least 35 credits from courses related to: further fundamentals of Engineering science (Pedology, Aquifers, Hydrology, Water management, Water supply, Sewage systems, Industrial water management or business fundamentals of Engineering science).
Aptitude assessment procedure
The participation in an aptitude assessment or selection procedure is a prerequisite for enrollment in this degree program. Please note that the deadline for submitting an application may be earlier than the application deadlines for the degree program (see above under application deadlines). The following links will provide you with information on all documents to be submitted within the specified deadline and on the relevant regulations.
- Information and documents to be submitted
- Notes and Rules of Procedure for the Aptitude Test (Eignungsfeststellungsordnung) on the webpage of the department
German language requirements
International applicants and German applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification are kindly advised to read the requirements for German-language courses.
Notes on the application process
If, at the time of application, proof of the first degree qualifying the applicant for a profession is not yet available, the application will be considered under the precondition that 80% of the credit points attainable for the degree have already been achieved based on completed module examinations or the final thesis and the colloquium (if applicable). A certification from the awarding institute of higher education (examination office) serves as proof of the above-mentioned academic achievements. You can find the appropriate form on the Admissions Office website.
General information about the degree program
The Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency degree programme addresses key challenges such as limited resources, rising waste volumes and sustainable management. Based on national and European strategies, it equips students with scientific and engineering skills to design closed-loop material cycles and ensure efficient resource use, whilst taking environmental and health considerations into account.
As an interdisciplinary programme, it combines content from waste management and contaminated site remediation with modern approaches such as resource efficiency, material flow management and the circular economy. The aim is to train specialists who can develop and implement sustainable and economically viable solutions for resource conservation, waste prevention and the use of secondary raw materials.
Study contents
The Master’s programme is structured in modules and comprises compulsory and compulsory-elective modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests. The compulsory modules cover the core technical fundamentals of waste and circular economy, contaminated site remediation, and the modelling, assessment and planning of technical facilities. The curriculum is supplemented by project-oriented modules, specialist lectures and a study project, which specifically promote interdisciplinary skills and practical problem-solving abilities.
In the compulsory elective section, students select modules worth 20 credit points, enabling them to set their own specialisations, for example in the fields of recycling technology, process engineering, chemistry, water and wastewater treatment, energy and plant engineering, or business administration. The programme also includes a compulsory practical phase in the form of an internship lasting at least eight weeks outside the university, during which subject-specific engineering tasks are carried out and insights into potential career fields are gained. Mobility windows are specifically provided for in the third and fourth semesters, so that a period abroad or study at another university can be easily integrated. The fourth semester is also set aside for the completion of the Master’s thesis and the final colloquium.
Study documents
The official announcements of TU Dresden include all published regulations . Please use the search bar to find the document you need: Official proclamation
The regulations are also available on each institution’s website.
- Aptitude Assessment Regulation
- Study Regulation
- Examination Regulation
… you will find on the respective site of the responsible unit.
Contacts
Admissions Office
ServiceCenterStudies
Post address:
Technische Universität Dresden
Immatrikulationsamt
01062 Dresden
- Tel.
- +49 351 463-42000
Office Hours:
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Academic Advisor
Ms. Dr. Christina Görner
Post address:
TU Dresden
Fakultät Umweltwissenschaften
Fachrichtung Hydrowissenschaften
01062 Dresden
- Tel.
- +49 351 463-37524
Office Hours:
Please arrange an appointment or visit us during our office hours.
International Office
International Office
Office address:
Bürogebäude Strehlener Str. (BSS) 22, 6. Etage, Raum 671
Post address:
TU Dresden
International Office
01062 Dresden
- Tel.
- +49 351 463-42000
Office Hours: