STEM Orientation Program (German abbrev. OSM)
Table of contents
The pilot run is scheduled to start in the winter semester 2023/24. Until then, you can actively shape the OSM. Take part in our survey now.
Participation is worthwhile: We will raffle 40 surprise packages worth 50 euros each among all participants.
What should I study? Is a STEM study program right for me? Do I want to study at all? The STEM Orientation Program (German abbrev. OSM) of TU Dresden aims to provide answers to these questions.
With the OSM, you have the chance to get a taste of various STEM study programs (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). You can attend lectures, participate in workshops and excursions, take exams, go to the university cafeteria and get to know student life.
In the course of the OSM, you will intensively examine your own interests, abilities and goals, so that at the end you are able to make an informed and motivated decision for your future.
FAQs
Optimally oriented and prepared with the OSM.
The OSM is an orientation program that can precede the STEM degree programs of TU Dresden. An extensive range of events supports you in finding the right course of study and in starting your subsequent studies optimally prepared.
The examination results from the OSM can be credited to the subsequent study program of your choice. An orientation program is therefore no waste of time!
Find your individual way with the OSM.
The OSM's orientation and qualification program is flexible and customizable. You decide whether you want to focus more on finding the right course of study or on preparing for subsequent studies.
Shaping transitions with the OSM.
The OSM accompanies (international) school graduates in the phase of transition between school and university and supports them in choosing a field of study. The OSM builds a bridge between the learning locations school and university and enables students with an interest in STEM to successfully enter university.
But the OSM also shows new perspectives for people who want to study after a successful vocational training.
The OSM is therefore suitable for anyone who does not yet want to commit to a course of study.
Gain clarity about the future with the OSM.
The goal of the OSM is for you to gain clarity about whether you want to study or not - and if so, which course of study matches your inclinations, talents and abilities. You gain real study experience, know what it means to study, and acquire subject-specific and interdisciplinary skills. The OSM thus minimizes the risk of you dropping out of your studies later on.
The pilot run is scheduled to start in the winter semester 2023/24.
Planned program
SEEING THROUGH AND GETTING STARTED.
This module is designed to help you make informed study decisions. In the OSM orientation formats, advisors and student mentors will help you plan for the future. At the same time, you will get to know the most important support services and contact persons at TU Dresden.
The module also offers you the opportunity to attend basic courses of the STEM degree programs. This will give you an insight into different study programs and course formats and expand your specialist knowledge. If you wish, you can also already take exams. If you later enroll in a degree program at TU Dresden, you can have successfully passed exams credited and thus possibly even shorten your studies.
CLOSING KNOWLEDGE GAPS.
Studying science and technology is considered demanding. You may be asking yourself the question: "Can I do this?". In order to close any knowledge gaps that may exist, the qualification module includes the preparatory courses of the MINT-Kolleg of TU Dresden.
The courses are specially tailored to the needs of prospective students. They deal with topics that are often only covered optionally at school, and at the same time introduce you to university learning. In addition to the MINT-Kolleg courses, you can also take the online preparation courses for mathematics, physics and computer science.
DISCOVERING PERSPECTIVES.
In this module, you'll learn what career paths are open to you after graduation. Excursions, discussion/expert panels, workshops, etc. of the Orientation Platform Research & Practice offer you insights into potential fields of activity in companies and research institutions. This links your studies with professional practice.
In addition to specialized knowledge, metadisciplinary competencies are also of central importance for successful studies and career entry. By acquiring key competencies in the OSM, you will be able to solve problems in your studies and profession successfully and responsibly. The events and advisory services offered by the Writing Center promote your academic reading and writing skills. Within the framework of workshops, seminars and tutorials (offered by the project KeyCompetencies@TUD) you can train further key competencies, such as learning techniques, time and self-management.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE.
Today's work practice is often characterized by project work. Based on the project week BeING Inside, you will work independently in a project team on a practice-relevant topic. The topic may be social, economic or sustainability-oriented.
While working on the problem, you can practically apply the skills acquired in the Module Key Competencies: teamwork, cooperation and communication skills, independent and structured work. Student coaches and team coaches accompany the project work and are available as contact persons.
Alternatively, you can complete an internship at a company or research institution.
The OSM is accompanied by a mentoring program. Experienced students accompany and advise you in organizing your studies and making decisions.
The advantages at a glance
- The orientation offers of the OSM support the decision for the suitable course of studies.
- The qualification offers of the OSM prepare students for the challenges of starting a degree program.
- Examination results obtained in the OSM are credited in the subsequent study program. This makes it easier for students to start their studies and gives them more freedom in their studies.
- Answers to the question "Where will my studies lead me?" through insights into professional practice increase motivation to study.
- The metadisciplinary competences acquired during the OSM are a decisive advantage on the way to successful studies.
- The contacts to students, the knowledge of support offers and important contact persons facilitate the start of studies at the TU Dresden.
- The OSM makes it possible to establish contact with fellow students even before the start of studies. Friendships develop that often last for a student's entire life – and sometimes even beyond.
- The OSM prepares participants in the best possible way for studying in Germany.
- German language skills can be optimized through language courses that are completed during the OSM.
You want to stay up to date on current developments in the STEM orientation program (German abbrev. OSM)? We have created a page where you can register with your e-mail address.
Involved projects
Still questions?
The OSM team will help.

Team OSM
Center for Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching
Send encrypted mail via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Visitor Address:
Görges-Bau, Raum 313 Helmholtzstraße 9
01069 Dresden
The project is financed within the framework of the Higher Education Pact with funds from the federal government and the Free State of Saxony. It is part of the overall concept of academic success at the TU Dresden.