Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, an A-level average of 1.0 is by no means a necessary requirement for a successful application.
Although the Abitur average is by far the most important individual criterion, the fact that numerous other criteria are also taken into account in the written part of the procedure means that, depending on the respective annual field of applicants, there is always the possibility of being invited to the selection interviews with a (very) good Abitur and gaining one of the coveted study places. Conversely, depending on the respective field of applicants, an Abitur average of 1.0 in no way guarantees an invitation to the selection interview, let alone a successful application overall.
In accordance with the admission requirements of the Center for International Studies, other criteria are decisive in addition to the Abitur average, such as commitment within and outside of school with an international focus, foreign language skills and the motivation of the applicant. Please note that you must provide proof of the information you have provided.
Detailed information on the selection procedure can be found here.
The selection procedure for the International Relations Bachelor’s degree program is not a classic NC (numerus clausus) procedure, since other selection criteria are important in addition to the average grade in the Abitur (please refer to the selection regulations for more information). However, the average grade in the Abitur is relatively the most important of all the criteria.
The NC of 1.0 shown in the table of NC thresholds for undergraduate degree programs published on the website of the Admissions Office does not mean that an average grade of 1.0 is a necessary prerequisite for an application.
However, a few places are also allocated outside of the selection procedure via the legally defined "quotas". An Abitur average of 1.0 is only required for the maximum of three study places awarded according to a quota based on the Abitur performance. As the number of applicants with such an average regularly exceeds the number of study places allocated via the quota, applicants who are selected via the quota will automatically go through the regular selection procedure.
Detailed information on the selection procedure can be found here.
Applicants are selected in a two-stage selection process based on the applicant's aptitude and motivation for the International Relations Bachelor's degree program.
In the first stage, applicants are pre-selected based on the documents submitted in writing. Decisive for the selection are the average grade of the Abitur and additional qualifications that provide information about the applicant's suitability. These include activities with an international focus, practical work experience, foreign language skills, social and socio-political commitment both inside and outside of school, voluntary work, stays abroad, voluntary service (e.g. FSJ), etc. Please remember to provide proof of all details.
In the second stage, the personal selection interview, the applicant's analytical thinking skills and strong knowledge of current developments in international relations will be assessed. In addition, the applicant's communication skills and motivation are decisive. A very good knowledge of English and a good knowledge of another language (French or Spanish) are required. If Russian is chosen as a second language, no previous knowledge is expected.
In addition to the online application, the following documents must be sent to the Admissions Office or to uni-assist in the case of foreign applicants:
- University entrance qualification (Abitur certificate or equivalent)
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form, preferably with a photograph
- Brief description of motivation for the application as well as relevant previous knowledge and interests (1 to max. 2 pages, typed)
- Proof of additional criteria (single copy), e.g., additional foreign language skills, stays abroad, memberships, etc.
- Supplementary application form
- For foreign applicants: Proof of German language skills
Important notes:
- German Bachelor applicants please note the information on page 2 of the confirmation of receipt of your online application.
Please send your complete application documents to the following address:
for German applicants - Enrollment Office:
TUD Dresden University of Technology Admissions Office Studiengang Internationale Beziehungen 01062 Dresden
Homepage of the Admissions Office
for foreign applicants who have a degree from a German college or university, are seeking a change of subject or are re-applying - International Office:
TUD Dresden University of Technology International Office Studiengang Internationale Beziehungen 01062 Dresden
Until 2009, 36 places were available each year for the new Bachelor's degree program and 30 places for the new Master's degree program (from 2008).
From 2010 to 2020, 36 places were available for both programs.
Since 2022, 35 places have been available for the Bachelor's and 30 places for the Master's degree program.
All applicants should apply online.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to postpone the selection interviews for the Bachelor's degree program in International Relations.
If you are only able to attend an interview on a certain date within the period of our selection interviews due to a stay abroad (e.g. FSJ/voluntary service) or internship, please make this clear in a separate letter with a short note and a corresponding explanation in your application. Although we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your preferred date, we will try to take it into account.
In principle, all successful applicants begin in the winter semester, but can have previously obtained academic performances recognized upon application to the Examination Board. The decisive factor here is the structural equivalence of the proven performances. Examination performances are equivalent if their content, scope and level of requirements correspond to (or exceed) those of the International Relations Bachelor’s degree program at TUD Dresden. The Examination Board decides on the recognition of credits in individual cases.
Students can only be admitted to the degree program as lateral entrants in a higher semester if
a) a place has become available in this semester and
b) the previously obtained academic performances are fully equivalent to those of a student in the semester in question.
The requirement for placement in the desired semester must be confirmed by the Center for International Studies.
As part of the selection process, a very good English proficiency is required. You do not have to present a language certificate or similar; an English test is usually held on the day of the selection interview. However, if you have a certificate (such as CAE or TOEFL), you do not - as things stand at present - have to take part in the English test of the selection procedure, although you can take it on a voluntary basis and thus possibly leave an even stronger impression of your English language skills.
In principle, applicants should have at least a good knowledge of a second modern foreign language (in addition to English). With regard to the foreign language training in French and Spanish integrated into the program, you should have a good general proficiency in one of these two languages, i.e., have good grammar and communication skills on non-subject-specific topics, orally and in writing. Subject-specific language lessons in French and Spanish begin in the first semester. Russian, on the other hand, can also be chosen as a second foreign language without prior knowledge.
Foreign students should have a very good German proficiency, which must be proven by the “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang “(DSH: Level 2), the “Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache” (TestDaF: 4x4) or an equivalent certificate. Please note that the certificate of German language proficiency must be enclosed with the application and cannot be submitted later.
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by fax: +49-(0)351- 463 3 7793
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Consultation hours of the program consultant (prior registration at the secretary's office necessary):
© ZIS/João Budney
Dipl.-Pol. Stefan Robel
Managing Director, Academic Advisor and Alumni Commissioner
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