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 degree program is not a classic NC procedure, as other selection criteria are important in addition to the average Abitur grade (for more information, please refer to the selection regulations). 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 threshold values for undergraduate degree programs published on the Admissions Office website does not mean that an average grade of 1.0 is a necessary prerequisite for an application.
12% of study places are allocated in legally defined preliminary quotas (hardship cases, second degree applicants, top athletes, professionally qualified students and foreign applicants [non-EU]). In addition applicants who were unable to start their studies due to service (e.g. FSJ) will be admitted (preferential admission).
The remaining places are allocated as follows:
- 10% of the best A-levels
Places are awarded to the applicants with the best average grade in their Abitur. In the event of a tie, the waiting time or a service (e.g. FSJ) are decisive factors. - 10% waiting time
The applicants with the longest waiting time are selected. In the event of a tie, the average grade in the Abitur or a service (e.g. FSJ) are decisive. - 80% Selection procedure of the university
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.
The following documents have to be handed in:
- 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)
- Supplementary application form
- Proof of additional criteria (single copy), e.g., additional foreign language skills, stays abroad, memberships, etc.
- 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
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 command of English is required. You do not have to present a language certificate or similar; an English test is usually held the day before the selection interviews. 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 study program, you should have a good general language level in one of these two languages, i.e. have a good command of the grammar and be able to communicate confidently orally and in writing on non-subject-specific topics. Russian, on the other hand, can be chosen as a second foreign language without any previous knowledge. The subject-related language training begins in the first semester.
Foreign students should have a very good knowledge of German, which must be proven by the German Language Test for University Entrance (DSH: level 2), the Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF: 4x4) or a comparable 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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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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