About Fachhochschule Dresden
Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) is a state-recognized private university of applied sciences located in Dresden, Saxony. Established in 2010 and institutionally accredited by the German Science Council (Wissenschaftsrat), it operates three faculties — Applied Social Sciences, Business Administration, and Design — offering seven bachelor's and four master's programmes in both full-time and part-time formats.
As a small private institution, FHD emphasises small-group teaching, practice-oriented curricula, and flexible study models including part-time programmes designed for working professionals. It is ranked among the top three German universities for students without a traditional Abitur (Studium ohne Abitur) and has been recognized in the 2025 Gründungsradar for its startup support. The university maintains approximately 100 international partner universities worldwide.
FHD is a private institution and is not publicly funded; tuition fees apply to all programmes and vary by programme type and duration. The main campus is at Straßburger Platz in central Dresden, with a second study location for part-time programmes in Annaberg-Buchholz.
Key facts
- Founded
- 2010
- Students
- 470
- Faculties
- 3
State-recognized private university of applied sciences, institutionally accredited by the German Science Council (Wissenschaftsrat)
NC-free admissions — no numerus clausus restrictions on any programme
Top-3 German university for 'Studium ohne Abitur' (studying without a traditional school-leaving qualification)
Ranked in Gründungsradar 2025 as a leading small university for startup and entrepreneurship support
Approximately 100 international partner universities worldwide
Flexible study formats: full-time and part-time/berufsbegleitend options across all three faculties
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
FHD is a private university and charges programme-specific tuition fees — it is NOT tuition-free. Fees vary by programme and study format (full-time vs. part-time/berufsbegleitend). Exact fee amounts are provided in each programme's information brochure rather than published centrally on the website. Early-payment and lump-sum discounts are available (3–5%). An early-bird discount of €400 on the immatriculation fee is offered. No separate non-EU surcharge structure was found; all students are subject to the same private tuition model. Prospective students should request programme-specific fee details from [email protected].
Admission requirements
FHD admits students without a numerus clausus (NC-free). Entry routes include standard Abitur/Fachhochschulreife, as well as a 'Studium ohne Abitur' pathway for applicants with relevant vocational qualifications or professional experience. International applicants must hold a recognised school-leaving certificate or bachelor's degree equivalent. German language proficiency is required (specific level — B2 or C1 — should be confirmed per programme on the official site or with the admissions office). Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants who require an APS certificate for German university applications should verify APS requirements for private universities directly with the APS office, as the APS requirement generally applies to public universities; FHD's own admissions process should be confirmed directly. No specific international admissions requirements page is published on the official website; applicants are directed to contact the institution directly.
Languages of instruction
German (primary language of instruction for all programmes). No English-taught degree programmes listed on the official site.
Campuses & locations
Main campus; Güntzstraße 1, 01069 Dresden. Houses all three faculties with modern facilities including film/photo studios, print workshops, VR laboratory, library, and cafeteria.
Secondary location offering part-time (berufsbegleitend) programmes in social sciences and health management.
Living in Sachsen
Dresden is the capital of Saxony and Germany's second most affordable university city. With over 45,000 students across 17 institutions, it has a lively student scene. The city offers major cultural venues (Semperoper, Staatsschauspiel, Grünes Gewölbe) with student discounts, outdoor access to the Elbe Valley cycling route and Saxon Switzerland national park (reachable within 30 minutes), and a vibrant nightlife and dining scene centred on the Neustadt district.
Student life & support
The central Dresden campus provides easy public transport access. Campus facilities include dedicated design studios (screen printing, photography, film), a VR/XR lab, computer rooms, library, and cafeteria. Student lounges support informal collaboration. Dresden's student population of 45,000+ ensures a broad range of clubs, cultural events, and social activities beyond campus. Part-time students at Annaberg-Buchholz benefit from a smaller-town setting in the Erzgebirge region.
14
Accredited Programmes
5
Master
9
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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