Thinking about studying in Germany? Dresden should be on your list. It’s one of those places that surprises you and leaves you thinking about it for days.
This German city is full of unique contrasts: historic buildings and edgy street art, unique student life and peaceful river walks, high-tech companies and chill cafés.
Dresden has the charm of a smaller city but still gives you everything you’d want as a student: great universities, affordable rent, and loads to do when you're off the clock.
Study in Dresden: Find degrees fully taught in English
Dresden is super student-friendly: not just in vibe, but also in cost. You’ll find rent way cheaper than in Berlin or Munich, with rooms in student housing or shared flats starting around €300 to €550 a month.
Neighbourhoods like Neustadt are where the action’s at: indie bars, music venues, vintage shops, and more street food than you can try in a semester. Südvorstadt is quieter and closer to campus, so it’s great if you want to roll out of bed and be in class in 10 minutes.
And when the sun’s out? Head to the Elbe riverbanks for picnics, beach volleyball, or just chilling with friends. There are also loads of parks, festivals, and even an open-air cinema in summer.
50Ȼ tip: You’ll get a semester ticket included in your student fees, which means unlimited public transport. And yes, even night trams when you’re heading home from Neustadt at 3 a.m.
Here are some top private and public institutions that you can find in the city:
Many programmes are available in English, especially Master’s degrees, so you don’t need fluent German to get started. But picking up a bit of the language helps with everyday life and part-time jobs.
Dresden’s part of “Silicon Saxony” (yes, that’s a real thing!), one of Europe’s top regions for tech and innovation. If you’re into microelectronics, biotech, or engineering, this is your place. Big names like Bosch, Infineon, and GlobalFoundries are based here, and there’s a solid start-up scene too.
There are also plenty of student jobs in cafés, retail, and events, especially around Neustadt and campus. As an international student, you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
Dresden has its own airport with connections around Europe, but you’ll probably find yourself hopping on the train more often. Berlin, Prague, and Leipzig are all just a couple of hours away easy weekend trips with friends.
Inside the city, public transport is easy, safe, and runs all night. And if you're into biking, there are loads of bike lanes and scenic routes, especially along the Elbe.
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