All about studying
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Good reasons for studying in Saxony...
Wide range of subjects: four universities, five universities of fine arts, five universities of applied sciences and the seven locations of the Saxony Cooperative University together offer a huge spectrum of almost 1000 study options from African Studies to Dentistry. Many study programmes are rare or even unique in Germany. More than 104,000 students from all parts of Germany and all over the world study in Saxony.
Modern equipment: the universities in Saxony are perfect for anyone who wishes to study in an environment with excellent study conditions, intensive support and state-of-the-art equipment. University buildings such as the Paulinum in Leipzig or the mathematical and scientific institutes of the TU Dresden allow a combination of tradition and the most advanced architecture. Mittweida is one of the most modern training centres for media in Europe.
Affordable education: With very few exceptions, studying is free and life in Saxony is pretty cheap. You can live well and affordably in the student union dormitories. But affordable shared rooms can also be found.
The Studentenwerke (student unions) support you with their services. They offer varied meals in the canteens and cafeterias, affordable shared or individual apartments in the halls of residence, and support with student financing, as well as with social, psychosocial and legal issues. In addition, the Studentenwerke promote the coexistence of German and foreign students, and the children of students are lovingly cared for in the children's facilities.
International research:
- The Max Planck Society, which seeks to conduct basic research in natural, life and social sciences for the benefit of the community today has six institutes in Saxony.
- The Leibniz Association in Saxony encompasses eight institutes and two external branches.
- The Helmholtz Association has a strong presence in Saxony. Two centres, two Helmholtz institutes and the Dresden branch of the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) are all pursuing long-term research goals in the fields of energy, matter, the environment, health and resources in order to maintain and improve the bases of human life.
- In terms of applied research, the Free State of Saxony has today become a major hub. One of the main reasons for this is the strong, ever-growing presence of the Fraunhofer Society as the largest organisation in this field in Europe. With 23 branches, Saxony is today one of the Fraunhofer Society's focus states, with specialisations ranging from biotech research, to materials, transport systems and production technology, to nano and micro- electronics and innovation-systems research.
- In addition to these research institutes jointly funded by the German federal government, Saxony also operates eight state- financed institutes.
- Dresden is home to the United Nations University. The research at UNU-FLORES focuses primarily on environmental resources and how these are influenced by climate, land use and population structure.
- Structural change has resulted in the Centre for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS), a centre for data-intensive interdisciplinary systems research, being established in Görlitz.
- Two large-scale research centres are being built in Saxon Lusatia and the Central German District over the next few years. They will operate with an annual budget of up to 170 million euros each – and they are set to create more than 2000 new jobs.
Reliable qualifications: the wide range of study options offers a very special bonus: the diploma. Many of the Saxon universities continue to offer or have resumed offering the tried and tested diploma study programmes that are well recognised abroad.
Best future: Saxon university graduates have brilliant job prospects, not only in regional companies. Germany’s high-tech location boasts of well-known corporate groups and numerous research networks. Saxony offers ideal career opportunities for young scientists!
Great cultural treats & exemplary student scene: there's no Saxony without art and culture; they have always shaped the state’s history. More than 400 museums throughout the Free State, including the legendary Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden with the Green Vault, are testimony to this. Theatres and opera houses such as the Semperoper Dresden or the Leipzig Gewandhaus render Saxony’s cultural landscape unique. The site of the Leipzig Cotton Mill ("Baumwollspinnerei"), on the other hand, is a space for contemporary art. And the reputation of its legendary subculture runs way ahead of the Saxon student cities. Be it the Moritzbastei in Leipzig, the Bärenzwinger in Dresden or the Erdalchimistenclub in Freiberg - generations of students have celebrated their academic successes with a drink in these places. Also visit the cultural capital Chemnitz!
Perfect location: located in the extreme east of Germany, the Free State enjoys the advantage of having two neighbouring European countries, Poland and the Czech Republic. A weekend of dancing in the capital, going for a stroll in Prague or an art visit to Wroclaw? Going on a trip to the big cities is no big deal for students in Saxony.
Nature & family: mountains, lakes and forests - the landscape of Saxony is perfect for connoisseurs, athletes and anyone who is looking for respite amidst nature while studying. For climbers and adventure athletes, the Ore Mountains and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are on the doorstep of almost every university location just as the Leipzig basin and the Upper and Lower Lusatia that attract cyclists and hikers. Support services for students with children, flexible study times and breaks for taking care of relatives - all of this is naturally integrated into the course of study at Saxon universities. Many institutions are certified as a family-friendly university and offer their students a comprehensive service for carefree study with family.
