Information for New Students
Welcome to the Dresden University of Music Carl Maria von Weber!
An exciting chapter of your life is ahead of you, in which many new experiences, a colorful student life and, of course, a challenging course of study are waiting for you!
Now, at the beginning of your studies, many questions arise: How does enrollment work? What is the best way to organize your studies? Where do you book a room to practice? Which courses have to be taken in which semester and how do you read a module plan? What do I have to consider when rehearsing an orchestra? Where can I get support in planning a concert? What should I keep in mind when teaching online? How do I plan a semester abroad? Why should I already think about starting a career when I start my studies? etc.
To ensure that your studies get off to a good start, your studies will begin with an orientation week, during which you will receive important information and at the same time get to know university life, fellow students and professors.
Here you get answers of most of your questions!
Over the coming weeks, we will continue to add new content to this page. So check back regularly to make sure you don't miss anything!
Necessary documents for enrollment (08.09.-19.09.2025)
From all applicants:
- Electronic insurance certificate from the health insurance company
- officially certified copy of the university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur certificate) in a certified German or English version.
Applicants who have already been enrolled at another university, additionally:
- Current transcript of records from the last college/university in a certified German or English version,
- Copy(s) of previous higher education degree(s) in a certified German or English version (if required),
- Exmatriculation certificate(s) of the last higher education institution(s)/university(ies) in a certified German or English version.
From international applicants additionally:
- Language certificate (if not already submitted),
From Non-EU applicants additionally:
- Visa or residence permit
The certificates must be presented as a printed original or as a certified copy. A certified copy is the duplicate of the original document confirmed by an official person (printed and with stamp and signature by the official person). Please note: We do not accept photos and simple copies of diplomas and other certificates as part of admission.
Application for a student residence
You can apply for a place in a hall of residence via Studentenwerk Dresden.
Here you can find more information about the halls of residence on offer, how to apply, the costs and much more.
Student ID and Semester Ticket
The student card of the HfM Dresden is a chip card. It serves at the same time as library card as well as proof of authorization and key for the use of the rooms.
The semester ticket is offered digitally via an app. You will receive further information by email from the student council.
Semester Fee
The payment of the semester fee in the amount of € 309,51 has to be made by bank transfer. For this purpose, you will receive an individual mail with the details of the bank account and the purpose of payment. We will send you this information, when we have received and checked all documents for enrollment.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees may be charged, for example, by students who are not EU citizens and have not obtained their higher education entrance qualification in Germany or who have not been granted a permanent residence permit for Germany.
Tuition fees may also be charged for a second degree programme.
Please refer to the fee regulations under §5 (in German only)
If you have to pay tuition fees, you will receive a notification of fees from us approximately 3-4 weeks after the start of the semester.
For all students who have to pay the tuition fees for non-EU students, there is the possibility to apply for a scholarship. Please note that bank statements are required for this scholarship application. Therefore, please check with your bank or the provider of your blocked account whether this is possible.
Here you can find out about scholarship progammes (in German only)
Campus tour for new students
The Team International offers a campus tour for all new students:
We answer questions such as
- how do I get a canteen card
- how can I book a room for practising
- where can I find the office of the Stura
- how does the storage of instruments work
- how do I get a locker
- where can I find the administration offices etc.
Dates:
Monday, 22 September 2025, 3 pm
Wednesday, 01 October 2025, 3 pm
Wednesday, 08 October 2025, 3 pm
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance
Arriving at the HfM Dresden
Orientation week for new students and ceremonial opening of the semester
Dear students,
Whether at a Meet & Greet, a hike in the Elbsandsteingebirge or an excursion into Dresden's nightlife - we would like to offer you the opportunity to get to know your fellow students even before the official start of your studies and to make contacts that will possibly last a lifetime.
We will celebrate the transition into a new phase of your life.
We offer numerous information events on the organization of your studies to help you get off to a good start. We strongly recommend that you attend these events.
Compulsory events
24.09.2025 University Symphony Orchestra - Introduction and insights into practice
24.09.2025 Wednesday / 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. / Small hall
Contact: Erika Szabo
Participation is compulsory for all orchestral instruments.
In addition to soloist training, the University Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is a central focus of practical musical training at the HfM Dresden. The close and multifaceted collaboration with the university's own professors and members of the local professional orchestras is intended to prepare students for their future careers as musicians.
This introduction provides a brief insight into important questions regarding the organisation of studies.os
24.09.2025 Introduction to chamber music
24.09.2025 Wednesday / 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / Small hall
Contact: Erika Szabo
Participation compulsory for all orchestral instruments and piano.
Chamber music is a major focus of the practical musical education at the Dresden University of Music. It is an integral part of the orchestral instrument/piano programmes. Working with mentors, who supervise ensembles on a semester-by-semester basis and prepare them specifically for examinations, enables valuable artistic collaboration. What is the chamber music programme about? What does the organisational planning look like? How do you enrol for lessons and how do you find your ensemble partners?
This introduction provides a brief insight into important questions about the organisation of studies, credit allocation and examinations in the field of chamber music.
Afterwards: Speed dating partner exchange for chamber ensembles
24.09.2025 Speed dating partner exchange for chamber music ensembles
24.09.2025 Wednesday / 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / Small Hall
Open to students of all semesters who are looking for a chamber music ensemble for exams or to set up their own ensemble
Just come along and find fellow musicians!
24. & 25.09.2025 Introduction to using the library
24.09.2025 Wednesday / 12:00 p.m. / University Library (new building basement concert hall)
25.09.2025 Thursday / 2:00 p.m. / University library (new building basement concert hall)
Books, notes & co. Two guided tours are offered to give first semester students an overview of what the university library has to offer and to help them find their way around.
25.09.2025 How to Hochschule. Everything you need to know about studying
25.09.2025 Thursday / 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / Small hall and other rooms
Participation strongly recommended for all newly enrolled students.
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. / Small hall
Information from the Student Secretariat (StudSek) / Module plans, study and examination regulations / Stays abroad with ERASMUS / Concert events at the HfM / Public relations / Room booking for extra rooms / IT and digital learning / Wifi and e-mail address / Scholarships / Awareness and Confidence Team
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. / W 4.07, W 4.08, W 4.09, W 4.10, W 4.12
Answers to individual questions about module plans / Health insurance (TK - Techniker Krankenkasse) introduces itself / Student Council (StuRa) of HfM Dresden answers individual questions / Studentenwerk Dresden introduces itself / Cooperation project ‘The Young ClassX MusikMobil’
Further information:
TK answers all questions on the topic of ‘Health insurance during and after your studies’
How am I insured as a student?
When does student health insurance end?
How long can I remain covered by family insurance?
Family insurance via parents living abroad - What do I need to consider? (EHIC-insured)
Before, between or after the internship - How am I insured?
Finished my studies? And now?
Individual counselling or information on benefits are possible
The Studentenwerk Dresden provides information on all aspects of studying:
How can I apply for a room in a hall of residence?
How do I get internet in the hall of residence?
Where can I get my e-meal card for the canteen?
Where can I find the meal plan for the canteen?
How do I apply for BAföG? How does BAföG work?
Can I travel with the Studentenwerk?
Are there cultural programmes offered by the Studentenwerk?
Can I get advice on social matters?
Gain educational experience as part of the co-operation project ‘The Young ClassX MusikMobil’
If you would like to make contacts with important cultural institutions in Dresden and the surrounding area, gain experience in the field of music education with children and young people, collect credit points and (optionally) take on further MusikMobil trips for a fee, then the cooperation project ‘The Young ClassX MusikMobil’ is the right place for you.
26.09.2025 Introduction to the university choir
26.09.2025 Friday / 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. / concert hall
Contact: Olaf Katzer (Director of the university choir), Kevin Fischer (assistant)
Compulsory for all those who wish to take an exam in the university choir, especially for first-year Bachelor students (for classical singing: 2nd year of study / for jazz/rock/pop: optional) and for the compulsory elective module.
This introduction provides a comprehensive insight into the work of the university choir as well as a very specific production overview of the artistic plans for the academic year 2025/26.
26.09.2025 Deans of studies provide an introduction to the subject areas
26.09.2025 Friday / 1:00.p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Participation is mandatory for all newly enrolled students
At the beginning of their studies, all first-year students attend an introductory event on organizational issues relating to their subject area. Your dean of studies will explain the structure of your studies, study projects, specific details in the module plans, enrollment requirements, etc.
Subject area Vocals / 2:30 p.m. / room W 1.27 / Dean Prof. Maamar
Subject area Piano / tba.
Subject area Conducting & Correpetition / 2:30 p.m. / room W 1.17 / Prof. Rauhalammi
Subject area orchestral instruments / Winds / 1:00 p.m. / room W 2.10 / Prof. Donner
Subject area orchestral instruments / Strings / 2:30 p.m. / room W 3.08 / Prof. Rovner
Subject area Artistic-Pedagogical Training / 1:00 p.m. / Könneritzstr. 29, ground floor/ Prof. Albrecht Winter
Subject area Teaching Training in Music / 1:30 p.m. / Small hall / Prof. Dr. Werner
Subject area Jazz/Rock/Pop / 2:30 p.m. / room W 1.12 / Prof. Wagner
Subject area Composition/Music Theory / 2:30 p.m. / room W 4.12 / Prof. Rabenalt
25.10.25 Physioprophylaxis day
25.10.25 Saturday / 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. / opening in Small hall
Attendance is compulsory for all first semester students
Overall management: Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Christian Jabusch
On the Physioprophylaxis Day, which is organized by the Institute of Musicians' Medicine, students can find out about the extensive Physioprophylaxis course programme. The lecturers involved in the program will provide insights into their courses, in particular: sensorimotor training to train body awareness on the instrument, mental training for musicians, Feldenkrais and Franklin methods, Pilates & more, yoga and functional training.
Participants experience the various methods and teachings of body and movement training in practice, i.e. on their own bodies. The lecturers are happy to advise students on which body technique they would like to learn or which training promises the greatest benefit for them personally.
Apart from first semester, all interested students in higher semesters and teaching staff are welcome!
Recommended Events
23.09.24 Meet & Greet with Student Council
23.09.24 Monday / 6:00 p.m. / Mensa Stimmgabel
The Student Council (StuRa) is looking forward to getting to know the new students. In the refectory they can arrive relaxed, make first contacts, get rid of unanswered questions and also have a drink or two with other first-year students and old residents.
23.09.2025 Hiking tour to Pfaffenstein
23.09.2025 Tuesday / Meet at 10:10 a.m. at the train station Dresden Bahnhof Mitte, platform 2 / Departure 10:22 a.m. with S-Bahn direction Sächsische Schweiz to Königstein / Arrival at Mitte station approx. 4.00 p.m.
Getting to know fellow students and professors and hiking in Sächsische Schweiz just outside Dresden - Anyone who feels like starting their studies in this way is invited to the hike up to Pfaffenstein. The 428 meter high table mountain has everything to offer what Sächsische Schweiz is all about: steep stairs, narrow gorges and at the top a magnificent panoramic view. After refreshments on the summit plateau with snacks you brought yourself, the summit choir sings.
The hike is easily manageable for normally athletic people. Please pack hiking shoes, drinks and snacks for the road.
Please register by 21st September via e-mail! katharina.haertel@hfmdd.de
24.09.2025 Pub crawl with the StuRa
24.09.2025 Wednesday / 6:00 p.m. / in front of the old building of the university, Wettiner Platz
The StuRa cordially invites you to explore not only the music scene, but also the pub scene of Dresden. After a snack and a first drink, we will take a stroll through Dresden's Neustadt district over the course of the evening to end up at a session in the Blaue Fabrik. If you want, you can also bring an instrument to the session.
26.09.25 Ceremonial opening of the semester
26.09.25 Friday / 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. / concert hall
The ceremonial start of the semester at the Dresden University of Music is a wonderful tradition. The rectorate and the student council welcome students, teachers and staff to the university's concert hall. The event is accompanied by music performed by students.
Afterwards, the student council invites everyone to a barbecue on campus to get to know each other.
26.09.2025 StuRa barbecue
26.09.2025 Friday / 5:00 p.m. / on campus
After the festive semester kick-off, the StuRa will have drinks and barbecue food ready.
A good opportunity to get to know your new fellow students.
Informations for international students
welcome
Welcome Service for all International Students
- You would like help in finding a flat?
- You still have several ways to Dresden offices (Foreigner's Office, Studentenwerk, Bank, health insurance ...)?
- You are looking for new friends?
- You would like to experience a city tour through Dresden together with other students?
- You have never been to Saxon Switzerland?
Then it's time to get in touch with our International Team.
Together, many things are easier. The International Team not only supports international students with everyday challenges, but also organizes events for students to get to know each other and exchange ideas.
Information for international students in direct studies
The HfM Dresden has the possibility to support you financially during your studies by means of various scholarship funds. You can find more information about the individual calls and application deadlines online.
Information for Exchange Students (ERASMUS + Incomers and students from partner Universities)
The International Office will be happy to assist you with all organizational questions concerning exchange studies. Whether Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records, change of subject or course or Confirmation of Stay. The documentation of your studies towards your home university is managed by the International Office.
Welcome meeting for Erasmus Exchange Students
We invite all Erasmus exchange students to our welcome meeting on Monday, 22 September 2025, 1 p.m.. More information will be send via e-mail.
