Studying in Dresden costs €361.00 per semester at TU Dresden in the winter semester 2026/27, and €364.03 at HTW Dresden for full-time study. Saxony does not charge general tuition fees. The contribution mainly covers the Germany semester ticket (€226.80) and the student services organisation (€112.73). On top of that come rent, food and health insurance, where the basic contribution for students is €87.38 per month nationwide.
Dresden at a glance
| Topic | Value for Dresden |
|---|---|
| Technische Universität Dresden | around 29,000 students (rounded figure from the university) |
| Semester fee TU Dresden | €361.00 in the winter semester 2026/27 |
| Semester fee HTW Dresden | €364.03 in the winter semester 2026/27 (full-time) |
| Dormitories | 28 houses with 5,730 places at the Studentenwerk Dresden |
| Second-home tax | 15% of the net cold rent since 1 January 2026 |
| Registration | city citizens’ offices, deadline two weeks after moving in |
| BAföG hotline | +49 351 4697-526, Monday to Friday 10:00 to 14:00 |
The number of students is listed on the page Facts and figures of TU Dresden. Alongside the Technische Universität, the city also has a university of applied sciences, HTW Dresden.
What is included in the semester fee at TU and HTW Dresden?
Both universities itemise their fee. The student council of TU Dresden lists it on its page about the semester fee, and HTW publishes it on its re-enrolment page.
| Item | TU Dresden | HTW Dresden |
|---|---|---|
| Germany semester ticket | €226.80 | €226.80 (including MOBIbike) |
| Studentenwerk | €112.73 | €112.73 |
| Student body | €14.09 | €24.50 |
| MOBIbike | €7.38 | included in the ticket item |
| Total | €361.00 | €364.03 |
The difference of just over €3 comes from the student body contribution at HTW, which is €10.41 higher. TU shows MOBIbike separately at €7.38, while HTW combines ticket and MOBIbike into one item of €226.80. Fees in Saxony only apply in special cases. According to TU Dresden, these are €100 per semester for distance learning, €350 per semester for a second degree after exceeding the standard period of study by six semesters, and €500 per semester for long-term students. The details are on the page Semester fee and tuition fees.
What does a monthly budget look like in Dresden?
Three figures are enough for the fixed costs. Example: a childless student aged 23 or over has compulsory student health insurance and is enrolled at TU Dresden. The additional contribution of the health insurer is due on top.
| Example: fixed costs per month | Amount |
|---|---|
| Semester fee (€361.00 divided by 6) | €60.17 |
| Health insurance, basic contribution | €87.38 |
| Long-term care insurance (childless from age 23) | €35.91 |
| Subtotal excluding additional contribution | €183.46 |
Rent comes on top. For BAföG, a housing allowance of €380 is applied. Nationwide, a vacant room in a shared flat costs €510 a month on average (Moses Mendelssohn Institut, 2026). There is no separate figure for Dresden here. To turn such figures into your own budget, see Budget planning for students (in German). Small everyday savings are covered in the everyday saving tips (in German).
How many dormitory places are there in Dresden?
The Studentenwerk Dresden lists 28 dormitories in Dresden with 5,730 places in its dormitory catalogue. The rent for each house is shown on its detail page, so you can compare buildings directly. If you prefer living in a shared flat, read finding a shared flat (in German). The comparison of both housing forms is in dormitory or shared flat (in German). Check your tenancy agreement with tenancy agreements for students (in German).
Suitable insurance is part of running your own household. What matters for liability cover is explained in liability insurance in a shared flat or your own flat (in German). The parents’ policy is covered in liability cover through your parents (in German).
Is the semester ticket also valid outside Dresden?
The Germany semester ticket is part of the semester fee at TU and HTW. Under the terms of the Deutschlandticket, it is valid nationwide for local public transport. According to the student council of TU Dresden, a refund is available on application, for example for absence from the VVO area for study reasons, for severe disability or for a stay abroad. Severely disabled students can request an exemption before payment. The procedure is described on the semester fee page linked above. Further tips on buses, trains and bicycles are offered in semester ticket and Deutschlandticket (in German).
What is the second-home tax in Dresden?
Since 1 January 2026, the state capital Dresden has charged 15% of the net cold rent. Until December 2025 the rate was 10%. According to the City of Dresden, adults with a secondary residence in Dresden are liable for the tax. According to the Studentenwerk Dresden, tenants in student dormitories receive a second-home tax declaration from the tax and municipal cash office, which they must return with a copy of the tenancy agreement.
Worked example: with a net cold rent of €400 per month, that makes €4,800 per year and therefore €720 in tax. With your main residence in Dresden, no tax is due. The decision between the two residences is described in moving and registration for your studies (in German).
Where and when do you register in Dresden?
After moving in, you have two weeks to register or re-register. You can use any of the citizens’ offices, for example in the Altstadt, Neustadt, Pieschen, Blasewitz, Leuben, Prohlis, Plauen or Cotta. You register your main residence online. Appointments are booked through the appointment service of the citizens’ offices, and urgent matters without an appointment are handled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13:00 to 16:00.
Where do you apply for BAföG and where is advice available in Dresden?
The BAföG office (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) belongs to the Studentenwerk Dresden. The application is processed through the electronic file, and advice meetings take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The BAföG hotline can be reached Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 at +49 351 4697-526. To find out how much support you may receive, see BAföG eligibility and amount (in German).
For personal questions, the social counselling and the psychosocial counselling centre of the Studentenwerk are available. The student council of TU Dresden offers legal advice, which you can reach through the advice page of the StuRa.
What can you earn alongside your studies, and where can you eat?
According to the Studentenwerk, the canteens and cafeterias of the Studentenwerk Dresden serve up to 20,000 guests a day. More about the lunch options is in the canteen during your studies (in German).
For part-time jobs, the same nationwide figures apply: €13.90 minimum wage per hour and a mini-job limit of €603 per month. Up to these €603, your earnings do not affect BAföG. You can find positions through the universities and the tips in earning money alongside your studies (in German). If you work as a working student, read working students and health insurance (in German) first.
Which health insurance do you need to start in Dresden?
Universities require a confirmation from a statutory health insurer at enrolment, even if you are privately insured. You can request it from 1 June for the winter semester and from 1 December for the summer semester. The steps are described in proof of health insurance at enrolment (in German). If you are under 25, family insurance may be an alternative (family insurance under 25, in German). Switching between health insurers is explained in switching health insurer as a student (in German). All options at a glance are covered in health insurance for students (in German). Questions about your own situation can be discussed with the advice service you reach via the Academycon homepage.
Frequently asked questions
What does a semester cost at TU Dresden?
The semester fee for the winter semester 2026/27 totals €361.00. It consists of the Germany semester ticket at €226.80, the Studentenwerk contribution at €112.73, the student body contribution at €14.09 and MOBIbike at €7.38.
How many dormitory places does the Studentenwerk Dresden have?
The dormitory catalogue lists 28 dormitories in Dresden with 5,730 places. The rents are shown on the detail pages of the individual houses.
Do students in Dresden have to pay second-home tax?
Yes, if Dresden is your secondary residence. Since 1 January 2026, 15% of the net cold rent applies. Tenants in dormitories also complete a declaration. If you register Dresden as your main residence, you do not pay the tax.
How long do I have to register in Dresden?
Two weeks after moving in. You can register your main residence online. For an appointment at the citizens’ office, use the city’s appointment service.
When is the semester ticket refunded?
On application, for example for absence from the VVO area for study reasons, for severe disability or for a stay abroad. The rules are described by the student council of TU Dresden on its semester fee page.
How to prepare for moving to Dresden
- Get the confirmation from your statutory health insurer for enrolment.
- Pay the semester fee: €361.00 at TU Dresden, €364.03 at HTW.
- Look at the dormitory catalogue of the Studentenwerk and apply for suitable houses.
- Register within two weeks of moving in at a citizens’ office in Dresden.
- Submit the BAföG application through the Studentenwerk as soon as you have the documents together.
Related guides
- Studying in Germany: 30 university cities compared (in German)
- Studying in Leipzig (in German)
- Studying in Berlin (in German)
- Benefits with student status (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
