What academic background is needed to apply?
The programme is directed at outstanding graduates with a Master’s degree in fields relevant to spatial sustainability transformations. These may include geography, urban and regional planning, urban studies, environmental sciences, science and technology studies, geoinformatics, civil engineering, architecture, economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and other. Applicants from all academic backgrounds are welcome, provided they can convincingly align their research proposal with the DLGS call topic, scientific profile, remit, and IOER research areas.
It has been some time since I completed my Master’s studies. Am I still eligible to apply?
You are eligible to apply as long as no more than three years have passed since the date you received your first Master’s degree certificate.
How can I determine if my university or degree is eligible for consideration?
Your qualifications will be evaluated after we receive your application. If you have additional concerns about the eligibility of your university or degree, we recommend contacting the International Office at TU Dresden for a preliminary assessment.
How can I determine if the overall grades from my Master’s degree are equivalent to "good" or better ("gut" in the German grading system)?
Master’s degrees obtained outside Germany undergo a grade conversion process to assess whether they meet the German standard of "gut" (good) or better.
For an initial assessment, you can use the following online grade conversion tool, which enables you to convert your grades from abroad into their German equivalents: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/grade-conversion-formula-for-grades-earned-outside-germany/. Please note that the results from this tool are not binding. The final admission will be based solely on the grade conversion by TU Dresden.
What documents do I have to submit?
You will need to upload the following documents via the DLGS application form:
- Digital copies of original certificates and transcripts demonstrating your academic qualifications (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as your university entrance qualification*).
- A digital copy of your English proficiency test certificate.
*The university entrance qualification refers to the official certificate you receive upon completing the level of schooling that qualifies you for admission to a university or another higher educational institution.
Documents must be issued by the institution where you studied, bearing their official seal and/or stamp, along with the signature of an authorised representative. If any official documents are in a language other than English or German, applicants must submit both the original version and an authorised translation provided by an official institution. Certified copies of these documents will be required later in the application process, to be sent to the respective TUD Faculty.
I haven't graduated yet—can I submit my application without a final Master's transcript or certificate?
If you expect to complete your Master’s degree after the application deadline and do not yet have your final certificate, upload your most recent transcript. In addition, if possible, include in the same PDF file a letter from your Master's supervisor (or another relevant university official) confirming your completion date and expected final grade. Admission to TU Dresden is contingent upon the completion of all degree requirements and the submission of the corresponding official certificates.
