Am I eligible to apply as a Visiting Researcher?
If you are currently enroled in a PhD programme at a university (in Germany or abroad) and wish to spend part of your PhD at DLGS, you may be eligible as a Visiting Researcher. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found in the Guide for Applicants. Research visits are considered based on availability and the quality and relevance of the research proposal.
Do I have to enrol at TUD?
DLGS recommends enrolling as a student at TUD during the visit because of benefits such as easier visa processing, access to university lectures, and a student ticket for discounted transportation within the city and regional trains. The enrollment fee at TUD is approximately 290 EUR per semester. For more information, please refer to TUD International office.
How do I enrol as an exchange student at TUD?
Applications are accepted year-round. Along with the application, please submit a Learning agreement, which outlines your activities during the research stay, the duration of the visit, and any courses you wish to take (if credits are required). Note that PhD students at most German universities are typically not required to take courses for credits. Therefore, it is important to specify in your Learning Agreement how many credits, if any, you are expected to earn. Additionally, include a confirmation letter from the professor who will supervise you during your stay at DLGS. For any further queries regarding the application procedure, you may also contact the TUD International Office directly.
You can also participate in courses offered as part of the DLGS Academic Programme. While no credits are awarded, you may receive a participation certificate for these courses.
As a part of the PhD programme at my home institution, I am obliged to take courses for credit. How can I fulfil this requirement?
As an exchange student at TUD, you may attend regular university courses. In your Learning Agreement, please specify the number of credits required and the courses you wish to take. Information on the types of courses offered at TUD can be found here.
Do I need a visa for the duration of the research exchange? Permission to enter and reside in Germany depends on the applicant’s country of origin and nationality. Citizens from certain countries (Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the USA) are allowed to enter Germany without a visa. However, one must apply for and obtain the residence permit if staying for longer than three months. This permit is issued by the Foreign Resident Authority (Ausländerbehörde). In Dresden, the residence permit application for foreign skilled workers and scientific researchers is handled by the Dresden Welcome Center.
If you are not from one of the above mentioned countries, you will need a visa to enter Germany. The visa can usually be obtained from German embassies or consulates in your country of residence. When registering your residency at the Ausländerbehörde after your arrival, your visa may be replaced by a residence permit.
More information regarding visa requirements can be found here: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/einreiseundaufenthalt/visabestimmungen-node
PhD Candidates are responsible for checking visa regulations and informing DLGS of any necessary requirements and changes.
Will support be provided for finding accommodation and adjusting to life in Dresden?
The DRESDEN-concept Welcome Center assists international researchers with planning and executing research stays of three months or more. The Welcome Center team offers guidance on non-academic and practical matters.
