Fees, Funding, Living Costs
Are there any tuition fees involved?
No, DLGS charges no tuition fees. However, students entering the doctoral program must be able to finance their study, which includes covering living costs and research costs. As a DLGS PhD candidate, you are also obliged to enrol as a student at the TUD. TUD has an enrolment fee of around 290 EUR per semester, which includes unlimited use of public transportation in the region and around the city. For information see TUD International office.
In what ways can I secure funding for my studies at DLGS?
DLGS Scholarships: A full-time scholarship for a period of three years and is offered by the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER). The applications are invited once a year, submitted via the online application system and are subjected to a selection process. Please note that call for applications open every year in June and close in September. The successful applicants are expected to start their PhD program on March 1st of the following year.
External funding: The second way that applicants can enroll in the DLGS doctoral program is if they are externally funded. External funding sources are typically other institutions, foundations and/or organizations. These are all considered external funding sources and are reviewed through the same selection process. Applications are invited on a rolling basis through-out the year. However, applicants who apply for external funding should inform us about deadlines by the funding institutions and other requirements that may be necessary. Independent self-funded candidates are also invited to submit their applications.
What does the scholarship cover?
In general, the scholarship provides the following: A fixed monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Dresden (determined by the DFG - German Research Foundation; Currently: 1.465€), funds to attend the DLGS academic programme (including German lessons for non-native speakers), limited funds for project-related travel (incl. one international round-trip to conduct field work) and other research expenses, and the round-trip from your country of origin to Germany (both subject to approval by the DLGS Management Board). There is no additional family supplement provided to fellows accompanied by a partner and/or children
How much does it cost to live and study in Dresden?
Dresden, the capital of Saxony and home to more than 550,000 inhabitants, is located on the Elbe river and renowned for its baroque architecture, opera, concert halls, theatres, museums, and art galleries. Besides offering excellent cultural activities and a vibrant student scene, the city is surrounded by beautiful nature (e.g., Saxon Switzerland National Park), with plenity of opportunities for hiking, biking, mountain climbing, swimming, and skiing.
The following price list gives a rough estimate of the living expenses per month in Dresden.
Health insurance*: 30-250 EUR
Housing: 250-450 EUR
Food: 250-300 EUR
Clothes, etc.: 100 EUR
Miscellaneous: 100 EUR
Total: 730-1200 EUR
*Health insurance contributions depend on whether it is a public or private health insurance. Dresden Concept Welcome Center can give you more information about health insurances in Germany.
You can read more about the general the cost of living for International Students in Germany here: http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/financing/costs_of_living/
