Evangelische Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit Dresden (ehs Dresden) is a state-recognized university in Saxony, Germany, known for its top-ranked Social Work and Childhood Pedagogy programs. It offers a practice-oriented education rooted in evangelical tradition, with flexible study options including a distance-learning MBA.
The Evangelische Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit Dresden (ehs Dresden) is a state-recognised university of applied sciences in Dresden, Germany. Founded in 1991 and rooted in evangelical tradition, it combines academic rigour with a strong commitment to social responsibility and practical relevance. Core disciplines include Social Work, Childhood Pedagogy, Nursing, and Evangelical Religious and Community Pedagogy. Master's programmes—including an MBA in Social Management partly offered via distance learning—complement its bachelor offer. The CHE University Ranking consistently places ehs Dresden among the national leaders in Social Work education.
Student life at ehs Dresden is characterised by a tight-knit community. Regular workshops, colloquia, and practitioner-led events enrich the academic calendar. The university's commitment to internationalisation supports incoming exchange students and promotes cross-cultural dialogue within programmes. Dresden itself offers a rich cultural scene, from the Semperoper to the Elbe riverfront, ensuring a high quality of life.
Distance-learning programmes may have separate fee schedules; verify directly with the university.
State-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) by the Free State of Saxony; degree programmes accredited by AHPGS or ACQUIN under the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat).
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.
Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.
After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Bachelor of Arts program in Protestant Religious and Community Education equips students with theological knowledge and practical skills for diverse roles in church, community, and education. Graduates will be prepared to guide individuals, foster vibrant religious education, and actively address societal challenges. This program is ideal for those seeking a meaningful career with societal relevance, combining a passion for faith, education, and community. It emphasizes practical application and develops competencies for flexible and responsible professional practice, encouraging continuous personal development.
This Bachelor of Arts program in Nursing focuses on practical, patient-centered care, preparing you for professional practice in various healthcare settings. The university has extensive experience in delivering nursing education and collaborates with numerous hospitals and care facilities. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and incorporates modern teaching methods such as simulation learning, communication training, digital learning resources, and learning workshops. International networking opportunities, including internships and study abroad semesters, are also available to gain intercultural experience. The curriculum is informed by current research conducted by professors and academic staff, benefiting students directly.
The Evangelische Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit Dresden (ehs) offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Work. This program is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career in social work. The curriculum focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of social issues, human development, and intervention strategies within various social work settings. The ehs Dresden is recognized for its strong reputation in social work education, as indicated by its placement in the top group in the CHE Ranking 2026.
The Evangelische Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit Dresden (FH) offers a Bachelor's degree program in Social Work designed to equip students with theoretical, reflexive, and methodological competencies for various fields within Social Work. This program prepares graduates for professional roles in areas such as elder care, child and youth services, and counseling. The curriculum focuses on developing practical skills and a strong theoretical foundation to ensure graduates are well-prepared to work as recognized professionals in the social work sector.
In the social sector, management qualifications are becoming increasingly important. Social work institutions, as well as public and non-profit social service administrations, are undergoing significant changes. The key skills needed to navigate these changes lie at the intersection of social pedagogical expertise and management knowledge. Increasing cost and competition pressure requires leaders to possess strong business administration competencies and essential management skills. This part-time postgraduate program equips students with the knowledge and qualifications needed to adapt and apply modern management methods and business expertise to the diverse fields of social work.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full fundingOpen to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full fundingOpen to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full fundingFor researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
International students can expect to pay approximately €3,000–€7,000 per year, depending on the specific program. EU students only pay semester contributions, which are around €280 per semester.
ehs Dresden is consistently ranked among the national leaders in Social Work education by the CHE University Ranking. It is also recognized for its top-tier programs in Childhood Pedagogy.
International students need a recognized foreign qualification equivalent to the German Abitur or Fachhochschulreife. For German-taught programs, proficiency in German is required, demonstrated through tests like DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4. Relevant practical experience is often necessary for Social Work programs.
Students should budget approximately €900–€1,100 per month for living expenses in Dresden. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs.
Yes, ehs Dresden participates in scholarship programs such as the Deutschland-Stipendium, providing €300 per month, and students may be eligible for support from the Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst.