Students and Graduates 〉 Internship in Saxony 〉 Internship at TU Dresden

Internship at TU Dresden

TU Dresden is one of the largest employers in Saxony. Hosting interns from abroad is part of its responsibilities as an employer and educational institution. As a comprehensive university with a wide range of disciplines, diverse international interests, and an extensive internationalization strategy, there are many different contact persons and areas of responsibility. Therefore, it is not always easy to immediately find the right contact. The following overview can help:

  • Erasmus+ Coordinators of the Faculties:
    They assist in finding suitable internship positions and in organizing your internship abroad.
  • International Office (IO):
    The IO is responsible for the university’s international partnerships and organizes study abroad placements as part of various exchange programs. The team at the ➚International Office of TU Dresden supports students planning to study abroad, as well as those who are enrolled at TU Dresden for a period of study abroad.
  • Leonardo-Sachsen:
    Our team specializes in cross-border internships. We arrange scholarships for internships abroad, manage various internship programs, and support as well as welcome international students who wish to complete an internship at TU Dresden, at affiliated institutions, or within Saxony’s economy.

Duration of Internships:
Voluntary internships generally do not last longer than 3 months.

Proof for Mandatory Internships:
For mandatory internships, proof is required, for example, an excerpt from the examination regulations or a written confirmation from your home university.

Enrollment and Graduate Internships:
To complete an internship at TU Dresden, you must be enrolled at your home university. Internships for graduates are only possible in exceptional cases.

Application Deadlines:
Since interns are not enrolled at TU Dresden, there are no fixed application deadlines.

Processing Times for Applications:

  • Applicants from the EU: Please allow at least 3 months for your application to be processed by Leonardo-Sachsen and the responsible professor. Applications submitted at short notice will not be considered.
  • Applicants from non-EU countries: Allow at least 6 months, preferably more, for preparation time, as you will also need to apply for a work permit.

You can get an overview of the internship opportunities at TU Dresden through the offers provided in the ➚EUTOPIA Research Internship Program within the ➚EUTOPIA Universities. 

Leonardo-Sachsen can assist you in contacting professors at TU Dresden. Please send your application by email to: placement.leosachsen@tu-dresden.de

Your email should include the following information:

  • Name
  • Field of study
  • Three main academic focus areas
  • Up to three fields of interest
  • Desired internship start date (earliest/latest)
  • Planned duration of the internship
  • Voluntary or mandatory internship
  • Date by which you need a response


Please attach the following documents:

  • Letter of motivation (including desired period, main interests, reference to research projects/professors if applicable, relevant previous internships)
  • CV
  • Proof of enrollment
  • Transcript of records


Note:
You are applying proactively, not for an advertised position. Your information about your studies, qualifications, and experience should therefore be particularly meaningful so that a professor can assess whether an internship in their area is possible and appropriate.

A written internship contract is required for an internship at TU Dresden. Leonardo-Sachsen will support you in this process and provide suitable contract templates. The contract will regulate the following points:

  • Contracting parties
  • Duration of the internship
  • Internship content (tasks)
  • Supervision during the internship
  • Insurance coverage
  • Remuneration

Please check the following points before and during your stay:

  • Validity of your personal documents (e.g., passport, identity card)
  • Fully signed internship contract
  • Proof of a mandatory internship (if required)
  • ZAV clearance (if required)
  • Coverage by necessary insurances (e.g., health, accident, and liability insurance)
  • Securing your accommodation in Dresden
  • Registration with the City of Dresden (required for longer stays)
  • Information on the legal framework for the internship:
    • Insurance provided by TU Dresden 
    • Regulations regarding sick days and procedures in case of illness
    • Vacation entitlement and how to apply for leave
  • Information about the German healthcare system
  • Information on opening a German bank account (if needed)
  • Conduct in case of risk (e.g., emergencies, safety precautions)
  • Intercultural information about living and working in Dresden
  • Networking with German and international students
  • Information about possible leisure activities in and around Dresden

Students from non-EU partner countries may need to apply for a residence permit (visa) for the duration of their internship. Leonardo-Sachsen will be happy to assist you and, upon request, will issue an invitation letter for your visa application. Please send us the following information:

  • Full name (as in your passport)
  • Date and place of birth
  • (if applicable) Identification number
  • Name of your home university
  • Degree program
  • Start and expected end date of your studies


The jointly prepared internship contract can also be attached to your visa application. Please make sure to inform yourself early and independently at the German embassy or consulate in your country, as well as on the websites of the Federal Foreign Office, about visa requirements. Processing a visa application can take three months or longer, so submit your application as early as possible.

Please ensure that your personal and travel documents are valid for at least 3 months beyond the internship period to cover possible extensions or unforeseen events.

Our recommendations:

Students from EU partner countries require a work permit for the internship. This will be applied for jointly by Leonardo-Sachsen and your future internship supervisor after the internship contract has been finalized. In order for us to apply for the work permit, we need the following documents from you (a scan sent by email is sufficient):


Please send us these documents promptly so that your application can be processed quickly.

You will need the following types of insurance, which must also cover your working hours (not just for tourism).

Health Insurance:
Required according to German standards, including repatriation in case of illness. The insurance should cover the internship and an additional three months beyond it. Students from program countries can use the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card); unfortunately, this is not possible for students from partner countries.

Accident Insurance:
During the internship, you are covered by TU Dresden’s accident insurance (for the commute to work and working hours). For your free time, it is recommended to have additional accident insurance.

Liability Insurance:
Necessary for damage to facilities or work equipment at TU Dresden.

Note:
The National Agency DAAD offers an insurance package for Erasmus+ interns. You may also use your own providers. Please bring all proof of insurance with you to the Welcome Meeting.

Useful Links:
➚DAAD Information about insurance
➚Information about health insurance for Schengen visas

LEOSACHSEN does not arrange rooms or apartments.
However, we support you with useful links and are happy to advise you—for example, regarding distance, transport connections, and safety.

Tips for your own search: For greater intercultural exchange and to improve your German skills, we recommend a room in a shared apartment (WG).
Please note: Apartments in Germany are often unfurnished.


Useful Links for finding accommodation:

Dresden has a very good local public transport system with trams and buses.
As an intern in Saxony, you will receive a customer card that entitles you to use the student discount for monthly and weekly tickets.

  • Deutsche Bahn: For regional and long-distance train connections, visit ➚bahn.de.
  • DVB (Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe): Timetables and ticket information for local transport in Dresden can be found at ➚www.dvb.de.
  • Deutsche Bahn: Für regionale und überregionale Zugverbindungen besuchen Sie ➚bahn.de.
  • DVB (Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe): Timetables and ticket information for local transport in Dresden can be found at ➚www.dvb.de.

Deutschlandticket (Germany Ticket)

With the Deutschlandticket (currently €58 per month), you can use all local trains, S-Bahn trains, trams, and buses nationwide—including in Dresden and throughout Saxony. This ticket is an attractive option for anyone who travels frequently.

Important Notes on Completing Your Internship:

  • Final Documents:
    Depending on the funding program, different final documents must be submitted. Make sure to check the respective program websites for information in good time.
  • Reporting Requirements:
    As a rule, you are required to write at least one internship report and/or an intercultural experience report.
  • Internship Certificate:
    You are entitled to receive a written internship certificate from your employer. Be sure to request this in advance.


Before Departure:

  • Close your German bank account.
  • Cancel any insurance policies you no longer need.
  • Cancel your Deutschlandticket (usually by the 10th of the month).
  • Deregister your residence with the City of Dresden (residence deregistration).

Contact:

Dr. Husam Mohammad

Email: placement.tu-dresden@tu-dresden.de
Tel.: +49 351 463 34772