Architecture (DIA) (M. A.)
Department Architecture, Facility Management and Geoinformation
Major Fields of study
- Designing the environment sustainability
- Using tools of new media and technologies in architecture
- Integrating theoretical approaches in practice of designs
Degree
Master of Arts
Department
Architecture, Facility Management and Geoinformation
Location
Dessau-Roßlau
Duration
4 semesters
Program Start
winter semester
Fees
850 euros per semester
Sem Contribution
86 euros
Study type
Full-Time Program
Language
English
Credits
120
Accreditation
ASIIN (2013-2020) extended until 20/22
Application period
International Uni Assist15.12. - 30.04. (winter)
National SSC Portal15.01. - 30.04. (winter)
Course content and objectives
The study program Architecture (DIA) is located right next to the world-famous Bauhaus Dessau. It is influenced by its vivid history and driven by innovation. It complements the bachelor’s program in Architecture by systematically deepening the topics of architecture and urban planning. This then complete architecture education fulfills all formal regulations needed to apply for membership of the architectural association. The focus is on strengthening the knowledge in design expertise and methodology. Another focus is on the analysis of current questions related to culture and social sciences as well as to the humanities. Also the latest insights into research and development, new procedures, technologies and materials are highlighted.
Requirements
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University Degree
A qualified university degree in Architecture with a regular study time of at least 3 years (180 ECTS) is required.
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Language Skills
English language proficiency (TOEFL 605 points (PBT) or 88 points (iBT); IELTS min. 6.5; Cambridge Main Suite of English Examination or equivalent). An evidenced graduation from an English-medium college or university is also accepted.
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Aptitude Test Procedure
A portfolio, representing the work and the intention of the applicant, is evaluated by a commission.
Technical questions about the course
Organizational questions
General Questions
Notes
- Program is in English
- portfolio with professional and academic projects
Conditions And Regulations
Architecture (DIA) – Master – Prüfungs- und Studienordnung 2013 – Änderungssatzung 2017
Dessau International Architecture - Master - Prüfungs- und Studienordnung 2013
Dessau International Architecture - Master - Studien- und Prüfungsordnung 2013 (english)
Architecture (DIA) - Master - Prüfungs- und Studienordnung 2013 - Änderungssatzung - 2020
Regulations on entering Germany
Travellers from international risk areas:
As of the 11th of January 2021, a new Quarantine Ordinance issued by the State of Saxony-Anhalt will come into effect.
All travellers from designated international risk areas are subject to a new dual-test system as follows:
Upon entering Germany, international travellers are required to either carry with them a negative SARS-COV-2 test result (antigene or PCR-RT test), conducted no more than 48 hours prior to entry, in English, French or German language or conduct such test immediately after entry into Germany.
Irrespective of such negative COVID-19 test result provided, all travellers are required to further quarantine themselves for 10 days (day of arrival + 10 days, effectively 11 days). Please note that transgressions thereof carry hefty fines (up to €10.000) and can have direct consequences for the continuation of your studies. Anhalt University recommends a strict adherence to the rules.
An early termination of your quarantine is possible at the earliest on day 6 (day of entry + 5 day quarantine period) of your entry into Germany through a negative test result (PCR-RT or antigene test) done at the local testing sites
Furhermore applies:
All travellers from international risk areas are required by law to submit the following online form - at the earliest 3 days and at the latest 1 day - before entering Germany in order to report their entry to the locally competent health authority: www.einreiseanmeldung.de. Proof thereof needs to supplied during entry into Germany (confirmatione-mail, print-out).
Please also report your entry to the university's International Office using this form.
Stadt Dessau-Roßlau/ Campus Dessau
Fieberambulanz Dessau (inside Dessau hospital)
Auenweg 38
06847 Dessau-Roßlau
An appoinment needs to be requested beforehand by contacting 0340 204 2222 or hygieneaufsicht(at)dessau-rosslau.de.
The quarantine is lifted for the duration of the test only and can only be fully lifted after confirmation through the locally competent health authority.
For confirmation of the termination of your quarantine period please contact the health authority as follows:
Public Health Office / district office - Dessau-Roßlau
Ph.:+49 (0) 340 204 2222
email: hygieneaufsicht(at)dessau-rosslau.de
The local Public Health Office (Gesundheitsamt), the International Office as well as your study advisors/organizers, must be informed immediately if typical COVID-19 symptoms (shortness of breath, a recently developed cough, fever or loss of smell or taste) occur.
Covid-19 Tests
If you experience COVID-19 related symptoms, or if your corona app turns red (please download the German corona App from the Appstore) follow these steps:
Call first:
Hotline Department of Health Dessau-Rosslau
0340 204-2222
Monday-Friday: 9 am - 3pm
Test Opportunities (also call first, walk-in patients will be rejected)
Fever Ambulance Dr. med. Kathrin Rall
Heidestr. 27 / Turmstraße
0151-42373476.
Monday-Thursday: Noon- 3pm ; Friday: 10.00 am- 1pm
Fever Ambulance Kerstin Speer
Diesdorfer Straße 35
DIA during Corona
The corona pandemic is widely affecting all aspects of life including the way we study. Nevertheless the DIA family stands together strong and connected. All our classes take place online thanks to the great engagement of our teachers. A few images shall document that.
Welcome to the DIA, the Dessau International Architecture Graduate School!
At the DIA, we are proud to offer a kind of architecture education that you won’t find anywhere else in Germany. In a unit system focused on intensive work in small studios — run by a great variety of professionals both from within the university and from architecture offices all around the world — we offer a design-oriented curriculum, leading to an internationally accredited Master of Arts Degree.
In almost twenty years, the DIA has established itself as a lively architecture school of international acclaim. Founded as the Dessau Institute of Architecture in 1999, the DIA quickly grew into Germany’s largest English Language Graduate programme in architecture. To reflect this while sticking with its original label, the DIA was later dubbed Dessau International Architecture Graduate School.
Today, with more than 200 students in its two-year programme, the DIA offers an inspiring atmosphere to study architecture. In a community that is truly international, young people from over 50 different countries meet in Dessau. They all join to study architecture in a place that is unique — and has a great legacy. The Bauhaus, to the west of our campus, still lures thousands of people to Dessau. With the DIA, Dessau once more is home to an architecture school, attracting young talents from all over the world. Again, Dessau is the place to explore topical questions, just as the Bauhaus did in its day, and probably would do if it was still there today.
Once more, the question is: What should the world that we live in be like? How does it look? How does it feel? And once more, the focus is on design education. We firmly believe that architects are responsible for providing society with the forms it needs. Hence, we design. We believe our knowledge ought to be in form.
Talking about sustainability the architect’s question is: are there forms that are more sustainable? Considering digital fabrication, the question is: how to use technology to that purpose? Addressing communities we ask: how to make them be at home? In short: We try to make the world a more pleasant place to live in and to look at.
If you want to join: Apply! It may be a great step to take. For many it will be a major change in climate (both literally and metaphorically). We dearly hope you will enjoy it, just as much as we do — to learn from other cultures, to bring people together, to work on the challenging issues we are today facing in our built environment, but also to have fun exploring things you cannot (yet?) do in the real world. Come to Dessau. For a liberating experience you will not forget.
DIA General Information
Coordinating staff
DIA Director
Prof. Ralf Niebergall
DIA Office
Beeke Bartelt
Sandra Giegler
Ulrike Jost
Teaching staff
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© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
Contact
dia@hs-anhalt.de
Curriculum
Of the three hundred applications received, some ninety students enter the graduate program. The range of experience, culture, and interest makes graduate school at DIA a truly unique experience. Classes, seminars, and studios are small and therefore intense and individualized. Students in their graduate career have ample opportunity to find their own way and to gain exposure to intense and critical examination. The personal studio critique and the public review are the main forums of studio-based education at DIA. In the spirit of the Bauhaus, such studio-based education is rather atypical in Europe today. The Master of Architecture program, leading to an MA in Architecture degree, is offered to individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree. Students follow a course of study in the following areas of the curriculum: Design; History, Theory, and Criticism; Urbanism; Computing, Logic, and Representation. These areas of study comprise groups of courses from which students may choose offerings according to the requirements of their particular program. Strong emphasis is given to developing skills, logic, and imagination through an intensive series of design studio courses. The curriculum fosters an understanding of architecture as a social, cultural, political, and economic activity, as deeply embedded in contemporary issues and concerns as it is aware of its own historic construction. All MA candidates are required to develop a thesis in fulfillment of graduate degree requirements. Students are asked to demonstrate their ability to independently undertake research and analysis, as well as develop a hypothesis and demonstrate their thesis thoroughly. This must take the form of either a research thesis (Written Thesis) or a thesis with a design demonstration (Design Thesis). Both thesis formats must address architectural consequences that may be derived from within or outside conventional boundaries of the architectural discipline. Thesis preparation begins in the 3rd semester with an option studio leading to the submission of a thesis proposal and the selection of a thesis director and one faculty member as reader. While the thesis is independent work carried out by the student under the direction of a chosen advisor, it is organized as a studio in the 4th semester of the program. The thesis studio provides a support setting for both formal and informal review processes throughout the thesis semester. At the end of the 4th semester, thesis projects are reviewed by a panel of guest critics and publicly presented at DIA. The best thesis project is annually awarded with the Robert Oxman Prize. On completion of the program, students will be awarded a qualification that has EU-wide recognition in the profession of architecture. The language of instruction is English.
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Application Window for Wintersemster 2021/22
The application on uni-assist is open now. Please apply!
Application Requirements
Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA) is proud to attract students from all over the world to come and study in the famous Bauhaus City Dessau. In order to apply to the DIA you have to have completed an undergraduate degree in architecture. We accept both Bachelor and Diploma degrees with a minimum 3 year of regular curriculum. Either has to amount to 180 credits in order to be eligible. It is preferable that during your study you have completed a minimum of two semesters of architecture history.
The TOEFL Code for the university is: 4233.
Documents:
Degree Certificate and Transcripts
CV
Portfolio
Passport
Porfolio:
Please prepare a pdf.-portfolio with 3 recent projects. If possible include academic as well as professional projects. The projects should be presented in a way that your skills and the way you work become visible. The number of pages and layout is not defined but should be reasonable.
Application Procedure
The school is now using uni-assist for all international applications. An additional application directly to the university is not possible. Please do not send any material to the university. Please read the information offered by uni-assist carefully. As of now, all documents have be be uploaded onto the uni-assist portal. It is not necessary to send hard-copies at this point. However, make sure to have certified copies of your documents with you upon arrival.
Our school is listed under: Bernburg/Dessau/Köthen, Hochschule Anhalt
Fees
Every student is expected to pay 850.- € / admin. fee for DIA Master Program plus 86,-€ / admin. fee for general registration and student union of Anhalt University per semester (amounts as at Spring 2018)
Deadline
The DIA welcomes new students every winter semester which starts in the first week of October. The application opens on December 15th and closes April 30th.
Admitted applicants choosing to enroll they must submit their semester fees by 15th September and arrive in Dessau latest by October 1st. We advise new students to arrive two weeks in advance to prepare their stay here.
Information and Links
Application - Master
Holders of a Bachelor degree from a German university (or holders of a Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications from a German institute, eg. ZAB) that meet the corresponding language qualification for the degree program, can apply via SSC-Portal. In all other cases you have to apply via uni-assist.
You can find all information about the application process on our web page:
www.hs-anhalt.de/en/study/paths-to-university/online-application.html
Please find all information about the application process via uni-assist as well as the required documents under the following link:
https://www.uni-assist.de/en/how-to-apply/
Important! All documents required for application through uni-assist will be shared automatically with Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. Therefore, you do not have to send any documents (hard copies) via postal service to Anhalt University!
Application via uni-assist (youtube):
youtu.be/KkwXEMVDwO8
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© Sandra Giegler -
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© Sandra Giegler
Teaching Situation Winter Semester 20/21
As you know the current situation heavily impacts the present semester, but also the semester to
come. The university has officially decided to offer the classes in a hybrid teaching mode. This
means that classes will be offered in face-to-face as well as in online formats. The intention is to ensure
that students who are in Germany can attend classes and seminars on campus, while students
who may not be permitted to enter the country, due to visa issues or travel regulations will be fully
able to participate in the classes online without missing out.
So, please rest assured that we will work hard to offer you the best DIA-experience possible under the
present circumstances.
We would also like to emphasize the value of being on campus, of becoming part of a new culture, of
using the facilities and of experiencing the atmosphere here in Dessau. Do start preparing for your
stay in Dessau by applying for a visa asap, and by making travel arrangements to arrive in September
if travelling from your country to Germany is allowed.
DIA Office
The DIA Office is the center of the organization at DIA. It oversees all things that relate to and support student academic programs. It coordinates faculty contracts, academic capital and operating budgets. The Office provides administration and partnered projects. If you have any questions about information you can not find on this website do not hesitate to contact us. We also encourage you to report omissions, corrections, or just plain suggestions to: dia(at)hs-anhalt.de
School Registration
There are several steps you will have to do when you arrive in Dessau. These include getting a German address as well as registering at the town hall, opening a bank account and organizing medical insurance. You also have to pay the semester fee, after that you can be officially inrolled in DIA.
To learn about the proceedure, please download the information pdf available on this site.
After you have completed the paper work, you will get your students card as well as login data for your university email and for the online plattform. You will need your new email address to recieve all important information during the semester and the online plattform to keep an overview of your grades and credits.
Student Housing
The housing administration responsible for the three student dorms in Dessau is the „Studentenwerk Halle“. Applications are considered according to the date of their registration at the Studentenwerk. At the moment there are more students applying than there are rooms, so the earlier you apply the better are your chances!
You can only apply though the Studentenwerkhalle online application form.
Here is also an overview of Student Dorms in Dessau for your Orientation.
Contact details of the Housing Administration:
STUDENTENWERK HALLE
Wohnplatzvermittlung Köthen, Dessau und Bernburg
Fasanerieallee 1a
Mensa 1. OG
06366 Köthen
wpvkoethen(at)studentenwerk-halle.de
If there are no rooms available in the dorms, we would like to refer you to:
CAMPUS COORDINATOR in Dessau
Mrs. Yili Lu
Yili.Lu(at)hs-anhalt.de
+49 340 5197 1518
Download
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© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler -
© Sandra Giegler
Covid-19 tests
If you experience COVID-19 related symptoms, or if your corona app turns red (please download the German corona App from the Appstore) follow these steps:
Call first:
Hotline Department of Health Dessau-Rosslau
0340 204-2222
Monday-Friday: 9 am - 3pm
Test Opportunities (also call first, walk-in patients will be rejected)
Fever Ambulance Dr. med. Kathrin Rall
Heidestr. 27 / Turmstraße
0151-42373476.
Monday-Thursday: Noon- 3pm ; Friday: 10.00 am- 1pm
Fever Ambulance Kerstin Speer
Diesdorfer Straße 35
0152-58995233.
Tuesday: Moon - 3pm
Wendesday: 10 am to 1pm
Fever Ambulance Dr. med. Uwe Cipowicz
Gutenbergstr. 25
0340 882567
dia live
The DIA maintains a very lively showcase and communication platform called DIAlive. Here everyone can view a selection of projects done at the program. Members of the DIA are further entitled to access a multitude of information concering the classes, the teachers, projects, awards and more by signing up for DIAlive. Please visit DIAlive to enjoy our comprehensive archive of projects www.dia-live.com.
Re-registration
If you are a student of Anhalt University and want to continue your studies in the next semester, you will need to re-register. To do so, transfer the semester fee of 930€ by the deadline.
Re-registration Periods
For the following winter semester: 15 August until 15 September
For the following summer semester: 15 February until 15 March
If the start or end of the re-registration period is on a weekend or a holiday, then these deadlines can vary slightly.
Semester Fee
Recipient: Hochschule Anhalt
Bank: Deutsche Bundesbank
IBAN: DE35 8100 0000 0081 0015 39
BIC: MARKDEF1810
Amount: 930.00€
Purpose (Verwendungszweck): Student number, re-registration period, name
Re-register periods:
Summer semester 2020: RM20201
Winter semester 2020/21: RM20202
If you do not pay the semester fee before the regular deadline (15 Mar or 15 Sept), please transfer the fee together with the late fee (15€).
Complete Re-registration
You can check whether your semester fee has been received and you are officially re-registered in the Student Portal (around one week after the fee has been received). After that, you will need to update your student ID at one of the validation stations and have the new semester date printed on it. You can print out your current certificates of enrollment on your own using the SSC Portal.
Projects
Publications
We have made a selection of our publications available for download on issuu. Please follow this link:
https://issuu.com/dialive
IT-Services
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Are there any scholarships I can apply for?
Various scholarships are offered now and then by the internationl office IO but since the number of applications by students from the entire university is high whereas the number of awarded scholarships is low, it will be difficult to obtain such a scholarship. Please check the information provided by the IO regularly to not miss an opportunity. However, you may of course apply for external scholarships for example with the DAAD.
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Are there regulations on submission / grading?
Each teacher determines deadlines for submissions and regulations for grading. Please make sure to inquire about those regulations at the beginning of the semester.
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Do I have to present a TOEFL or IELTS certificate if I have received my university education in English?
If you have received your education in English, please include a statement or a paper that shows that. If proof can be presented you do not have to present a TOEFL/IELTS certificate.
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Do you issue confirmation letters for DAAD-scholarships?
We are happy to provide such letter if needed. Please contact us.
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Enrollment period
Summer Semester: February 15th - March 31th
Winter Semester: August 15th - September 31th
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How can I look for accomodation?
There are a few Websites dedicated to find accomodation in Germany. Some of them are WG Gesucht, Immobilien Scout 24, Immowelt and Immonet.
Pay special attention to the fact that some of the ads specify a limited time for rent, say, 1 or 2 months and not the whole semester. -
How do I apply for an internship semester?
The study regulations do not required include internships. Hence the immigration laws do not allow to officially apply for an internship or "holiday" semester. You may of course apply for internships nevertheless. If you are successful in finding an internship you must remain an enrolled student by re-registering and hence extend your studies for the duration of the internship.
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How important is to have a housing contract?
It is absolutely VITAL. The housing contract, in German, “Mietvertrag” is a must to open, among other things, the bank account and to get the visa once you are in Dessau. So, as soon as you get a place, ask the tenant (Vermieter) to give it to you, signed.
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How long after the course finished are students allowed to deliver / can I accept works for grading?
There is no general deadline that applies to all classes. Each teacher handles this differently. Please get in touch with the teachers in time.
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I don't see my course grade on my transcript. What can I do?
All your grades are first being submitted to the office and are then handed over to Mr. Krug or Mrs. Schneider of the Student Service Center. If you do not see your grades please contact us so we can see what the issue is.
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Is the masters degree internationally recognized?
Yes, we are proud to say the our degree is internationally valid.
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Is there a minimum or maximum for course groups at DIA?
We are aiming at limiting the studio classes to 10 students in order to offer an effective and efficiant counceling during the semester. In rare occassions and always in collaboration with the studio teachers it is possible to slightly extend that number. Elective classes do not have such a strict limitation.
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Is there any funding for excursion costs?
In rare cases, funding for excursion costs may be applied for with the international office of the school. In general excursion costs must be covered by the students.
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Is there any funding for master thesis?
The students must be able to cover the costs for their master thesis. However, there might be opportunites to contact sponsors maybe through the help of your advisers.
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Is there any funding for research trips?
In rare cases, funding for research trips may be applied for with the international office of the school. In general costs for research trips must be covered by the students.
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Kaltmiete, Warmmiete, Nebenkosten… What’s all that?
Kaltmiete (KM) is the cost of the rent, Nebenkosten (NK) are the services such as heating, gas, electricity, water, etc.. Warmmiete (WM) is the Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten. Kaution is a security deposit that in most cases, equals 3 months of rent.
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What about the City of Dessau?
Dessau is a medium-sized town about 90 minutes south of Berlin and 45 minutes north of Leipzig. It is known for two UNESCO world heritage sites: the Bauhaus and the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm. Both define the city and its surroundings and make it a destination for many tourists all through the year. Downtown you will find all that is necessary for every day shopping as well as shopping malls. The infrastructure includes an extensive system of busses and trams. The best way to get around the city is, however, a bike.
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What are the 86 Euros for?
The 86€ are a registration fee which covers administrative costs for signing in and re-registering each semester.
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What are the possibilities of doing an internship within the DIA study programme?
We encourage you to expand your knowledge and to apply for internships, however, since it is not a requirement, it might be difficult to get accepted. If you are successful in finding an internship you must remain an enrolled student by re-registering just like you would for a regular study semester. The law does not allow to apply for a "holiday semester" because of an internship. Your studies are hence extended for the duration of the internship.
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What are the program fees for the DIA
In order to study at the DIA each student has to pay a fee of 926€ each semester. The fee consists of 850€ program fee plus 76€ registration fee.
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What is the bank info to pay the fees?
The full amount goes here:
Beneficary: Hochschule Anhalt
Bank: Deutsche Bundesbank
IBAN: DE35 8100 0000 0081 0015 39
BIC: MARKDEF1810
purpose: Student Number _ name, first name (for first semester students, please add applicant number)for re-registration also add: RM and the year (example: RM2018)
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What is the official title and does it permit students in accordance with the EU to be a practicing architect?
The official title is M.A. The course is accredited and is EU notified which allows you to practise as an architect in the EU.
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Where can I see my grades?
You will find your grades for each modules in the HIS QIS-Portal.
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Where can I shelter myself during the first days?
There are several hotels, hostels and Gasthäuser for all the budgets. Some of the most famous ones near downtown are: City-Pension Dessau-Roßlau, Radisson Blu Fürst Leopold Hotel, Jugendherberge Dessau, NH Dessau and Hotel 7 Säulen. Nevertheless, more can be found using services such as Booking and, even a more convenient option can be Airbnb or Couchsurfing.
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Where is Dessau?
DIA has a unique academic as well as geographic position: To study in the famous Bauhaus City Dessau, 120 km (80mls) south of Berlin, is a challenge to any architecture student. In addition, Dessau is embedded in a triangle of old historic German Cities like Halle, Leipzig and Wittenberg.
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Where is the campus?
The campus is about 10 minutes from the center of Dessau and right outside the main railway station. All buildings are within walking distance. The facilities include a cafeteria, a student coffee shop, a library, several computer pools, workshops for metal, wood and ceramics, a huge printing workshop, and a professional photo and video studio among others.
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Which documents do I need for enrollment?
You need to show in addition to what you have been told with your admission package:
- Copy of your admission letter (Zulassungsschreiben)
- Copy of your passport (for Non-EU students) / national ID (for EU citizens)
- Proof of sufficient health insurance
- Paying in slip as proof of having transferred the semester fee
- Non-EU students: Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
- biometric, passport-sized photo (for student ID)