Skip to content
Hochschule Anhalt
Master English Arts & Design

Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA)

Master

Hochschule Anhalt Köthen · Saxony-Anhalt Location: Dessau-Roßlau

About the Program

DIA – The International Graduate School of Architecture in Dessau – offers a Master’s course in architecture at the graduate level, which is taught in English. The programme started in 1999 with 10 students and has since developed into an internationally known programme with more than 100 students per year from more than 50 countries. DIA offers an academic education with a strong emphasis on architecture and urban design as integrated disciplines that address technical, economic, ecological, cultural and theoretical aspects of building and planning. DIA encourages students to develop sustainable projects on the architectural and urban scale, addressing current European and global challenges such as climate change, limited resources, decreasing biodiversity and societies in transformation processes using drawing and model-making skills as a means to communicate their concepts and ideas on a high level. The teaching staff consist of regulars from the Hochschule Anhalt in Dessau as well as changing international guest lecturers bringing constant new input to Dessau and strengthening the international network of DIA. DIA is embedded in an international network of architecture schools in Europe and abroad. It offers exchange possibilities for teachers and students as well as summer schools, excursions, competitions, and participation in ongoing research projects at Hochschule Anhalt and its partner institutions. In short, the teaching at DIA focuses on: developing sustainable approaches to the urban and architectural environment using tools of new media and technologies in architecture and urban design to represent clear concepts and ideas supporting an interdisciplinary approach to design and integrating theoretical approaches in the practice of design.
▶ Show the original English text
DIA – The International Graduate School of Architecture in Dessau – offers a Master’s course in architecture at the graduate level, which is taught in English. The programme started in 1999 with 10 students and has since developed into an internationally known programme with more than 100 students per year from more than 50 countries. DIA offers an academic education with a strong emphasis on architecture and urban design as integrated disciplines that address technical, economic, ecological, cultural and theoretical aspects of building and planning. DIA encourages students to develop sustainable projects on the architectural and urban scale, addressing current European and global challenges such as climate change, limited resources, decreasing biodiversity and societies in transformation processes using drawing and model-making skills as a means to communicate their concepts and ideas on a high level. The teaching staff consist of regulars from the Hochschule Anhalt in Dessau as well as changing international guest lecturers bringing constant new input to Dessau and strengthening the international network of DIA. DIA is embedded in an international network of architecture schools in Europe and abroad. It offers exchange possibilities for teachers and students as well as summer schools, excursions, competitions, and participation in ongoing research projects at Hochschule Anhalt and its partner institutions. In short, the teaching at DIA focuses on: developing sustainable approaches to the urban and architectural environment using tools of new media and technologies in architecture and urban design to represent clear concepts and ideas supporting an interdisciplinary approach to design and integrating theoretical approaches in the practice of design.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Arts & Design professions "Architecture"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Architecture

Similar Programs

Graphic Design

Merz Akademie Hochschule für Gestaltung, Kunst und Medien, Stuttgart

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Wahlfach Master Ensembleleitung instrumental

Hochschule für Musik Detmold

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Photography Master

SRH University

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Church Music

Robert-Schumann-Hochschule Düsseldorf

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Musikpädagogik mit künstlerischem Kernfach Streich-/Blasinstrument

Hochschule für Katholische Kirchenmusik und Musikpädagogik

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Musikpädagogik künstlerisches Kernfach Viola

Hochschule für Katholische Kirchenmusik und Musikpädagogik

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

How do I apply to Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA) at Hochschule Anhalt?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA) at Hochschule Anhalt

Is Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA) at Hochschule Anhalt taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA) programme cost? ▼

850 EUR / semester. International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA) at Hochschule Anhalt? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Dessau International Architecture Graduate School (DIA)? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Hochschule Anhalt — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

Get the weekly Germany guide in your inbox

New blog posts, application deadlines, scholarship announcements. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Weekly Germany guide — 1–2 emails/week, no spam.

Weekly Germany guide delivered to your inbox

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.