Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) - University of Applied Sciences

What Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) - University of Applied Sciences does

Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) is a state-recognized private university of applied sciences in Dresden, Germany, founded in 2010 and institutionally accredited by the Wissenschaftsrat. It operates three faculties (Applied Social Sciences, Economics, and Design) and runs 7 bachelor's and 4 master's programs in formats that include full-time, part-time (berufsbegleitend), and NC-free admission. The institution explicitly targets non-traditional pathways, including students without Abitur via recognized vocational qualifications, and has a credit-recognition regime that can shorten studies by 2-3 semesters for prior vocational training. Secondary delivery occurs at a learning center in Annaberg-Buchholz targeting working professionals in the Erzgebirge region.

Technically, FHD runs internal digital infrastructure including the ILIAS e-learning portal, the FHD WIKI information portal, and a Games & XR laboratory that supports VR/XR prototyping. Beyond standard higher-education tooling, the university operates the New Work Design Lab, which produced the award-winning 'Safety First' VR training project (Sächsischer Digitalpreis 2022, with EBZ Dresden) and a VR recruitment simulation for GlobalFoundries wafer production. It also participates in the Erasmus+ ROLEPL-AI consortium that combines VR/AR with AI-driven adaptive simulation for vocational management training, and offers free three-day prototyping workshops in its XR prototyping series. The institution maintains a network of approximately 100 international partner universities for exchange and joint projects, and is a member of dresden|exists and the BMWK EXIST-Women network.

FHD's revenue model is tuition-based with no public funding. Streams include recurring tuition fees (billed monthly with options for 5% lump-sum or 3% annual prepayment discounts), a one-time immatriculation fee with an Early Bird €400 waiver, and a mandatory semester-ticket contribution at ~60% of the Deutschlandticket price for full-time students. Customer acquisition is multi-channel: website and SEO, organic social (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn), email newsletters segmented by faculty, info days, Schnupperstudium trial lectures, education-fair participation, and structured referral programs paying €200-€400 per converted enrollee. Enterprise-facing work (GlobalFoundries, EBZ, EY, Deutsche Telekom MMS, Fraunhofer IPMS, Dresden Marketing GmbH) supports project-based collaboration and graduate pathways rather than forming material revenue concentration.

Name

Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) - University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD)

Website

https://fh-dresden.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) is a state-recognized private German university of applied sciences in Dresden, offering bachelor's and master's programs across Social Sciences, Economics, and Design. It serves prospective students, working professionals, and non-Abitur holders via tuition-funded, NC-free admission in full-time and part-time formats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

akta.pro primary industry

Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

STEM & Lab Simulation Media (Virtual Labs, AR/VR) (EDAGALAF), Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• University degree programs
• Vocational education training
• Private higher education
• Continuing education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Dresden

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: As a private university, FHD generates primary revenue through tuition fees. Fee structure varies by study format (full-time vs. part-time) and duration. Detailed fee information is provided in program-specific information materials rather than being publicly listed on the website.
2. Enrollment/Immatriculation Fee: One-time enrollment fee charged at the start of studies. Early Bird discount of 400 EUR available for early applications.
3. Semester Ticket Contribution: Mandatory contribution for the Germany-wide semester ticket (public transport). Full-time students pay approximately 60% of the regular Deutschlandticket price. Part-time students are exempt but may purchase voluntarily.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

FHD is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences providing practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in full-time and part-time formats across three faculties (Applied Social Sciences, Economics, Design). It sells academic education with NC-free admissions, alternative access pathways for students without Abitur, small study groups, and digital learning infrastructure including VR/XR and AI-supported simulations.

Product overview

Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences offering a portfolio of 7 bachelor's and 4 master's degree programs across three faculties (Applied Social Sciences, Economics, Design). Programs are available in full-time and part-time formats, with many accessible without Abitur through vocational qualifications. The institution operates internal e-learning (ILIAS) and information (FHD WIKI) platforms, provides career services via JobTeaser integration, and supports international exchange with ~100 partner universities. Key differentiators include NC-free admission, small study groups, strong practical orientation, and innovative projects in VR/XR and AI-supported simulations. Research activities include the Erasmus+ ROLEPL-AI project and award-winning VR training applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Berufspädagogik für Pflege- & Gesundheitsberufe (B.A.) Part-time bachelor's program qualifying students for teaching positions in vocational schools and healthcare education facilities. Requires completed training in nursing or health professions. Targets individuals with vocational qualifications seeking academic credentials for healthcare education roles.
• Pflege- & Gesundheitsmanagement (B.A.) Full-time and part-time bachelor's program preparing students for management roles in healthcare and nursing facilities, combining healthcare expertise with business administration. Available in both full-time and berufsbegleitend (part-time) formats.
• Sozialpädagogik & -management (B.A.) Bachelor program uniquely combining social pedagogy with management competencies, qualifying graduates as state-recognized social pedagogues and for leadership positions in social institutions. Available in both full-time and berufsbegleitend formats.
• Business Administration (B.A.) Business administration bachelor's program focusing on digital business, sustainability, and international management with strong practical orientation and industry connections.
• Tourismus & Event Management (B.A.) Tourism and event management program combining business knowledge with creative project management skills for the hospitality and events industry.
• Digital Media Design (B.A.) Digital media design program exploring creative technologies including AI applications in digital image processing and multimedia content creation.
• Grafikdesign Screen- & Printmedia (B.A.) Graphic design program for screen and print media with artistic aptitude test admission option for non-Abitur applicants.
• Soziale Arbeit & Management (M.A.) Full-time and part-time master's program in social work and management for advanced professional qualification in social sector leadership.
• Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Innovation (M.A.) Master's program focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation with participation in EXIST-Women and Silicon Valley programs for startup development.
• Creative Direction (M.A.) Master's program in creative direction developing strategic and creative leadership skills for design and media industries.
• Berufspädagogik für Pflege- & Gesundheitsberufe (M.A.) Part-time master's program for continuing education in vocational education for nursing and healthcare professions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates achieve above-average employment rates, often securing positions before graduation completion
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, notable and minor.

• National University of KaohsiungcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic partnership expanding scientific cooperation between FHD and National University of Kaohsiung. Strengthens international exchange, joint research opportunities, and student mobility between Germany and Taiwan.
• dresden|existscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup service network of Dresden universities. FHD participates as EXIST-Women university supporting female entrepreneurship and startup activities across the Dresden academic community.
• Around 100 Partner Universities WorldwidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner network enabling student exchanges, joint projects, and global career opportunities. Includes universities across Europe, Asia, and other regions for semester abroad programs.
• GlobalFoundriesnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on VR simulation project for wafer production recruitment. FHD developed immersive VR experience making semiconductor manufacturing processes accessible and engaging for potential recruits.
• EBZ DresdennotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in 'Safety First' VR training project for electrical trade. Joint development of innovative digital learning application conveying safety content in compact, digital format.
• New Work Design Lab (FHD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternal FHD research lab focused on innovative work design and digital learning solutions. Collaborated on award-winning 'Safety First' VR training project and other digital innovation initiatives.
• Ernst & YoungminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional services firm cooperating with FHD, providing industry insights, potential guest lectures, and career opportunities for business students.
• Deutsche Telekom MMSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital services company partnering with FHD for industry collaborations, project work, and potential employment pathways for graduates in digital/business fields.
• Technische Sammlungen DresdenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseum of technology and media partnering with FHD for design and digital media projects, providing real-world learning opportunities for creative students.
• Staatliche Kunstsammlungen DresdenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState art collections partnering with FHD for cultural and creative industry collaborations, providing project opportunities for design students.
• Fraunhofer IPMSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institute for photonic microsystems cooperating with FHD on research projects and providing advanced technology insights for student projects.
• Dresden Marketing GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity marketing organization partnering with FHD for tourism and event management programs, supporting practical projects and industry connections.
• Tourismustalente Sachsen InitiativenotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional initiative promoting modern image of tourism industry. Prof. Dr. Marco Richter represents FHD on project advisory board, contributing academic perspective to industry development.
• Impact Hub DresdennotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation and entrepreneurship hub hosting events like Innovation Challenge. Student teams participate in competitions, winning recognition for creative business concepts.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hochschule Fresenius: Private German university of applied sciences offering practice-oriented programs in business, design, health, and social sciences — closely matching FHD's faculty structure and target student segments.
• ISM International School of Management: Private German university with multiple locations and a business/management focus. Comparable to FHD's business faculty and practice-oriented teaching model.
• SRH Hochschule: A large private German university of applied sciences with multiple campuses and a multi-disciplinary portfolio. Closely mirrors FHD's model of state recognition, NC-free access, and practice-oriented programming, but at significantly larger scale.
• FOM Hochschule: One of Germany's largest private universities, focused on berufsbegleitend (part-time) study for working professionals. Directly comparable to FHD's target segment of employed learners seeking flexible formats.
• Hochschule Macromedia: Private German university with strong design, media, and business programs — directly comparable to FHD's Faculty of Design and Digital Media Design offerings.
• Berufsakademie Sachsen: Saxon state-recognized vocational academy offering dual study programs combining work and academic learning. Comparable to FHD's practice-oriented berufsbegleitend model and NC-free access for vocationally-qualified students.
• HTW Dresden – Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft: The public university of applied sciences in Dresden — the most direct local competitor. Like FHD, it offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's programs, but as a tuition-free public institution it competes head-to-head for the same applicant pool in the same labor market.

Broad incumbents

• IU International University of Applied Sciences: Germany's largest private university with a broad, mostly online portfolio. Comparable in NC-free access and flexible formats, but operates at much greater scale and with substantially larger program breadth.

Emerging players

• CODE University of Applied Sciences: Berlin-based private university focused on software engineering, design, and digital product development. Comparable to FHD's design and digital media programs but with a narrower tech-product focus.

Regional players

• Hochschule Mittweida: Public university of applied sciences in Saxony with a similar practice orientation and comparable program mix. Competes for the same regional applicant pool as FHD across Saxony.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCaubjadIdmKY8c8Cm1T6xEQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/fhdresden
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/fhdresden
• Instagraminstagram.com/fhdresden/?hl=de

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) - University of Applied Sciences