Find your bearings and make your choice

Choosing between vocational training and a degree programme isn’t easy: there are good reasons in favour of each. We have put together a few of these reasons here:

Professional prospects: One of the typical reasons for choosing a degree programme is better professional prospects. Even if a university education in and of itself is no guarantee of finding a well-paid position later on, completing a degree programme will still significantly increase your chances on the job market. However, you will need to have obtained some practical experience (for example on various work placements) during your studies. Acquiring additional key competencies, for example better foreign language skills, also plays an important role.

Direction and specialisation: Opting for a particular course doesn’t necessarily mean that your subsequent career path is set in stone. This doesn’t apply to courses such as medicine or teaching, of course, as these are based on a very specific occupational profile from the very start. On most other courses, you will have the freedom to get your bearings professionally and specialise in particular areas. It’s up to you personally to decide which criteria will guide you in choosing a specialisation – e.g. personal preferences or job market requirements.

Intellectual challenge: A degree is never boring and constantly presents students with new challenges. By independently grappling with new fields and applying the problem-solving skills required by different assignments, you will systematically broaden your knowledge, laying the foundations for your future career.

Personal development: Many people, particularly very young students, find it unusual not to have the course content presented or "given" to them, and instead to have to apply themselves much more intensively to the subject matter, for example in the form of seminar or research papers. But it’s well worth the effort, that much can be said. During your time as a student, there’s plenty of room for personal development so that you can grow both personally and professionally.

Key qualifications: You’ll acquire a wide range of key competencies while you are studying. The mere act of learning how to organise yourself will take you far in your later career. In addition, a degree will develop and foster skills such as working on your own initiative, teamwork, flexibility, creativity, motivation and determination.

It’s a clear "yes!" to choosing a degree programme if:

• you already have a specific career in mind that requires a degree programme.
• you enjoy studying and tackling different topics in depth.
• you would like to have better professional and career opportunities.
• you would like to develop further as a person, make new contacts and test yourself.
• you would like to be independent and learn something new.
• you would like to work in science, academia or research.
• you enjoy motivating and organising yourself to achieve a goal.

11 + 1 Reasons to Study in Chemnitz:

1. multifaceted

At Chemnitz University, classical disciplines and technical subjects are united with the humanities, social and economic sciences. With its unparalleled catalog of one-of-a-kind and transdisciplinary degree programs, students of Chemnitz University can truly set themselves apart.

2. personal

You can find your bearings easily at Chemnitz University. The excellent student-teaching staff ratio and the many various advisory and support services available help to ensure students’ wellbeing during their time at the university.

3. individual

Chemnitz University considers its students’ individual needs. Advisory and support services are available for students with disabilities [de], students with children [de] or student athletes.

4. international

Chemnitz University has roots in the region and all across the globe. It offers a wide variety of English-language courses, has over 400 Erasmus partners and the internationally oriented and student-run “Club der Kulturen” is located right on campus.
Thanks to its 100+ international cooperation partners located predominantly in Europe and Asia, Chemnitz University embodies diversity in research and teaching. One out of every four students comes from abroad – making Chemnitz University the most international university in the Free State of Saxony.

5. strong in research

With a degree from Chemnitz University, alumni benefit from the outstanding reputation that research from Chemnitz enjoys, which could prove advantageous for their further professional careers.

6. networked

Chemnitz University has excellent digital infrastructure. The campus, dining halls, libraries and residence halls are all equipped with the high-speed and secure uni-network. Digital learning and collaboration are no problem here.

7. application-oriented

The partnerships that Chemnitz University cultivates with local and national businesses and research institutes create ideal conditions for research and teaching. Students receive a practice-oriented education which is closely connected to basic and application-oriented research. In addition, graduates can take advantage of support programs for entrepreneurial ventures and starting their own businesses.

8. student-friendly

Affordable rent prices, outstanding full- and part-time job opportunities as well as a variety of scholarships allow students to live comfortably on a budget.

9. central

Within Chemnitz, it is easy to get to all university and city attractions or the train station using buses or trams. In addition, Dresden or Leipzig are both just an hour away. The yearly ticket for students makes it easy to stay connected and the historic Czech city of Prague is just a short journey from Chemnitz.

10. dynamic

In this city, the cultural entertainment possibilities are practically endless – especially with the special offer for students to access many musical or theater productions for free. From trendy bars to the city’s acclaimed philharmonic orchestra, there’s truly something for everyone.

11. athletic/mountainous

In addition to the extensive catalog of sports courses offered through University Sports, Chemnitz has even more to offer. The surrounding countryside is full of opportunities to get active outdoors: skiers and mountain bikers will feel at home in the Ore Mountains and Vogtland region, and hikers and rock climbers will love exploring the region known as the Saxon Switzerland.

12. European Capital of Culture

Chemnitz is the city of Doers. We believed in that and we have proven that with the title of European Capital of Culture 2025.
The millions of euros to be invested and the international attention will make Chemnitz even more attractive as a place to study and give the opportunity to contribute your strengths and ideas and shape the European Capital of Culture.

Try first, study later! Chemnitz University of Technology offers a number of project days, taster programmes and various workshops where prospective students can find out more about the university. Check out the pupil portal – you’ll find something that interests you there. >>>  pupil portal <<<

You want to know what studying at Chemnitz University of Technology is like, and you’d like to hear it directly from people with first-hand experience? No problem: just ask our student ambassadors, the Campus TUschler.

Self-reflection is very often the key to success and also helps you make important decisions. When you’re faced with the question of which course would suit you best, you can ask yourself the following questions:

• What am I interested in?
• Which topics do I like investigating?
• Which tasks do I enjoy performing?
• Where do my strengths lie?
• Which subjects are close to my heart?
• In which areas did I willingly commit myself and which skills did I employ in these situations?
• How do I picture my professional future?
• How and where would I like to work and what is important to me in my future career?

Gathering sufficient information helps you get an overview of the numerous degree programmes on offer, and then filter some out to end up with the courses that are appropriate for you. Here we have put together an overview of various informative websites for you:

• Information for general guidance:
  www.abi.de/orientieren
• Information on degree programmes at German higher education institutions:
  www.hochschulkompass.de
  www.studienwahl.de
• Information on fields of study:
  www.hochschulkompass.de/studium/studienbereiche-kennenlernen.html
• Information on professional opportunities:
  www.berufenet.arbeitsagentur.de
  www.abi.de/beruf-karriere.htm
• Advice on studying and careers:
  Universities offer central course guidance services and have academic advisers who can provide you with personal advice. At Chemnitz University of Technology, you can get support from the Central Course Guidance Service if you’re interested in studying but need help choosing a programme. You can find contact points here.
  Academic advisers at Chemnitz University of Technology can answer specific questions about course content, the structure of degree programmes and fields of study. The academic advisers for individual courses can be found here.
  Another option is your local Employment Agency, which is responsible for providing advice on degree programmes and careers.
• Chemnitz University of Technology visits numerous exhibitions/trade fairs and schools to advise interested prospective students. Find an overview of our events here.

As soon as you have a selection of potential fields of study to hand, comparing the different courses with your personal skills and capabilities makes the decision easier. It helps to ask the following questions:

• How does what I can do and what I like to do fit in with my desired field of study?
• Do I fulfil the requirements of the course I’d like to take?
• Does a particular course meet my interests?
• To what extent are my most pronounced skills required in the courses?

You’re not quite sure which field of study is right for you? A study-interest test [de] gives you a first orientation for your choice of study course. You’re very welcome to drop by our Course Guidance Service with your results, and we can then give you personal advice.

To select a particular course and place of study, you should now review all the information you have gathered. The following questions will help you make the final decision:

• What is really important to me?
• Does the potential course reflect my interests? What job prospects would I have?
• Would I like to study close to home or would I prefer to discover a new city and meet new people?
• Would I rather study at a large university or a smaller one?

You can discuss your decision with friends and family and of course with advisers at the universities themselves. Talking to students is also helpful. If you have any questions about life at Chemnitz University of Technology, you can turn to our student ambassadors, known as the "Campus TUschler", and check out their blog.

You’d prefer not to work through all these steps alone and would like to go through the process with other people? Then attending one of our course orientation workshops is the perfect solution.