HfM Dresden is public, but it charges tuition fees to some international students: those who are not EU citizens and who have neither a German higher education entrance qualification nor a permanent residence permit for Germany. They pay 2,000 EUR per semester for a first degree (Bachelor's or state examination) and 1,300 EUR per semester for a Master's. Students who pay these fees can apply for a scholarship from the university. Fees may also apply to a second degree, and no fees are charged for doctoral or Meisterklasse study.

Every student also pays a semester fee of 359.91 EUR (winter 2026/27), which includes the semester ticket. All applicants pay a processing fee of 50 EUR per application round.

Tuition fees come on top of the proof of funds. For the student visa you still need to show 11,904 EUR for the year, usually in a blocked account, and that money has to be transferred months before the semester starts.

HfM Dresden publishes one application period for all applicants; there is no separate non-EU date. Bachelor's and state examination programmes start in winter only. Entrance exams follow in June (winter) and January (summer).

No degree programme taught in English was found. Programmes span orchestral instruments, piano, voice, conducting, composition, music theory, jazz/rock/pop, music pedagogy and music teacher training; language requirements are set per subject.

The Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber Dresden is a public university of music in Dresden, Saxony, founded in 1856, with 698 students. It offers Bachelor's, Master's, Meisterklasse, state examination and doctoral programmes in performance, composition, conducting, music theory, jazz/rock/pop and music education.