The HTWD has awarded the DAAD Prize 2026 to Lea Koncekova, a Master’s student from Slovakia. The award recognises outstanding academic achievement and exceptional commitment. For the student, this journey began with an Erasmus year.

When Lea Koncekova came to the HTW Dresden on the Erasmus+ programme during the 2024/25 winter semester, she had planned to stay for two semester. Two years later, the Master’s student from Slovakia has been awarded the 2026 DAAD Prize. With this award, the university honours students who excel academically whilst also demonstrating a commitment to their university or to society.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in the German-bilingual International Management programme at Comenius University in Bratislava, Lea Koncekova made a conscious decision to return to Dresden. She is now studying for a Master’s degree in German Business Culture and International Management. 

Why she returned to the HTWD

“To be honest, the decision to return to Dresden was very easy for me,” says Lea Koncekova. She cites the personal atmosphere at the HTWD, the close supervision and the direct contact with lecturers as the decisive factors. “The lecturers make time for the students and treat you as an equal.” At the same time, she values the university’s international character and the programme’s strong practical focus. The fact that Dresden is not far from her family in Bratislava also played an important role.

Even during her Erasmus placement, the student made a name for herself at the Centre for Foreign Languages (ZFS). As a research assistant, she organises the language lab, supports lecturers and students, develops teaching materials and prepares events. She also helps with the centre’s public relations work.

Commitment that shines through

Many prospective students first meet Lea Koncekova at Open Day, the Long Night of Science or the Dies Academicus. There, she answers questions about studying at the HTWD and shares her experiences as an international student. 

Since June 2025, she has served as a student representative on the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Business Administration, where she represents the views of all students in the faculty.

In the jury’s view, Lea Koncekova combines outstanding academic achievement with intercultural engagement and a strong sense of responsibility towards the university community. The decisive factor for the award was not only her academic success, but also her commitment beyond her own studies – as a research assistant, in university communications and as a student member of the Faculty Council.

Her career path demonstrates the potential that international mobility can unlock: within a short space of time, she went from being an Erasmus student to a Master’s student, a research assistant and a committed student representative.

Receiving the DAAD Prize now came as a surprise to Lea Koncekova. “I never would have expected it,” she says. “For me, this prize is far more than just an award for academic achievement. It shows me that commitment, initiative and a willingness to play an active part in university life really do pay off.”

She also sees the award as an incentive: “Having my commitment recognised in this way means a great deal to me and motivates me to continue on my path at the HTWD with just as much passion and dedication.”