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Attention:

Applications for 2024 are closed. New Applications will be considered and processed from January 2025.

DAAD Scholarship for Special Commitment

Within the framework of the DAAD program, STIBET I, the International Office awards scholarships to particularly committed and socially engaged international students from funds provided by the Federal Foreign Office. This scholarship is designed for international students enrolled at TU Dortmund University who distinguish themselves through involvement within an international cultural or academic context in their course of study or have an interesting idea of how to bring international students together in a social, academic or cultural context. The commitment can also be realized through a separate project plan and carried out independently.

This scholarship can ONLY support international students or international doctoral students of TU Dortmund University who are strongly engaged in voluntary activities.

Information on the Scholarship and Application

Funding duration depends on the proposal idea or the content of the project. It is awarded for three months and in special cases for maximum of six months. It comprises a monthly amount up to €992.00. The scholarship can be provided for the current year  and can only be extended if the DAAD project is extended in the following year as well. In case of an extension, the selection committee has to check the benefits of the project and positive feedback on the proposed idea first.

A selection committee of the International Office chooses recipients based on their proposed idea and on the following criteria:

  • very good academic performance in studies and
  • special commitment within cultural, social or academic contexts at TU Dortmund University.

Your idea of an activity must be linked to an international or academic context, such as

  • mentoring international students as a buddy for at least one semester long, 
  • getting involved in local or academically related initiatives and associations or
  • planning and organizing events with an international focus. It can also include social events with a cultural aspect to enhance the integration of international students at TU Dortmund University as well as in Germany.

Please consider that the proposed activity should be offered at least once a week or run on a continuing basis. Please consider that the International Office cannot promise to book the IBZ facilities due to full reservations. If you book the IBZ for activities, please consider the following:

  • If you use the IBZ, you are fully responsible of the premises and facilities.
  • In case of any damage or negligence, you will be fully charged for the reparation expenses.
  • You are in charge to book, pick up and return the keys to the IBZ independently. 

Students who...

  1. are international students enrolled at TU Dortmund University, complete a full degree program and have foreign citizenship,
  2. are considered “Bildungsausländer”*,
  3. have studied for at least two semesters at TU Dortmund University and prove good to very good academic performance, 
  4. have characterized themselves through socially and academically international work at TU Dortmund University aside from their studies and 
  5. can demonstrate intercultural skills as well as German and English language skills.

Bildungsausländer: meaning that they must have earned their university entrance qualification at a non-German school abroad.

  1. exchange students who are only briefly studying in Germany,
  2. students who are only enrolled for a German course,
  3. German citizens,
  4. students who have earned a German university entrance qualification either at a school in Germany or a German school abroad,
  5. students who are not at university currently, for example, by completing an external internship, a final thesis with a company, or a stay abroad
  1. Previous volunteering certificates or recommendation letters,
  2. certificate of enrollment,
  3. current transcript of record,
  4. résume,
  5. recommendation letters written by faculty advisors or faculty members about your current activities at the faculty,
  6. copy of passport and a copy of your residence permit,
  7. if you have a part time job, including a job as a student assistant, you must submit a copy of your work contract. If your employment is terminated at the beginning of or during the scholarship period, or the number of working hours changes, proof of this must be submitted.
  8. Detailed description of your commitment project for the scholarship.

Submit applications and contact

Applications can be submitted immediately until 15 September 2025.

Please send the complete application documents in a PDF file by email to social.counselingtu-dortmundde.

Note: For funding in the current year, applications must be received by November 1 of the respective calendar year at the latest. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for funding in the following year.

Our scholarship holders 2024/2025

Looking for inspiration for your own commitment? Here you can read the stories of four committed students who enrich campus life with their various activities and commitment:

Rabya Arshad © Markus Terhorst​/​TU Dortmund
Rabya Arshad

Rabya Arshad, 24, comes from Pakistan and is studying for a Master's degree in Religion, Ethics and Politics at the Faculty of Human Sciences and Theology.  In addition to her interest in intercultural exchange, she also focuses on voluntary work: „Being an international student, our experiences and exposure oft the job-market and of the community engagement programs are very limited. Hence, any kind of voluntary work outside or within uni should be highly prioritized by international students. It helped me greatly in increasing my confidence, exposure and to get a better idea of things.“.  Her commitment, both academic and personal, is characterized by her desire to encourage future generations to think critically and resolve conflicts.

Ha Minh Chau Vu © Markus Terhorst​/​TU Dortmund
Ha Minh Chau Vu

Ha Minh Chau Vu, 21, is studying for a Bachelor's degree program  in Chemical Biology at the Faculty of Chemistry and is originally from Vietnam. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, she is committed to promoting science for future generations as a student assistant at DLR_School_Lab: „By doing voluntary work, not only are you helping others, but you are also learning more about yourself. Furthermore, voluntary work helps you intergrate more smoothly in the society in another country, and create a balanced life outside of study and work.“.  Through her work, she helps to impart lasting knowledge and awaken an interest in science in young pupils.

Nataly Manque Roa © Markus Terhorst​/​TU Dortmund
Nataly Manque Roa

Nataly Alejandra Manque Roa, 28, comes from Chile. She is studying for her doctorate in mechanical engineering. In her voluntary work as a volunteer speaker and mentor at the university in Chile, she is committed to supporting and mentoring young students who are at the beginning of their careers. The promotion of women in science is particularly close to her heart. For her, it is not just her academic successes in her studies that are important: „Volunteering not only enriches your professional life but also motivates other to improve their environment. Being part of an organization at TU Dortmund University is without a doubt a way to feel part of Germany´s culture and academia.“. She is committed to promoting scientific research and creating opportunities for international students.

 

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Yuga Hikida, 24, comes from Japan and is studying for a Master's degree in Econometrics at the Faculty of Statistics. He is committed to the integration of international students by participating in events organized by his faculty in the student council: „Engaging in the TU Dortmund University community really helped me getting to know more people, enriching campus life,and improving both social and intellectual skills.“. Interest in intercultural activities and the integration of international students into the community is particularly important to him.

Curious to find out more?

Do you also volunteer at our university and implement your own projects independently? Then get in touch with us at social.counselingtu-dortmundde!

Logo DAAD © German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact the Social Counseling for International Students.

E-mail: social.counselingtu-dortmundde

Consultation hours via Zoom: by prior appointment. Consultation hours in presence: Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. by prior appointment via Terminland. On-site consultations take place in the International Office, room 212 (2nd floor, Emil-Figge-Str. 61, 44227 Dortmund).

We will be happy to advise you!