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International Office
Studierende laufen über den Campus. Es ist eine große rote Skulptur in Form von großen Zahnrädern zu erkennen. © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund
How to

Applying for scholarships

Financing a degree in Germany can be a challenge, especially for international students. However, we firmly believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of seizing educational opportunities. Scholarships offer an important way to realize your academic goals, and this guide is designed to help you successfully navigate that path. From the initial research to the longed-for receipt of the scholarship, important details and steps are explained here to help you realize your dream of studying in Germany.

Germany Scholarship

Discover your potential with the Deutschlandstipendium! A unique opportunity for outstanding students to receive financial support and recognition. Apply now and secure funding for your studies. Find out more now!

Scholarship counselling

Interested in more information about scholarships at TU Dortmund University? Click here to go to our university's scholarship counselling service, which will be happy to answer your questions about scholarships.

Click here

Step by step to a scholarship

  • Start your scholarship search early and take enough time for your research.
  • Use various sources such as online databases, university websites, scholarship portals, personal recommendations and social media to find potential scholarships.
  • Be proactive and get actively involved in the scholarship search, as initiative is one of the most important foundations for a successful application.
  • Read the requirements of each scholarship carefully and compare them with your own qualifications and goals.
  • Consider factors such as funding amount, duration, application deadlines and additional benefits such as travel expenses or language courses.
  • Prioritize the scholarships that best suit your needs and goals.
  • Possible scholarship platforms for your research:
    • e-fellows.net scholarship database
    • myScholarship
    • DAAD scholarship database
    • Studieren.de
    • Bildungsserver Scholarship databases
  • Create a detailed list of all required documents for each scholarship application.
  • Make sure that your application documents are complete, well-structured and error-free.
  • Tailor your documents individually to each scholarship and emphasize your relevant experience and qualifications.
  • Take enough time to write an individual and convincing letter of motivation for each application.
  • Describe your personal and professional goals as well as your motivation for the subject or project you want to study.
  • Explain why you are suitable for the scholarship and back up your statements with specific examples from your CV.
  • Select suitable people who can provide you with qualified letters of recommendation, such as professors, employers or mentors.
  • Explain your application goals to these individuals and make sure they have enough information to write strong recommendations.
  • Give the writers enough time to create quality letters of recommendation and schedule their submission well in advance.
  • Find out about the scholarship selection process and prepare accordingly if interviews are part of the application process.
  • Reflect on your motivation, goals and previous experience and practise possible interview questions.
  • Present yourself confidently and authentically and use the interview as an opportunity to showcase your personality and qualifications.
  • Pay careful attention to the application deadlines and submit all required documents in full and on time.
  • Check your application documents several times for errors or inconsistencies and correct them if necessary.
  • Confirm that all requirements of the scholarship provider have been met and attach additional documents if necessary.
  • After submitting your application, you must be patient and wait for a decision from the scholarship provider.
  • Use the waiting time to prepare for alternative funding options and adjust your application strategy if necessary.
  • Stay optimistic and keep your goals in mind, even if there are delays.
  • In the event of a positive decision, you will receive notification of acceptance of the scholarship.
  • Follow the instructions of the scholarship provider regarding the acceptance of the scholarship and the further procedural steps.
  • Clarify any open questions or uncertainties in good time to ensure a smooth transition.
  • After you have received the scholarship, maintain contact with other scholarship holders, the scholarship provider and the academic environment.
  • Use these contacts to continue networking, exchange experiences and possibly discover further support opportunities.

Contact us

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

E-mail: social.counselingtu-dortmundde

Consultationhours 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!

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