Before the Application

The language of instruction for many ­degree programs at TU­ Dortmund University­ is German.

For a successful study you need a very good knowledge of German. You have to prove this by passing the German language exam.

Recognized German Certificates

• Certificate of passing the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang examination) (level 2 or 3). Only certificates from universities, colleges and preparatory courses whose examination regulations are registered with the German Rectors' Conference are recognized.
• Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF): Total TDN at least 16
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs - Second Level (DSD II)
• Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom - GDS)
• Central Upper School Examination of the Goethe-Institut (ZOP)
• Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) or Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
• telc Deutsch C1­ University Certificate with the overall grade sufficient or better

Information on other exempt language exams can be downloaded here.

The zhb - Foreign Languages Department of TU­ Dortmund University­ offers the DSH examination. On the website of the zhb you can inform yourself about the DSH exam and registration procedures.

For a successful study of an English-taught degree program at TU­ Dortmund University­ you need to have a very good command of English. Information on the classification of English language certificates can be found in the uni-assist reference framework for English language certificates (as of Summer semester 2024).

English-taught Master's Degree Programs

• Advanced Methods in Particle Physics (IMAPP): Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Automation and Robotics: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Chemical Biology: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Chem­is­try: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Data Science: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Econometrics: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). For Example: IELTS 6.5, 6.0, 5.5 / TOEFL iBT (94 - 72) / TOEFL PBT (626 - 543), TOEFL ITP Level 1 (626 - 543)
• Industrial Mathematics : Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Manufacturing Technology: Please refer to the program website for information on language requirements.
• Mechanics of Sustainable Materials and Structures: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Physics: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Process Systems Engineering: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Religion, Ethics and Politics: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
• Spatial Planning: Please refer to the program website for information on language requirements.
• SPRING - Spatial Planning for Regions in Growing Economies: Please refer to the program website for information on language requirements.
• Sustainable Energy Systems: Proof of competencies in the English lan­guage, which must at least correspond to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

German Language Degree­ Programs­ with Additional English Language Requirements

• ­Applied­ Literature and­ Cultural Studies
• Applied Linguistics
• English, teaching degree (LABG)

To be admitted to the degree program you need to prove that you have sufficient language skills­.

If you do not have the necessary proof, you can apply for enrollment as a German language course student. This application can be done generally together with the regular application for a degree program.

The prerequisite for enrollment as a German course student is a Higher Education Entrance Qualification ­ (HZB) for a degree program­ offered­ by TU­ Dortmund­ University.

After successful application and successful verification of your university entrance qualification­ (HZB), you will receive a letter of admission to the language course. With this letter you can enroll as a German course student, provided that you­ attend­ a preparatory­ language course­ for your studies. Please note that TU­ Dortmund­ University­ does not­ offer­ its own preparatory­ German courses, so we have to ask you to contact a private preparatory­ language course provider.

After successful completion of a German language course and the acquisition of sufficient language skills, a new application for the specialized studies must be submitted in due form and time.