Financing of Studies
Read about the financing of your studies before departure and during your studies (financial security, semester ticket, financial support).
The financing of your studies must be secured before entering the Federal Republic of Germany in order to apply for a student visa §16 at the German embassy abroad.
Please note that the financing of your studies must be secured in advance through a blocked account or other recognized means, such as a scholarship, legal obligation to pay, etc. It is not possible through employment alongside your studies. Find out in good time at the German embassy about the financial requirements of your stay abroad.
The cost of living in Dortmund is relatively low compared to other cities. According to current calculations, you need at least 853.00€/month to live in North-Rhine Westphalia (including rent, meals, travel expenses and health insurance; leisure activities are not included). You must be able to prove this amount of 853.00€/month or 10,236€/year as a proof of financing at the Immigration Office. The monthly amount mentioned above must be secured for the entire duration of your studies, since you cannot count on scholarships and can only work alongside your studies under certain conditions (with the exception of the semester breaks).
You can find more information here.
Financing Options of TU Dortmund University
Aid Fund of the AStA of TU Dortmund University
The AStA's relief fund can help you when you are in need of financial means. Students at TU Dortmund University can get an interest-free loan of up to a maximum of 1,500€ to bridge a short-term emergency through no fault of their own. You can find more information and the application form here.
Case of Hardship Balance of the AStA of TU Dortmund University
Students who have financial difficulties can have their semester ticket and student body fee refunded. Students can apply for the so-called hardship compensation at the AStA of the TU Dortmund. Contact persons in both of these cases are the AStA of TU Dortmund University. More information can be found here.
Emergency Help/Offer from the Studierendenwerk
Students who find themselves in a financial emergency can contact the Studierendenwerk.
You can find more information and help on financial support options here:
External Financial Support Options
DAAD Foundation Emergency Fund
Students who find themselves in a difficult financial situation can apply for the emergency fund. You can find more information here.
Financial Support by Church Organizations
Evangelische Studierendengemeinde (Protestant Student Community)
The Evangelische Studierendengemeinde helps international students in financial need. More information can be found here.
Katholische Hochschulgemeinde (Catholic College Community)
The Katholische Hochschulgemeinde offers advice and other options for financial support. More information can be found here.
Students and Debts
International students who have debts and/or are in a situation of over-indebtedness can get financial and legal help from the debt counseling service Diakonie Dortmund and Lünen. You can find more information here.
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Social Counseling Service for International Students.
You can reach us here: social.counselingtu-dortmundde
Consultations via Zoom: Only by prior appointment.
Office hours in presence: Wednesdays from 10.30 to 11.30 a.m.
Please book an appointment via Terminland. Consultation in presence/on site are held in room 212 (2nd floor) of the International Office that is located in Emil-Figge-Str. 61.