What's better for you: study or working abroad? Usually you can assume that the host university - especially in an exchange program - will  offer a high level of support with orientation days and excursions, organizational support and help with accomodation. Outside of exchange programs, though, it can be difficult to find a scholarship.

An internship abroad has to be organized much more independently; you typically must find your own accommodation, and  there are usually no events to help you get to know the region and the culture. The IAESTE program is an exception. Thus, an internship abroad is normally more suited to the end of your studies when you can work more independently. There are usually several internship scholarships available even on short notice.

The video "Auslandsstudium oder lieber Praktikum mit Erasmus+?" can help you decide (in German).

German semester dates are very different from those at foreign universities!

The German semester dates do not apply to the whole world. Before you apply you should check the semester dates at the desired university and speak with your department about the possibility of taking exams at a later/different date.  

With an internship abroad you may be able to decide yourself when you will start, which may give you more flexibility.

It is usually not possible to miss the orientation phase at the host university. In exchange programs the participation in the orientation is mandatory.  A solution for more flexibility could be to carry out an internship before or after the start of the study program. 

It is also possible to complete a study program and an internship abroad in one German semester. For example the study program could go from August/September to December and the internship January through March.

The best time to go in your degree program

Study abroad normally works well in the fifth semester, since many programs have electives in this semester that can easily be transferred from a foreign university. Generally, though, you participate in an exchange program from the third semester on. Internships are usually better later in your studies, however scholarships may be available from the first semester on. Speak with the advisors in your department to find the best time.

The whole world is open - that can make it more difficult to decide where to go. The International Office can help you during the advising hours.

Read testimonials (most in German) to better understand everyday life in various countries.

Find out  what the language requirements are. You need to be sure that you can follow classes or carry out your work in the host country in English or German. Make sure that enough courses are available in a language you understand. For an internship you should make sure that you can communicate with your fellow employees.

Be open for new things and non-touristy places, as these are often the places where you will get to know the local culture and people better.

Calculate a budget: TU Dortmund University's partners abroad often will waive tuition fees.  In the Erasmus+ program students also receive a monthly stipend for a study or internship program. Note the lower travel and visa costs in the Erasmus+ countries. Read the DAAD's country-specific information (in German) to find more information about the cost of living in various countries.

Even though some study and internship programs only require English, you should not go abroad without having at least basic skills in the host country's language. In some countries English will not get you very far when communicating with the locals.

Learning Languages in Dortmund:  Foreign Languages Department at TU Dortmund University

Foreign Language Courses
The Department of Foreign Languages' website offers courses free of charge for TU Dortmund University's students. You'll need to sign up for classes about four weeks before the start of the semester.

Tandem Language Learning
In the tandem program you can work on your language skills with a native speaker while that person learns your native language from you. The communication is bilingual and both partners have enough time in each language. 

Academic Writing and Presentations (German/English)

The offer from the Department of Foreign Languages / w.space includes regular classes, workshops and individual consultations throughout the semester. 

Learning Languages Online

Erasmus+ Online Language Support (OLS)

Students who are chosen for the Erasmus+ Program (studies or an internship) will receive a link to the EU's Online language portal (OLS), which offers free language tests and courses for any official EU language as well as Icelandic, Macedonian, Norwegian, Serbian and Turkish and is available to you for several years. The courses are especially helpful for everyday language in a country in which the language differs from your working language. 

Learning Languages Abroad

DAAD Catalog: Language Courses Abroad

The DAAD catalog of language courses  (in German) has information about language courses at universities throughout the world. 

"​​Intensive English Program (IEP) at Western Washington University, USA

The ​​Intensive English Program (IEP) at TU Dortmund University's partner Western Washington University offers non-credit English language courses in 6 levels.  Students spend one trimester (approximately 3 months) on the campus. In some cases full scholarships (tuition, room and board) are available.

Language Program Scholarships

Sprachreisen.org and Sprachreisen-Ratgeber.de award Globetrotter scholarships of 1,000 EUR twice a year for language programs abroad. The company Education First also offers the "EF Sprachreisenstipendium".

Many institutions abroad require a language certificate in the application. Sometimes the DAAD Language Certificate is accepted; this is offered free of charge at TU Dortmund University.

DAAD Language Certificate

The DAAD Language Certificate can be used for any DAAD programs, but also many universities and employers accept the certificate as proof of your language level. Register online for a test appointment in the Department of Foreign Languages.

Language Tests Outside of the University

TU Dortmund University students can take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in Dortmund or in any other test center. Information about the next test dates (2-3x/month) and registration are available on the ets website. The Chamber of Commerce offers a prep course for the test. The computer-based Cambridge Test  and IELTS  can also be taken in Dortmund, among other places.

Since scholarship application deadlines can be very early, you should start planning a study abroad about 1.5-2 years in advance and an internship abroad about one year in advance.

If you are involved in international activities and hone your intercultural skills, for example by taking language courses, going abroad or volunteering in a buddy program, you can receive the Certificate "Studium International" .

Especially by getting involved in a buddy program or in an international club you'll be able to not only help other students at TU Dortmund University but also build your own intercultural and soft skills.

Usually when applying to a foreign institution you will need to turn in an English transcript of records.

For most degree programs it should be possible to generate an English transcript in BOSS.  This PDF document can usually be sent to the host institution without a signature or stamp. If necessary, the Examinations Office can issue a (signed/stamped) transcript. Please check there if you need a signed transcript or if your GPA needs to be included in your transcript.

If you are unable to have an English transcript generated through BOSS or the Examinations Office, please use the following template (please read through this sample document)

• Bachelor Transcript of Records
• Master Transcript of Records

Process

It may take up to four weeks to process your transcript, so please turn in everything on time so as not to miss your deadline. In case your deadline ends earlier: Send the transcript that you translated/filled out to the host institution as an "unofficial transcript" and hand in the official and signed document later.

• Please read the information in the sample document first.
• Send your current Certificate of Enrolment as well as proof of all grades (BOSS, certificates, "Studienbuch", etc.) together with the filled in template to transcriptstu-dortmundde
• Do not forget to let us know the following information in your e-mail:
  • Have you already checked in BOSS to see if you can generate an English transcript?
    (The website has to be switched to English for this.)
  • University/company to which you are applying?
  • City and country?
  • Planned dates for the stay abroad?
  • If the stay abroad has been organized through a placement agency, which one?
• The signed PDF will be sent to you through e-mail.

It is possible for some students to apply for BAföG to help finance not just studies in Germany, but also for studies abroad. It is important that the application is made at least 6 months before the start of the semester. 

Funding

Funding in the form of a stipend (not a loan):

• For study abroad: the necessary tuition fees (up to 5,600 EUR)

Funding for which 50% is a loan:

• Travel costs (one-time, up to 1,000 EUR)
• in many cases the health insurance in the host country
• Living expenses (monthly country-specific amount)

Scholarships of 300 EUR or more per month may lead to less funding in Auslands-BAföG. The Erasmus+ Social Top Ups for students with special needs/chronic illness or children will not effect your funding in Auslands-BAföG based on a decree from 8.5.2024.

Application

Special offices designated by the states are responsible for this, not the Studierendenwerk Dortmund. On the website you can find the office that is responsible for your host country. The application must be submitted at least 6 months before the start of the stay abroad. Another small hint: There is the possibility to apply in advance for a decision on the eligibility of the education abroad (esp. important for self-organized stays).

Further information about Auslands-BAföG is available here (in German).

For study abroad it is a good idea to apply for TU Dortmund University's partner institutions, since the exchange program includes a full tuition waiver. In the Erasmus+ Program for an internship or study abroad, you will also receive a monthly stipend for the cost of living.

You may and should apply for several scholarships at once to increase your chances. However, you are only able to keep one scholarship. Auslandsbafög can be combined with scholarships. The responsible person in the International Office can assist you if you are not sure what can be combined with your scholarship.

You can find more information online about scholarships for the following stays abroad:

• Study Abroad
• Internship Abroad
• Final Thesis
• Short-term Programs

It is a good idea to also read the country-specific information from the DAAD (in German): These pages give an overvew of the expected costs in all countries across the world as well as a comprehensive overview of scholarships for each country.

In general it is very important - and for some programs even mandatory - to be insured for various situations while abroad. Compare offers from several companies before you make a decision. Note that a travel health insurance may not be sufficient or applicable to longer stays abroad.

Please note that even during a stay abroad, you still have to have valid health insurance for Germany; if not, you would lose your student status at TU Dortmund University. This could mean, espcecially for an overseas stay abroad, that you are actually insured twice - in Germany and abroad. Discuss your possibilities with your health insurance provider.

DAAD Insurance Policy for Scholarship Recipients

Students who receive a DAAD scholarship or are placed abroad through one of the DAAD programs (e.g. Erasmus+, PROMOS, Go East, IAESTE, AIESEC, etc.) may choose to take out a policy through the DAAD insurance offer.

Looking for a Subtenant? - Housing Anywhere Can Help!

TU Dortmund University is a member of the network HousingAnywhere.com, an international accommodation platform for students. You may offer your room or apartment up for a sublease for exchange students coming to Dortmund. By offering your room through this platform you can be sure not to have to pay double rent, and you know that your room will be available again at the end of the semester when you return to Dortmund. Register online with your university e-mail address to use the platform for free. Further information about the platform can also be found in this presentation by Housing Anywhere. Do not forget to inform your landlord about your plans.

Please Note:
We cannot guarantee that you will find a subtenant! You will increase the chances of finding a subtenant if the months of your offer match TU Dortmund University's semester dates (e.g. September/October until February for the winter semester and March/April until July for the summer semester).

Questions and feedback can be sent to Miriam Gothe-Kräher in the International Office.

Looking for a Room Abroad?

Below you will find housing portals that other students have used.

Important:  However, we recommend that you research the providers yourself. Returning students have also advised to wait until you are in the host city to look for an apartment/room in order to avoid surprises (e.g. with regard to cleanliness, fraud, etc.). The safest - if not necessarily the nicest - option is always the accommodation offered by the host institution, should it have rooms in dormitories. This way you can avoid many problems and stress. 

In order to avoid online scams read through these guides from Housing Anywhere (English) and the Verbraucherzentrale NRW (German).

Housing Anywhere
You can also use the Housing Anywhere platform for your own stay abroad in over 400 cities across the world. Registered students from Housing Anywhere's partner universities receive special service and tips. Further information about the platform can also be found in this presentation by Housing Anywhere.

Further Options Across the Globe

Please have a look at our German page to find further options listed by country.

How will you access money during your time abroad? For most countries it would be a good idea to have a credit card, especially one from a German financial institution. Try to find an offer for a free credit card that does not charge any fees for international ATM withdrawals. Compare offers from various banks and financial service institutions to find the best deal.

Refund for the NRW Ticket for Public Transportation

Even if you do not apply for a leave of absence, you may apply to have the unused months of the student ticket for public transportation refunded. All necessary information can be found on the AStA website.  

Leave of Absence (Beurlaubung)

Students who go abroad for their studies or an internship can apply for a leave of absence from the university in that semester. The advantage is that your program semester (Fachsemester) does not increase during that semester and you do not lose your spot in your degree program at TU Dortmund University.

It is important that you spend more than 50% of the lecture period abroad. If, for example, you are abroad from the beginning of January until the beginning of May, a leave of absence is not possible for either semester. However, if you stay abroad until the end of June, for example, a leave of absence would be possible for the summer semester (but not for the winter semester).

If you take a leave of absence and return to NRW before the end of the semester, you may not participate in exams at TU Dortmund University (only exception: repeat exams). You are not allowed to take a leave of absence during stays abroad that count as credit toward your degree program (if you receive ECTS for that stay abroad).

In the Bachelor's degree it is possible to take a leave of absence from the second program semester on. A leave of absence for the first Master's semester can be granted to all re-registrants and new enrollees if one of the reasons for leave of absence is given. There is no restriction to specific reasons for leave of absence.

The Student Registration Office can help with any questions.

Please note: Students in an exchange program will not automatically be registered for a leave of absence by the International Office.

Steps to Apply for a Leave of Absence:

1. Download the Application for a Leave of Absence from the Student Registration Office (in German).
2. When you turn in your application you will also need to turn in a certificate from the International Office confirming the duration of your stay abroad.
   If you are not participating in an exchange program, please send an e-mail to going-abroadtu-dortmundde with your letter of acceptance from the host institution or your work contract as well as your current certificate of enrollment from TU Dortmund University in order to receive a certificate.
3. Transfer the social contribution (Semesterbeitrag) amount listed on the application for your specific leave of absence reason. If you transfer the amount after the re-registration deadline ("Rückmeldefrist"), please note the late fee on the application.
4. For study abroad: Select the reason "Studium an einer ausländischen Hochschule" and also turn in a certficate about the duration from the International Office.
5. For an internship abroad: Select the reason "Praktika" and turn in a copy of your work contract (in German or English) as well as a certificate from your department confirming the duration and the necessity of the internship. 
   No matter what, the stay abroad has to coincide with at least 50% of the lecture period (approximately 8 weeks of the lecture period).
6. Turn in all complete documents within the deadline to the Student Registration Office.

Please Note: The application for a leave of absence is only valid for one semester. If you are requesting a leave of absence for two semesters, you will need to turn in a new application with all complete documents during the re-registration period for the corresponding semester.  This can be done through mail or in person (you may officially authorize someone else to do this for you - please note the special instructions for this on the application).

Leave of Absence and Transfer of Credit from Abroad

Usually credits earned abroad can be transferred to your degree program in Dortmund, even during a leave of absence. Discuss this option with the lecturers and examinations board in your department. Further information about this can be found below ("After Your Stay Abroad").

Studying abroad should give you new insights into your subject and related disciplines in another country. Of course there can be huge differences between the courses offered abroad and those that you have to take for your program in Dortmund. But don't let that discourage you! This coud be a great opportunity to set a specific concentration in your studies that could be attractive for a future employer.

The classes you take and your study achievements abroad may be eligible for recognition in your studies at TU Dortmund University. Regardless of whether you are participating in an exchange program or carrying out an independently planned stay abroad, you will need to discuss the possibility of  recognition of your sudy achievements with your academic advisor before you go abroad.

Many universities do not publish their course catalogs until shortly before the start of the semester, so you will need to have a look at past course catalogs in order to see what types of courses may be offered when you are there.

Even if the course catalog has been published, you always need a back-up plan in case changes are made to the course schedule or certain courses are cancelled. Be sure to pick out several possible courses that you could take (not just the minimum) and discuss all of these with the responsible person in your department.

On this page you can find general information on "Study Abroad & Recognition".

Learning Agreements 

• Erasmus+ Learning Agreement for Study Abroad (mandatory template from the EU Commission)
• Erasmus+ Learning Agreement for Internships Abroad (mandatory template from the EU Commission)
• Learning Agreement for Study Programs Outside of erasmus+ (binding, but not mandatory)

Typically for all countries outside of the EU you will need a visa in order to study or intern there. Gather all the information you need directly from the embassy or consulate for the host country. This process can take several months, so start early. Entry requirements can change at any time: Check the current regulations even shortly before you start your stay abroad.

For an internship abroad, please also read this additional information.

Please note that the International Office cannot offer visa advising!

International students who would like to go abroad for studies or an internship may even have to apply for a residence or work permit for EU or Schengen countries. Please check with the country's official offices. Please note that you will also need to inform the Ausländerbehörde in the city in which you live of any longer stay outside of Germany. Failure to report a stay abroad could lead to an annullment of your visa for Germany!

Important: Regularly check the webpage of the host country's consulate for the most up-to-date arrival and immigration information. This information can change at any time.  

Medical Certificate

For some stays abroad you may need to have a medical certificate, especially to study abroad in certain countries (e.g. in Asia). For some universities this certificate is included in the application documents and for others the certificate should be issued no earlier than two months before arrival. Your host institution can give you more information about their requirements.

Vaccinations (Covid-19, etc.)

Certain vaccinations may be necessary for your stay abroad, especially for study abroad or an internship in a school. The process for getting a new vaccination can take up to six months. Check with your host institution about their vaccination requirements and discuss the vaccination recommendations for your travel region with your doctor.

Some countries have especially strict rules regarding the type of Covid-19 vaccine. Be sure to check the quarantine and vaccination requirements for the country and the city in which you will be living.

Information and Travel Warnings from the Federal Foreign Office 

Regularly check the homepage of the  Federal Foreign Office to stay up-to-date on the situation in your host country, especially regarding travel warnings. Also read these important notes from the DAAD on traveling safely.

The DAAD's "studieren weltweit – ERLEBE ES!" campaign aims to inspire students and young people to go abroad. Students from Germany share their experiences abroad online. Authentic, real and live. All contributions flow together on www.studieren-weltweit.de.

New correspondents are selected twice a year - usually in May for the winter semester and in November for the summer semester - and then invited to a mandatory (online) preparation workshop, where they get to know other correspondents and are trained for their task (professional training in the use of social media). They are also given a smartphone and a monthly honorarium.  

The application is done via the DAAD's online form (in German). Please refer to the conditions for participation.

Help other students who are just starting their planning or are not sure what to do and where to go. You can submit the report via e-mail.

In case the file size is too large please use Sciebo to send the report.

For Erasmus+ Study Abroad (coursework at a university):

• Report Template

For the Overseas Exchange Program/Short-term Programs:

• Report Template
• Consent Form

For All Internship Programs (also Ruhr Fellowship and research internships at a university):

• Report Template
• Consent Form

Approximately one to four months after completing classes at the host university, you will be issued a Transcript of Records. Start discussing the recognition of study achievements right away with your department.

• Information from the Examinations Office on the recognition of study achievements and on final documents (such as the Diploma Supplement) at the end of your studies (in German)
• Flyer from the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) (in German)
• Further information under "Study Abroad & Recognition"

Calculating Foreign Grades for the German System

The grade conversion for grades earned abroad is done by your department according to the so-called "Aachener Table". This serves as a guide for the departments when converting foreign grades into the German system. Since not all countries are included in the table, you may be referred to the International Office. In this case, the Admissions Department of the International Office is responsible for converting the grades into the German grading system. This department also follows the Aachener Table and can give further recommendations for other countries. For this purpose, please fill out the Grade Calculation Form and send it with a scan of your Transcript of Records in pdf format to the Admissions Office. Be sure to scan all relevant pages of your Transcript of Records (including the reverse side). You will receive your grade conversion through e-mail and can then discuss course credit approval with your faculty.

Calculating Credits for the "European Credit Transfer System" (ECTS)

Foreign universities outside of the EU give "credit points" for your classes; these credit points may not be comparable with ECTS, a system which is based on workload. The workload comparability must be discussed with the lecturer  (or the responsible person or office in your department).

Please note: The International Office may only make suggestions for credit transfer to your department, however the final decision lies with the department.

If you received a scholarship from TU Dortmund University for your stay abroad, you will need to turn in certain documents in a timely manner in order to retain the scholarship. You will find the mandatory documents in your scholarship acceptance form (Annahmeerklärung/Grant Agreement) or in the corresponding scholarship description:

• Erasmus+ Studies
• Erasmus+ Internship
• PROMOS Internship
• PROMOS Studies (Semester and Short-term Programs)
• Martin Schmeißer Foundation Scholarships

You profited from an excellent support system during your stay abroad and now you want to help out students in a similar situation here in Dortmund? You want to work on your intercultural skills and also get to know people from other cultures? Volunteer to help out in the international programs and activities on campus - many of the activities also count towards the Certificate "Studium International"​.

Share your experience abroad with school children! Through the "Back to School" and "Europa macht Schule" programs from the German Academic Exchange Service you have the opportunity to design a project and let young people profit from your knowledge and experiences. You can also volunteer with the "Europa macht Schule" local team in Dortmund  to contribute to intercultural understanding and gain experience in project management. These programs are open for all returnees, regardless of the country in which your stay abroad took place.

The DAAD has also created this guide for students after their stay abroad (in German) to help you find the right DAAD volunteer opportunity for you.

Students in a second degree program (master students or e.g. bachelor students who have already completed a vocational traineeship) can write off their stay abroad in the teax return application, however there are very strict requirements for this. Research your possibilities, and hold on to proof of all payments from your stay abroad.

Sometimes tax seminars for students are offered in Dortmund on this topic.