You can register in the IAESTE Exchange Portal at any time and submit a preliminary application. The preliminary application will only be reviewed by IAESTE Dortmund, not by the employer.

IMPORTANT: Do not forget to enter Dortmund as you "Local Committee".

The application does not oblige you to participate in the IAESTE internship program: the preliminary application merely gives you the opportunity to apply for a specific position in a further step.

There are three major placement rounds per year: in November, February and April. If possible, submit your application at least one month before these placement rounds. However, you may also find IAESTE vacancies to which you can apply all year round.

The start date for the internship would usually be in June at the earliest, but could be up to about a year later. It depends on the wishes of the company in question.

The following documents have to be uploaded to the IAESTE Exchange Portal:

Under "Supporting Documents":

• CV/Resumé (English)
  if possible on one page
• Transcripts of Records
  (e.g. from BOSS, included from all study levels and universities)
• English Language Certificate
  All official certificates in English – if possible from the last two years – will be accepted. If you do not have a certificate, you may sign up for the free DAAD Language Test. If English is your mother tongue, please contact going-abroadtu-dortmundde
• Current Certificate of Enrollment

Under "Internal Documents":

• Statement of Purpose (English)
  When writing the cover letter, pretend that you are applying for your dream position in another country - explain what your academic background is, special features in your studies, special talking points in your CV (internships, etc.) and explain why you are choosing to do this internship abroad and which intercultural skills you have or which preparations you have made to do this internship in that country. Just like in a cover letter for a company, try to limit the letter to 1 page. This letter will be the foundation for your later cover letter, should you find an IAESTE position for which you would like to apply.

When you are assigned to a position:

If you find a suitable position and IAESTE Dortmund would like to nominate you for the position, you can still change your application documents.

In the “Offer” in the IAESTE Exchange Portal, you can see whether further documents (e.g. letters of recommendation, language certificates for other languages, etc.) are required for your position.

1) Register on the IAESTE Exchange Portal.

2) Upload preliminary application documents.
These documents will only be reviewed by IAESTE Dortmund. You can change your documents later if you are nominated for a position.

3) Send an e-mail to going-abroadtu-dortmundde. 
If the documents are complete, your preliminary application will be verified by IAESTE Dortmund. Only verified applicants can apply for a specific position.

4) Search for a suitable position.
You may only apply for one position. You can only submit a new application if you are rejected. Exception: You would like to do two internships at two different times.

• During the major placement rounds (November to April) IAESTE Dortmund will contact you via e-mail, and you may apply for positions that are not published on the Exchange Platform.
• Otherwise, you can apply for the published positions all year round - simply send an e-mail to going-abroadtu-dortmundde and state the reference number of the desired position.

5) IAESTE Dortmund will assign you to the position.
If we are able to secure the position for you, you will be assigned to the position.

6) Submit adapted application documents by the deadline.
Submit your application documents online at least one week before the application deadline stated in the “Offer”. Your application must be reviewed by IAESTE Germany and received by the host country by the application deadline.

7) You will receive the acceptance (or rejection) and further information via the IAESTE Exchange Portal.
Only one person is nominated for each IAESTE position: The chances are therefore relatively good that the company will accept the application.

The placement through IAESTE is free of charge and all internships are paid. The salary is typically enough to pay for your accommodation and standard living expenses. Additional excursions, trips and extras have to be paid for by the students. 

Students in an overseas internship may apply for the DAAD travel grant. Should the DAAD turn down your application, you may apply for a PROMOS scholarship from TU Dortmund University.

Students in internships in Europe may apply for the Erasmus+ scholarship.

After the internship you will need to turn in your report through the IAESTE Exchange Portal.

In case you received an Erasmus+ or a PROMOS scholarship, there are additional documents that you need to turn in.