Short-term Programs and Language Courses Abroad
It does not always have to be a whole semester - some programs abroad last only one or a few weeks. These are possible through both partner or non-partner institutions. Summer or winter programs can be a smart and efficient way to add an international element to your studies.
PROMOS Scholarships
TU Dortmund University, through funding from the BMBF and the DAAD, offers PROMOS scholarships for participation in short-term programs at overseas partner institutions. This is the only PROMOS program in which not only Bachelor and Master but also PhD students are eligible for funding. PROMOS scholarships can be awarded for the indicated programs below:
Short-term Programs: Summer and Winter Schools
A short-term program (between one and eight weeks, typically in the semester break) at a foreign institution can give you insight into a new culture and language and possibly also broaden your knowledge in a particular subject. The application deadlines and formalities vary greatly and are set by the respective host institutions.
Under "Current Postings" you will find a regularly updated list of programs for which TU Dortmund University's students can receive a scholarship or a (partial) tuition waiver. However, you should also search for other programs not listed here (also at non-partner institutions); sometimes the program fees are so low that the programs can be affordable even without a scholarship.
Normally you will have to cover all costs for a short-term program on your own. The host institution may offer scholarships.
Usually partner universities will offer a full or partial tuition waiver. For programs at an overseas partner university, you may also apply for a PROMOS scholarship.
In addition to the PROMOS scholarship opportunities for certain partner programs (below), you should also have a look at the scholarship databases and foundations which may also list scholarships that would apply to your plans.
There you will find, for example, the program nrw:exchange - Dein UK Stipendium, through which you can apply for a scholarship for, among other things, a short-term program in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
The scholarship is available for participants in short-term programs at partner universities located outside of Europe (TU Dortmund University's central partners or your department's partners). These programs are indicated in the posting.
Scholarship Amount
- A one-time stipend of 500 EUR for in-person programs.
- Virtual programs can unfortunately no longer receive funding.
Application Deadlines
- 30 April (summer programs)
- 10 November (winter programs)
The selection committee's decision will be announced within one month of the deadline.
You missed the application deadline? You may still apply up until the start of your program and may be able to receive a scholarship retroactively. You will be notified at the end of the year about the decision.
Selection Criteria
- Volunteer work and extracurricular activities
- Academic motivation and relevance for your studies or your career plans
- Academic, linguistic and intercultural qualifications
- Academic achievement (a GPA of 2.5 is typically expected)
Your Tasks as a Scholarship Recipient
Show us your everyday (study) life and share parts of your life with us while you are abroad! Use the hashtag #tustoriesfromabroad in your own posts and link to our Instagram Account tudo_international!
In addition to the activities of your own social media accounts, we will ask you to provide regular content for tudo_international. This task can be carried out even if you do not have any social media accounts.
Application
1. FIll out the online application form.
2. Upload the following documents in the application portal:
- CV/resumé (with photo)
- Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)
- Acceptance letter from the host institution or your department (can be turned in later, if necessary)
- Current certificate of enrollment
- Transcripts of records from your studies with confirmation of your GPA ("Durchschnittsnote") from the Examinations Office (you must apply for this)
We typically expect a GPA of at least 2.5 - If applicable: other certificates, letters, language certificates to support your application (in one PDF)
Apply directly to Lehigh University for a spot in the hybrid Global Village from the Iacocca Institute and you may also apply for the PROMOS scholarship in the International Office to help with your costs in the USA.
The program is open for all students aged 19 to 27 in a bachelor, master or doctoral program.
The PROMOS scholarship for 2025 includes:
- a stipend for course fees of 500 EUR (one-time payment)
- a stipend for flight costs of 1,350 EUR (one-time payment)
- a stipend for living expenses of 450 EUR (one-time payment)
Application Deadline: 7.2.2025
(both through Lehigh University to participate int he program and through TU Dortmund University for the PROMOS scholarship)
Application Documents (through e-mail going-abroadtu-dortmundde):
Please turn in the same application materials you submitted through Lehigh University's application portal.
In addition, please turn in:
- your current certificate of enrolment at TUDO
- you transcripts of records (all transcripts from all studies, not only at TUDO)
Here you will find testimonials and experience reports for some of the short-term programs.
Current Postings (in German)
The programs on our German page all offer scholarship opportunities for TU Dortmund University's students.
Language Courses
Language courses at institutions abroad typically have to be organized independently. You may apply for any program in the world, but the program fees usually have to be covered completely by the student. Twice a year you can apply for the 1,000 EUR scholarship from Sprachreisen.org. The company for language trips Education First also has the "EF Sprachreisenstipendium".
The Intensive English Program (IEP) at the partner school Western Washington University offers students full-time English language courses that should improve your general language level. Students spend a whole trimester (approximately three months) on the university's campus. Two scholarship programs help TU Dortmund University's students better afford the program.
USA: Intensive English Program
This catalog from the DAAD contains information about language courses at universities across the globe. Students are responsible for all costs in these programs. (in German)
Worldwide: DAAD Catalog of Language Courses
Contact
E-mail Inquiries
General inquiries: going-abroad @tu-dortmund.de
Erasmus+ study abroad: erasmus-outgoings @tu-dortmund.de
Office Hours
(Only) Erasmus+ Study Abroad:
Office hours via telephone/zoom with Hella Koschinski: by prior arrangement
Tel.: 0231 755-6247
Office hours in presence: only with appointment
Tue 9:00-12:00
General Inquiries - Outgoings (Studies/Internships/Short Programs):
Open office hours (no appointment necessary) with Laura Hope via telephone / Zoom
Tel.: 0231 755-4728
Mon 10:00-11:30 und 13:30-15:00 (our office will be closed 23.12.-1.1.)
Tue 10:00-11:30 und 13:30-15:00 (our office will be closed 23.12.-1.1.)
Do you need to speak to us in person?
Office hours in presence only with an appointment (our office will be closed 23.12.-1.1.)
New appointments will be released 14 days in advance. If no appointments are shown as available, this means that all appointments for this time period are already booked. Please then use the open Zoom office hours above.