Studying Abroad

It is always a good idea to start the application process very early so that you do not miss out on deadlines for AuslandsBAföG or scholarships. However, some universities in other countries will accept applications even up to two months before the start of the semester. Typically you should start the application process about six to eight months before the planned semester abroad.

Theoretically you could apply to any university in the world as long as you fulfill all of the admission requirements.

TU Dortmund University's Partner Institutions:

Some of TU Dortmund University's partner institutions offer students the possibility to apply under simpler conditions as so-called "Free Mover" students.  Admission is guaranteed at these institutions.  It is a good idea to start discussing the costs and required documents with the International Office at least six months before your planned semester abroad. 

Scholarships: A further advantage of these universities is that you could apply for one of TU Dortmund University's (PROMOS) scholarships.

• Australia: University of Newcastle, Western Sydney University, RMIT University
• England: Alnwick Castle Campus of St. Cloud State University (especially recommended for English Studies, Business and Social Studies/Sociology)
• Canada: University of Victoria (application through IEC)
• Peru: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (Campus Cusco)
• Puerto Rico (USA): Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
• South Korea: Hanyang University ERICA (15% reduction of tuition fees)
• Taiwan: National Taiwan University
• USA: California State University, Monterey Bay, Northern Arizona University (tuition and fees according to the RTR-rate), Western Washington University Intensive English Program
  Washington Semester Program (internship and studies in Washington, D.C.):  Gain practical experience in addition to your courses in this program at the American University (advantage: in-state tuition fees). Further information and registration through the Institute for Journalism.
• Worldwide: ISEP Direct
  In order to  see the ISEP Direct institutions, click on "Start a Search" then "More Filters", and finally under "Program" select "ISEP Direct".
  Best Value: Current List, Thammasat Univ (Thailand), Korea University (South Korea), Vietnam National Univ. (Vietnam), Udayana University (Indonesia), Universiti Putra Malaysia (Malaysia), University of Botswana (Botswana), University of Johannesburg (South Africa), Universidad del Salvador (Argentina)
  Also Popular: CSU San Marcos (USA),  Kansai Gaidai Univ. (Japan), Massey Univ. (New Zealand), UT Sydney (Australia)

Placement Agencies:

In many countries it can be much easier to apply through a placement agency. In this case you will only need to pay the regular tuition fees; there is no cost for the advising and application services from the agency. The placement agencies also have scholarship programs or may be able to offer a partial reduction of the tuition fees. Below is a  (non-comprehensive) list of placement agencies.  Make sure to discuss your plans with more than one agency before you decide which one you would like to use (websites typically only in German):

• Asia Exchange / Beyond Abroad
• College Contact
• GoBali
• Gostralia!/Gozealand!
• IEC Online
• ImmerQi
• INAC
• Institut Ranke-Heinemann
• Studiesnetwork
• Studium-DownUnder
• StudyInBali
• World of Students 

The AmerikaHaus NRW e.V. (EducationUSA) in Cologne can advise students interested in studying in the USA. (Only advising, no university placement)

Most universities expect a B2 level in the teaching language, but some will also accept B1 level.

Many universities will accept the DAAD Language Certificate, which can be issued in TU Dortmund University's Department of Foreign Languages.

In order to prepare for your stay abroad, check out the language courses offered by the Department of Foreign Languages.

When you independently plan your own study abroad you typically need to be able to cover tuition and other fees, which can be quite expensive. In order to better plan the costs associated with your study abroad, speak with the International Office for the partner institutions and a placement agency for all other institutions.

​​​​​​AuslandBAföG  actually makes an independently planned semester abroad financially possible, since a large share of (or even all) the tuition fees can be covered through this. Have a look at the information on the website to see if you are elligible for Auslandsbafög. 

Moreover, you may be elligible for very low-interest educational loans or scholarships for stays abroad. For example, TU Dortmund University has  PROMOS scholarships for students studying at one of the university's bilateral partner institutions outside of Europe (also available for Free Mover students).

The International Office can help with any organizational or logistical questions, for students planning to go to either partner or non-partner institutions.

For detailed questions regarding a particular university (for example regarding application requirements) please contact the university directly. 

In many countries it can actually be easier to apply through a placement agency (see above). There is no cost for the service that the agency offers (just the tuition fees), and many agencies offer their own scholarships or a partial reduction of tuition fees.

The AmerikaHaus NRW e.V. (EducationUSA) in Cologne can advise students interested in studying in the USA.