Technische Universität Dortmund

Short answer: which route is there if your German is not good enough?

TU Dortmund's official page (we follow the German version, which is clearer than the English one) distinguishes three cases:

• German up to B1: you receive a letter of access to a language course (Zugangsbescheid zum Sprachkurs).
• B2 and an admission-free programme: you may hand in the German certificate at enrolment. If that is not possible, you can enrol as a German-course student for the semester you applied for and the following one.
• B2 and an NC programme: if you do not submit C1 by the application deadline (15 July for the winter semester), you only receive access to a language course; the certificate cannot be submitted later.

Important limits:

• Enrolment as a German-course student is voluntary, and you cannot attend lectures or take exams.
• TU Dortmund offers no preparatory German courses; you find a course elsewhere (it can also be outside Germany).
• Once you have sufficient proof of German, you must apply again within the deadline.

To compare with other universities, see universities offering conditional admission in Germany.

Language requirement and accepted certificates

Certificates TU Dortmund accepts include the DSH (level 2 or 3), TestDaF with at least 16 TDN in total and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule. The certificate is normally due by the application deadline; for admission-free programmes it can be submitted at enrolment.

Our guide to German language certificates compares the exams.

Application steps, deadlines and costs

• Bachelor's and Master's (non-EU): through uni-assist ("My assist"); your status and the decision then appear in TU Dortmund's Campus Portal.
• Winter semester: German-taught programmes approx. mid-March to 15 July; English-taught programmes approx. early January to 15 May.
• Summer semester: all programmes approx. early November to 15 January. Some Master's programmes (e.g. Raumplanung) have different deadlines.
• Costs: the semester contribution for winter semester 2026/27 is €339.70. There is no general tuition fee; according to the official page a few programmes charge tuition.
• Visa: the German-course page says nothing about visas; a letter of access to a language course is not a visa guarantee.

English-taught Master's examples

TU Dortmund also runs English-taught Master's programmes. Two examples from the official programme pages:

• Medical Physics and Physics of Living Systems (M.Sc.) — taught entirely in English
• Data Science in Sports and Health (M.Sc.)

The winter-semester deadline for English-taught programmes is earlier (15 May); the German-course route concerns German-taught programmes.

Technische Universität Dortmund: A Hub for Innovation

Technische Universität Dortmund is a well-established educational institution located in the Ruhr region, often considered the heart of industry and technology in western Germany. Founded in 1968, the university quickly became one of Germany's leading technical universities. It offers a broad spectrum of education, particularly in engineering sciences, natural sciences, educational sciences, social sciences, and economics.

The university played a pioneering role in the development of the internet in Germany and has made significant contributions to current fields like machine learning. With approximately 30,000 students, TU Dortmund is recognized not only regionally but also nationally and internationally for its scientific research and academic achievements. Its modern campuses, state-of-the-art laboratories, and dynamic research environment provide an inspiring learning atmosphere for students. The university aims to educate qualified graduates who can adapt to a constantly changing world and meet future needs.

Study and Research Areas

TU Dortmund offers a total of 83 different programs, including 33 bachelor's and 49 master's programs. These programs cover a wide range, from engineering to architecture, computer science to chemistry, physics to statistics. Fields like mechanical engineering, computer science (Informatik), and electrical engineering are particularly popular among international students.

The university embraces an educational philosophy that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Students have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and experience in their fields by actively participating in modern laboratories and research projects. TU Dortmund also welcomes students who wish to contribute to scientific research through its doctoral programs.

The university's strong research-oriented structure allows students to closely follow current scientific developments and even contribute to them. With its International Dortmund identity, the university provides support services for international students, and some master's programs are taught in English.

Student Life and the City of Dortmund

Dortmund is not only one of Germany's largest cities but also boasts a vibrant student identity. Located in the heart of the Ruhr region, the city offers students a rich life with cultural events, green spaces, and sports activities. TU Dortmund's modern campuses, with easy access to the city center, facilitate both the academic and social lives of students.

The city offers numerous student dorms, shared apartments (WG), and affordable accommodation options. Various platforms and student communities offer support, especially for students looking for an apartment or WG in Dortmund and its surroundings. The city is also known for hosting Signal Iduna Park, one of Germany's largest football stadiums.

Students can use public transport within the North Rhine-Westphalia state for free or at a heavily discounted rate thanks to the Semesterticket (semester ticket), which significantly reduces transportation costs. Dortmund offers an open and welcoming environment for international students, making their study in Germany experience unforgettable.