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International Office
The picture shows the Mathetower and cherry blossoms in the foreground. © Nikolas Golsch​/​TU Dortmund

Before Arrival

For planning your stay various organizational steps are necessary. On this page you will find information and tips on how to apply for a visa, how to find a suitable apartment, and how to organize a stay with your family.
We look forward to welcoming you soon at TU Dortmund University.

Usually you will need a visa to enter Germany. The entry requirements vary based on your citizenship and length of your stay.

An overview of visa requirements and exemptions as well as further general information on visa application can be found on the list of states of the Federal Foreign Office . The visa navigator of the Federal Foreign Office offers additional orientation.

The following applies in principle: The visa must be applied for at the German mission abroad (embassies and consulates general) in the home country or current country of residence (only in German) before entering the country. The processing of a visa application can take between a few weeks and several months, so we recommend submitting the application as early as possible.

For your stay you need a health insurance recognized in Germany. Often you already need a health insurance when applying for a visa. 

In Germany there are private and statutory health insurances. With which health insurance you can (or must) be insured depends on various factors. For further information on this topic, please contact us.

When looking for housing in the Dortmund area, it is advisable to start early. Below in our accomodation guide you will find an overview of various online portals and contact options on the subject of housing.

At TU Dortmund University, there is a guest house that serves as living accommodation for a limited period of time during employment or a stay at TU Dortmund University.

It is important to think about the financing of your planned stay at an early stage. In principle, there are various possibilities of financing – e.g. through an employment contract, by means of a scholarship or in self-financing. In general, we advise you to discuss your financing options with your potential supervisor.

In addition, there are further advisory services on the topic of financing at the TU Dortmund University:

If you are accompanied by your family during your stay, you can receive advice from the Family Service of TU Dortmund University on financial benefits or topics such as school and kindergarten .

Accompanying spouses and partners are welcome to participate in our German courses .

Additional information can be found on the following pages:

The Department of Disability and Studies (DoBuS) in the Center for Higher Education offers advice and support for TU members with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

If you would like to pursue a doctoral program at TU Dortmund University, you will find further information on admission requirements and enrollment as well as the contact details of the responsible contact persons at the Admissions Office of the International Office.

Please note that the Student Registration Office is responsible for you if you have completed your Master's degree in Germany.

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