Studying in Dortmund as a refugee

As part of "NRWege ins Studium", the International Office of Fachhochschule Dortmund offers regular consultation hours for refugees who are interested in studying or are already studying at Fachhochschule Dortmund. Among other things, prospective students who have fled are explained the options for studying at the university. Refugees who are currently studying are supported during their studies and can take advantage of counseling on financing their studies and studying in Dortmund.

In order to ensure good and detailed counseling, prospective students are asked to fhdohilft@fh-dortmund.de the following documents with a telephone number by e-mail to fhdohilftfh-dortmundde 

• from the school (school leaving certificate),
• from the university, if they have already started or completed their studies
• of the German courses and integration courses taken etc. language certificates),
• or also from work.

The documents must be submitted in the original fhdohilftfh-dortmundde 

• from the school (school leaving certificate),
• from the university, if they have already started or completed their studies
• of the German courses and integration courses taken etc. language certificates),
• or also from work.

The documents must be submitted in the original and in English or German translation.

Attention: Please also check your spam folder after submitting a request!

Missing language skills can be acquired as part of preparatory German courses at the university. This enables a direct insight into everyday university life from the outset as well as close support and guidance for prospective students who have fled their home country.

Fachhochschule Dortmund has been offering intensive German courses with 25 lessons per week since November 2015. The offer is aimed at refugees who would like to study at Fachhochschule Dortmund and are permitted to do so based on their previous educational history.

Good German language skills are the key to successfully studying in Germany. For this reason, we offer certified German courses for refugees interested in studying at different levels. The preparatory German courses lead to the DSH exam, prepare prospective students for their studies at a German university and also integrate aspects of everyday student life. This special offer is part of the "NRWege ins Studium" program and is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The International Office at Fachhochschule Dortmund regularly offers exciting lecture series and leisure events for participants of our German courses.

In the lecture series, students gain valuable insights into topics relating to studying, careers and life in Germany - from BAföG and student finance to applications, internships and everyday student life. There will be an opportunity to exchange ideas with other German course participants, ask questions and get helpful tips on preparing for university. And of course, coffee, cake and good conversation are a must! ☕🍰

In addition to the lecture series, the International Office regularly organizes leisure activities and excursions - for example museum visits, ice skating or joint city tours. These events offer a great opportunity to make new friends, get to know German culture and enjoy life in Dortmund.

The program is part of the NRWege ins Studium project, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW). It is primarily aimed at people with refugee experience who are studying at Fachhochschule Dortmund or attending preparatory German courses.

All students from the German courses are cordially invited to attend!

Monthly lecture series 2026

🗓️ April 03, 2026 - Study structures & higher education system in Germany

• Differences between universities of applied sciences (FH) and universities
• Study programs, modules and forms of examination
• Practical relevance at the UAS: projects & cooperation with companies
• Q&A session & guided tour of the library

🗓️ May 08, 2026 - Application & admission procedure

• Application process via Uni-Assist & direct applications
• Important deadlines & required documents
• Tips for choosing the right study program
• Q&A session

🗓️ June 05, 2026 - Experience report of a scholarship holder

• A former student reports on his path to university
• Challenges & tips for starting your studies
• Funding options & scholarships
• Q&A session

🗓️ July 03, 2026 - Life & living as a student in Germany

• Finding accommodation & understanding the tenancy agreement
• Insurance, health insurance & student services
• Part-time jobs & working with a student visa
• Q&A session

🗓️ August 07, 2026 - Intercultural competence & networking

• Cultural differences in studying
• Making contacts with professors & fellow students
• Networks for international students
• Q&A session

🗓️ Other topics- Career Service & soft skills courses

• What free courses are available? (Application training, LinkedIn & Co.)
• Workshops for soft skills (presentation, scientific work)
• Support with internship search & career entry

As part of the "NRWege ins Studium" program, funded by the MKW, the International Office awards scholarships to students with refugee experience. The scholarship program is aimed at enrolled students with refugee experience who have obtained their university entrance qualification abroad and who have started, continue or wish to complete their studies at Fachhochschule Dortmund and can demonstrate good performance or progress in their studies. If your higher education entrance qualification was obtained at a Studienkolleg in Germany, the International Office will check whether you belong to the group of foreign students eligible to apply.

Financial support in the form of scholarships is intended to enable you to continue and complete your chosen course of study and ensure your academic success.

Monday 9:30-12:30. An appointment must be made in advance for these consultation hours. Appointments can be made via fhdohilftfh-dortmundde.

Wednesday 9:30-12:30 and 13:30 - 15:30 For this consultation hour, an appointment must be made in advance. Appointments can be made via fhdohilftfh-dortmundde.

Thursday 9:30-12:30 and 13:30 - 15:30. You do not need to make an appointment! Just drop by!

The consultation can take place in person or as a video consultation.

Please also check your spam folder after sending a request by e-mail!