If you are planning to study in Germany and are looking for a university with a strong application-oriented approach, Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts can be an option worth researching.
Fachhochschule Dortmund offers around 70 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs across eight faculties, covering areas such as computer science, information technology, engineering, business, architecture, design and applied social sciences. The university also has international study programs, including programs taught in English or bilingually in German and English.
For international students, however, choosing a university involves more than looking at the course name. You need to check the specific program’s academic requirements, language requirements, application route, deadline, semester contribution, living costs and visa requirements.
This guide explains the key information you should know before applying to Fachhochschule Dortmund.
Why Study at Fachhochschule Dortmund?
Fachhochschule Dortmund is a university of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its academic model places considerable emphasis on application-oriented education and offers full-time, part-time and dual study options in different fields.
The university currently reports:
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- Around 13,735 students
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- Around 1,698 international students
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- 8 faculties
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- Around 70 study programs
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- More than 250 lecturers
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- Around 170 partner universities in 56 countries
The university’s faculties include:
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- Applied Social Sciences
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- Architecture
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- Design
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- Electrical Engineering
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- Computer Science
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- Information Technology
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- Mechanical Engineering
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- Business Studies
For students interested in practical and career-oriented higher education, the university’s applied-sciences model can be particularly relevant.
However, students should evaluate the individual program, rather than choosing the university solely because it is a university of applied sciences.
Fachhochschule Dortmund at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Fachhochschule Dortmund |
| English name | Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts |
| Location | Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Faculties | 8 |
| Study programs | Around 70 |
| Degree levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s, plus cooperative doctoral opportunities |
| International students | Around 1,698 |
| International partnerships | Around 170 partner universities in 56 countries |
| Study formats | Full-time, part-time, dual and other application-oriented formats |
| International programs | English, German-English bilingual and double-degree options |
The university is spread across several locations in Dortmund, including Campus Sonnenstraße, Campus Emil-Figge-Straße and Campus Max-Ophüls-Platz, along with additional facilities in the city.
Courses and Study Options at Fachhochschule Dortmund
Fachhochschule Dortmund provides study opportunities across a wide range of academic areas.
Depending on the faculty and program, students can find options related to:
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- Computer Science
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- Information Technology
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- Business and Business Informatics
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- Electrical Engineering
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- Mechanical Engineering
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- Biomedical Engineering
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- Architecture
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- Design
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- Applied Social Sciences
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- International Management
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- Digital Transformation
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- Embedded Systems
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- Medical Informatics
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- Project Management
The exact availability, language, duration and admission requirements vary by program. Students should therefore check the individual program profile before making an application decision.
Bachelor’s Programs
Fachhochschule Dortmund offers Bachelor’s programs in fields including architecture, biomedical engineering, business administration, business informatics and several technology-related disciplines.
For Bachelor’s applicants from outside Germany, the most important starting point is whether their previous school qualification provides access to higher education in Germany.
Master’s Programs
The university offers Master’s programs across fields such as:
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- Computer Science
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- Business Informatics
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- Business Management
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- Digital Transformation
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- Embedded Systems Engineering
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- International Management
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- Mechanical Engineering
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- Medical Informatics
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- Vehicle Development
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- Finance, Accounting, Controlling and Taxation
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- European Master in Project Management
The university states that Master’s applicants generally need a relevant Bachelor’s or Diplom degree from a university or university of applied sciences. Individual programs may impose additional academic, language or suitability requirements.
English-Taught and International Study Programs
One important consideration for international students is the language of instruction.
Fachhochschule Dortmund offers international study opportunities that include full degree programs in English, bilingual German-English programs and programs with international double-degree options.
Examples of internationally oriented Master’s programs include:
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- Embedded Systems Engineering
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- European Master in Project Management
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- Digital Transformation
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- International Management
The university also offers international programs and exchange opportunities through its international partnerships.
Students should not assume that every program at Fachhochschule Dortmund is taught in English. The language requirement depends on the specific course.
For German-language programs, international applicants need to meet the applicable German-language requirement before enrolment. For internationally oriented programs, proof of English proficiency may be required.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission requirements depend on whether you are applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program and whether you are from an EU/EEA country or a non-EU country.
Bachelor’s Admission Requirements
For Bachelor’s admission, international applicants generally need a foreign school-leaving qualification that is recognised as equivalent to a German higher education entrance qualification.
Fachhochschule Dortmund advises applicants to check whether their educational qualifications provide direct higher-education access in Germany through the anabin database.
If the qualification does not provide direct access, the applicant may need to complete a preparatory pathway such as a Studienkolleg before beginning university studies.
Master’s Admission Requirements
For Master’s programs, applicants generally need a relevant Bachelor’s or equivalent degree.
The university notes that the previous degree should be academically related to the intended Master’s program. Individual programs may also have requirements relating to grades, language proficiency, subject-specific knowledge or aptitude.
Some English-language Master’s programs also have a pre-check procedure for international applicants.
For example, Fachhochschule Dortmund recommends a pre-check for programs such as Embedded Systems Engineering, European Master in Project Management and Digital Transformation.
Language Requirements
Language requirements vary according to the course.
For internationally oriented programs, applicants may need to provide evidence of English-language proficiency. German-language programs have their own German-language requirements.
Do not assume that an English-taught program has the same language-score requirement as another English-taught program. Always check the individual course page before applying.
How to Apply to Fachhochschule Dortmund
How to Apply to Fachhochschule Dortmund
The application process at Fachhochschule Dortmund varies according to the study program, degree level and applicant’s nationality. International students should complete the following steps before submitting their application.
1. Select Your Study Program
Start by choosing the Bachelor’s or Master’s program that matches your academic background and career goals. Review the course content, language of instruction, study duration and available intake before proceeding.
2. Confirm Your Academic Eligibility
Your previous qualification must meet the admission requirements of the selected program. International students should also verify whether their educational qualification provides access to higher education in Germany.
3. Meet the Language Requirements
The required language proficiency depends on the course. Some programs require German, while selected international programs are taught in English. Make sure you have the required language certificate before applying.
4. Identify the Correct Application Route
The application method depends on your program and applicant category. For example, some applications from non-EU students are submitted through uni-assist, while many Master’s applications use the university’s application portal. Program-specific exceptions may apply.
5. Prepare the Required Documents
Once the application route is clear, gather all necessary documents. These may include:
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- Academic certificates and transcripts
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- Language proficiency certificates
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- Passport or identification documents
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- Curriculum vitae, where required
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- Additional program-specific documents
The exact document list should be confirmed on the official program page.
6. Submit the Application Before the Deadline
Application deadlines differ according to the program, degree level and applicant category. Submit your complete application within the specified period and allow sufficient time for document processing where applicable.
7. Follow the Admission Instructions
After submitting your application, wait for the university’s admission decision. If you receive an offer, carefully follow the instructions provided by Fachhochschule Dortmund for enrolment and the next steps.
8. Prepare for Your Move to Germany
Students from outside the EU who require a visa should begin their immigration and pre-arrival preparations after receiving the necessary admission documentation. This may include arranging financial proof, health insurance, accommodation and other required documents.
Remember that university admission and visa approval are separate processes. Receiving an admission letter does not guarantee a visa.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines at Fachhochschule Dortmund vary depending on the program and applicant category.
For the winter semester 2026/27, the university lists, among others:
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- Admission-free Bachelor’s and Master’s programs: 15 May – 15 July 2026
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- Non-EU Bachelor’s programs through uni-assist: 1 April – 15 June 2026
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- Non-EU Master’s programs: generally 15 May – 15 June 2026, depending on the program
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- Non-EU English-language Master’s programs: 1 March – 15 June 2026
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- Non-EU English-language Master’s in International Management through uni-assist: 1 April – 15 June 2026
These dates demonstrate why students should not rely on a single university-wide deadline.
Always check the specific course’s current deadline before applying.
Tuition Fees and Semester Contribution
Students should distinguish between tuition fees and the semester contribution.
Fachhochschule Dortmund requires students to pay a semester contribution. For the winter semester 2026/27, the total contribution is approximately €347.
This amount includes contributions toward the semester ticket and student services.
Because fees can change from one semester to another, students should check the university’s latest semester-contribution information before budgeting.
Cost of Living in Dortmund
Tuition or semester costs are only one part of the financial planning required for studying in Germany.
Fachhochschule Dortmund currently estimates monthly expenses in Dortmund at approximately:
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- Housing: €450–€600
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- Food: around €200
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- Health, accident and liability insurance: around €150
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- Broadcasting contribution: around €18
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- Mobile phone and internet: around €20
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- Learning materials: around €30
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- Leisure and culture: around €60
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- Reserve for semester contribution: around €55
The university therefore advises students to have approximately €992 per month available.
These figures are estimates rather than fixed costs, and actual spending depends on accommodation, lifestyle and personal circumstances.
Accommodation in Dortmund
Student residences are available through Studierendenwerk Dortmund, although accommodation availability can vary.
Fachhochschule Dortmund states that residence rooms can range approximately from €350 to €500, depending on the location, size and facilities.
Students can also consider:
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- Student residences
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- Shared apartments or WGs
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- Private rooms
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- Private apartments
It is sensible to begin the accommodation search early, particularly before the start of a semester.
Student Visa Requirements for Germany
Students from countries that require a visa must complete the appropriate German student visa process after receiving admission.
According to the official German government portal Make it in Germany, students applying for a study visa need admission to a recognised higher-education institution and must demonstrate that they can cover their living expenses.
For 2026, the portal states that proof of funds through a blocked bank account requires at least €11,904, although other accepted forms of financial proof may also apply.
Visa requirements can change, so students should confirm the latest requirements with the relevant German embassy or consulate before submitting their application.
Working While Studying
International students may be able to work alongside their studies in Germany, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
The official German government information states that third-country students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
Some student employment arrangements have different treatment, so students should understand the rules applicable to their residence status and type of employment.
Part-time work can help with living expenses, but students should not build their entire study budget around expected employment income. Securing a job is not guaranteed, and academic responsibilities remain the priority.
Accommodation and Student Life
Dortmund offers several accommodation options for students, and Fachhochschule Dortmund provides information about housing, living costs and student services.
The university has an International Office that serves as a central contact point for international students and prospective international applicants.
International students can also benefit from the university’s international network. Fachhochschule Dortmund reports around 170 partner universities across 56 countries, supporting international cooperation and mobility.
For students interested in gaining international exposure during their studies, it is worth checking whether their chosen course includes exchange opportunities, mobility windows or double-degree options.
Benefits and Considerations for International Students Potential advantages
Fachhochschule Dortmund may be worth considering if you are looking for:
- An application-oriented university environment
- A broad range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
- Technology, engineering, business, design and social-science options
- Selected English-taught programs
- International and double-degree opportunities
- An established International Office
- A large international student community
- Study options in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia
These advantages should be assessed against the specific program rather than treated as guarantees of academic or career outcomes.
Important considerations
Before applying, check:
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- Whether your previous qualification is recognised
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- Whether your selected program is taught in English or German
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- The exact language requirement
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- Whether the program has restricted admission
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- Whether you must apply through uni-assist
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- Whether a pre-check is required
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- The application deadline
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- Semester contribution
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- Accommodation availability
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- Health insurance requirements
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- Student visa requirements
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- Your expected monthly living expenses
- Your expected monthly living expenses
Common Mistakes International Students Should Avoid
1. Assuming every program is taught in English
Fachhochschule Dortmund offers international and English-language programs, but the entire university is not English-taught.
2. Using one deadline for every program
Deadlines vary according to the program, degree level and applicant category.
3. Ignoring qualification recognition
International Bachelor’s applicants should establish whether their previous school qualification provides direct university access in Germany.
4. Confusing semester contribution with tuition
The semester contribution is a separate payment associated with student services and the semester ticket. The amount can also change over time.
5. Leaving the visa process too late
Admission to a German university is only one part of preparing to study in Germany. Students requiring a visa also need to satisfy immigration and financial requirements.
6. Waiting too long to arrange accommodation
Student accommodation can be limited, so beginning the search after receiving admission may leave you with fewer options.
Practical Tips Before Applying
Before submitting your application to Fachhochschule Dortmund:
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- Shortlist the exact program, not just the university.
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- Read the official program page carefully.
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- Check your academic eligibility.
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- Confirm the language of instruction.
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- Verify the current language requirement.
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- Check whether your application goes through uni-assist or the university portal.
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- Record the exact application deadline.
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- Prepare academic and language documents early.
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- Estimate your complete first-year budget.
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- Start your visa and accommodation planning early after admission.
For international applicants, the International Office can be an important source of university-specific information.
Key Takeaways
Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers a broad range of application-oriented study opportunities in Germany, with around 70 programs across eight faculties and a significant international student population.
For international students, its English-taught and bilingual programs, international partnerships and range of technical, business, design and social-science disciplines can make it worth considering.
However, the right choice should be based on the specific degree program, not simply the university name. Before applying, verify your academic eligibility, language requirements, application route, deadline, semester contribution, accommodation options and German visa requirements using the latest official information.
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