Application process: step by step

Step 1: Study requirements

For studying at universities of applied sciences, you need a university entrance qualification equivalent to the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or the advanced technical college entrance qualification.

In addition, to be able to study at the department of design, a course-related artistic-creative suitability must be proven (proof is provided at the FH Dortmund by the aptitude test - see step 3).

German language skills must be demonstrated by a university entrance qualification / university degree from a German-speaking institution or a recognized language test. An overview of all German exams that are acknowledged can be downloaded in the right column on this page. One of these tests is the TestDaF. The University of Applied Sciences Dortmund is a licensed TestDaF center, which means that you can take this exam at our university.

In addition, proof of relevant practical activities of at least 12 weeks duration is required. At least half of this internship must be proven upon enrollment; all proof must be provided by the end of the third semester at the latest.

You can find further, detailed information on the individual degrees and the study requirements for national and international applicants here (partly only in German). An English version of the curriculum (course overview) for each study program can be found on this website (go to "Downloads" in the menu at the top of the page).

Step 2: Application deadlines

• registration for aptitude test: January 15th - March 1st
• application for study courses: April 15th - June 15th (all Bachelor courses start in the winter semester)

Missing documents can be submitted to the uni-assist application portal no later than 1 week after the application deadline (June 22nd, inbox at uni-assist). This does not apply to the receipt for the processing costs - these must be received by uni-assist by June 15th at the latest. If you apply only 2 - 3 weeks before the application deadline, it may happen that the aforementioned deadline has expired before uni-assist will inform you about missing or incorrectly submitted documents. 

Step 3: Aptitude test

First you have to fill an online application form for the aptitude test. You will then receive a written invitation with dates for submitting your free work / homework.

The following documents must be prepared for the first stage of the procedure ("folder submission / examination"):

•     at least 20 work samples + the required homework
•     a list of the submitted works
•     a CV including a photo
•     a maximum of one page, explaining the submitted work
•     a declaration that the work was done by yourself.

The second stage consists of:

•     the creation of practical work in a maximum of 6 hours
•     a colloquium of max. 20 minutes discussing the context of the practical work and the work samples you handed in in advance

With an average rating of 4.0 or better, you will be awarded the degree-related artistic aptitude.

If you have already completed 30 credit points (CP) in a subject-related design study course at another university, you can be exempted from participating in the aptitude test after submitting an officially certified copy of your study performance/results (transcript of records).

Step 4: Application

You apply online via www.uni-assist.de. The following application documents are required:

• the printed uni-assist online application,
• the final certificate, which entitles you to study in your home country (including a university entrance examination and/or proof of successful academic years - only common in some countries). A copy of these documents in your home language and an additional copy translated into English or German are required. Translations made abroad must be from an Institution officiallly authorized to do translations in that country; e.g. the embassy. German translations can only be accepted if they have been prepared by a sworn in translator / interpreter in Germany. Translations with an original seal do not have to be additionally certified; however, translations with a photocopied seal must always be officially certified. Even if you are applying for several universities, you only have to submit the certificates once to uni-assist.
• applicants from China and Vietnam must enclose the original APS certificate from the academic test center from their home country,
• if available, an officially certified copy of the last German course certificate or the last language test,
• a simple copy (without authentication) of your passport (only from the page with your personal data such as last name, first name, date of birth, etc.),
• your CV

Certifications from Germany are accepted by city administrations, citizens' offices, town halls, parish offices, courts and notaries. Authentications from abroad are accepted by diplomatic missions of Germany + by authorities and notaries authorized to officially certify in the respective country. Certifications from health insurance companies, banks, savings banks, associations and the General Student Committee (AStA) are NOT accepted.

Please do not submit originals!

Incomplete applications can unfortunately not be forwarded to the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts  (exceptions: the lack of a language test and/or an internship - this evidence is only necessary when you enroll - approx. February/March or August/September).

Please send any documents related to the application to this postal address if necessary:
University of Applied Science and Arts Dortmund
c/o uni-assist e.V.
D-11507 Berlin

Step 5: Payment

The processing costs amount to € 75 for the first study application and € 30 for each further application. Payment is made by bank transfer. Only when uni-assist has received your money will this be shown in your My assist account as credit and you can submit your application(s). To do this, click on the selection list (box icon) in your My assist account and then on "Proceed to checkout".

Account details:

• Payee: uni-assist e.V. International
• IBAN: DE62100208900019055272
• BIC / SWIFT code: HYVEDEMM488
• Credit institution: HypoVereinsbank
• Address: Filiale Berlin-Charlottenburg, Leibnizstraße 100, D-10625 Berlin

Write the following information on the payment receipt as the purpose:

• your uni-assist applicant number (if available)
• your last name / family name (spelling as in the passport)
• your first name (spelling as in the passport)
• your date of birth (dd.mm.yyyy)
• the semester at which the study should begin, e.g. winter semester 2019 /WiSe19) or summer semester 2020 (SoSe20)

Example: 1234567; Smith, John; 01.01.1998; SoSe20

Please note: The processing costs must be paid in full at uni-assist. You also have to pay transfer fees from your bank. It is best to use the OUR procedure (sender pays costs) for the transfer, so that you, as the transferor, bear the entire costs.

Step 6: After the application

Uni-assist will inform you of the result of the examination of your application documents.

If you have fulfilled the requirements, you can already apply for your visa with the writing from uni-assist. Uni-assist also electronically forwards your application to the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences. You will receive information about your admission to studies at the FH Dortmund at the end of July or beginning of August; a rejection will be sent via email in September.

If you do not meet the formal requirements (e.g. due to missing documents) or do not meet the deadlines, uni-assist will not send your documents back to you and will not forward them to the FH Dortmund. You have to apply again at the next possible date and pay the processing costs again.

Step 7: Entry and residence regulations

Non-EU citizens have to inform themselves about entry and residence regulations and apply for them at the German embassy if necessary. Proof of financial resources (usually 720 Euro per month) and proof of health insurance are also required. Further information and the addresses of the German embassies can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Step 8: costs during the stay

During your studies you have to think about the following expenses: semester fee, housing costs, health insurance, radio fee, meals, cell phone contract and private expenses for your leisure activities. Generally you need at least 800 € per month. You can find more information about the costs here.