Information for international first-year students

The University of Applied Sciences welcomes all first-semester students to the university and would like to help them get off to a successful start. Each semester, introductory events are therefore held in the respective study programs. These events can take place over the course of a day or several days. Some of the events serve to get to know your fellow students and Fachhochschule Dortmund, while others prepare you for the upcoming lectures in preparatory and bridging courses.

What can you expect from the introductory events?

There are usually various welcome events (e.g. by the Dean, the ASTA and FAStA), but there are also helpful events organized by the Student Advisory Service. You will be introduced to the Fachhochschule Dortmund's programmes and offered pre- and bridge courses. We also recommend taking part in the campus and library tour. Some faculties or AStA/FAStA(Opens in a new tab)  also offer a joint breakfast/barbecue or a varied evening program. Of course, you can also ask questions yourself and receive important information about your degree program. We strongly recommend that you take part in the introductions!

You can find out exactly what the program looks like in your study program, which subjects you should choose and who your contact persons are on the following subpages.

As part of the AMICUS orientation days, you will receive information on the legal regulations for foreigners. We will introduce you to important contact persons during your studies. Subject tutors will accompany you to your faculties and give you tips and tricks for successful studies at Fachhochschule Dortmund.

If you decide to study in Germany and therefore spend a longer period of time in a new country, you should also familiarize yourself with the cultural differences and ways of life. This makes living together much easier and helps you not to make hasty judgments in some situations. For this reason, the International Office invites you to a one-day intercultural training course as part of the AMICUS Orientation Days.

The language of the event is German. English-language Master's degree programs offer their own introductory events for their students. Please contact the program management for more information.

The dates of the AMICUS orientation days in German are usually in the week before the start of the lectures of the respective semester.

The English-language Master's degree courses at Fachhochschule Dortmund are a special feature. There are special introductory events in English for students on these study programs, which are organized by the respective faculty. They are compulsory and usually take place over several days.

These events offer you an excellent opportunity to get to know the professors, the faculty and Fachhochschule Dortmund better. You will make your first contacts and get to know your fellow students.

We from the International Office also take part and look forward to welcoming you in person. We will provide you with the most important information for a good start in your new home, Dortmund. Among other things, we will explain how you can register in your new city, extend your visa or apply for a residence permit and much more!

We strongly recommend that you take part in the introductions!

Selected study programs (e.g. the Faculty of Business Studies) have prepared special introductory events for exchange students . They will be provided with the most important information they need for a successful exchange semester (or more!) at Fachhochschule Dortmund. In addition, these events offer an excellent opportunity to make initial contacts, get to know your fellow students and, of course, your professors and faculty.

The International Office also welcomes new exchange students to Fachhochschule Dortmund with our"Q&A sessions". Not only will you be informed, but you can also ask any questions you may have.

We strongly recommend that you attend the introductory sessions and look forward to welcoming you there in person!