Coming from abroad?
This is how to apply if you’re an international student

Students from over 120 countries feel right at home at TU Darmstadt in Germany’s Silicon Valley – could it also soon be your new home? Find out how to apply when you already have a degree from home and what you should keep in mind when applying.

Last update: December 2022

There’s no such thing as too early! Important deadlines for application and admission

If you are interested in studying in Germany – more precisely at TU Darmstadt – then it’s best to start planning at an early stage. This is especially important if you decide to do a master's degree at TU Darmstadt and have completed your first degree outside the EU.

The academic year in Germany is divided into a winter semester and a summer semester. Normally, the winter semester begins on October 1st of each year and the summer semester on April 1st.

Current application deadlines can be found on the main website of the International Admissions Office. It’s best to apply as early as possible to TU Darmstadt. Why is that? The earlier your application documents get here – even printed out and sent by mail! – and are processed by TU Darmstadt, the earlier you can expect an answer.

It's best to start thinking about where and what you want to do after your bachelor’s degree one or even two years before you graduate. But wait a minute, the ‘where’ is actually clear – you should definitely come to TU Darmstadt! But the ‘what’? We can also help you with that! We have a blog all about our exciting master's programmes right here .

Do you speak Deutsch?

If you want to do a bachelor's or master's degree at TU Darmstadt where German is the language of instruction, you have to take a language test first: the German Language Test for the Admission of Foreign Students (DSH-2). You can find out all about the requirements and prerequisites for this on the website.

For bachelor's and master's programmes taught in English, you also need proof of your language skills for your application. From TOEFL, IELTS, UNIcert and TOEIC – many language tests are accepted by the university. Please check the website of the International Admissions Office to see which tests are currently accepted.

Check: These are the documents you will need for your application

To be able to process your application, you should get all of your documentation sorted out early on. They have to not only be submitted in German or English, but also as officially certified copies. For this reason, please go through the checklist and see if you have everything you need. Some departments also require additional documents – you’ll find out what these are from them during the application process.

These are the documents you need:

- High school diploma in the original language and an official translation

- corresponding transcript of records in the original language and officially translated

- certificate of your university entrance examination (if necessary) in the original language and an official translation

- copy of your passport

- proof of your language skills

If you already have a degree, you’ll also need:

- your final diploma in the original language and an official translation

- transcript of records for each semester in the original language and an official translation

Important: When you have your documents translated, they must be notarised by the respective embassy or consulate. You could also commission a translation by an accredited translator in Germany to be on the safe side.

You need to submit all your certificates as notarised photocopies with your application. Your application can only be considered by TU Darmstadt if your documents are complete and are received on time.

Getting your documents notarised – how it works:

It’s clear that you won’t be sending your original certificates with your application! Instead, you’ll need to get all your copies notarised. This can be done by the school or university that issued the certificate/diploma. Other options are from:

- a local court in the Federal Republic of Germany

- a notary in the Federal Republic of Germany

- a German embassy or consulate abroad

- a foreign embassy or a foreign consulate in the Federal Republic of Germany

Other types of certification, e.g. from banks, health insurance companies, priest/minister, translators, and student associations won’t be accepted as substitutes, making your application invalid. So it’s better not to risk it and make sure you get it right the first time!

Online application with TUCaN

You have all your documents together and you know what you want to study at TU Darmstadt? Then there is nothing stopping you from applying for your dream degree programme.

All prospective students apply via the TUCaN portal. Please first create a TUCaN account. You will then receive access data by email so that you can complete the online application. Please note that it can take up to four hours for the activation email to be sent. Please also check your spam folder.

With the access data, you can then start your application under the corresponding menu item. You will find information on which documents are required on the website of the International Admissions Office.

When the application appears on your screen, you must print it out and sign it. Your application is not binding until the printed and signed application is received by post. Now add all the documents, check everything again (nothing forgotten?) and then send it all off to TU Darmstadt – International Admissions Office:

TU Darmstadt

Referat Zulassung International

Karolinenplatz 5

64289 Darmstadt

…and now, if your documents are complete and received on time, you’re officially a contender!

You can’t wait? Then you can check the processing status of your application online any time. We're keeping our fingers crossed for you and would be happy to welcome you at TU Darmstadt very soon!