Services for Refugees

Information and Support Services

The Central Coordinating Office for Refugees (ZKF) at TU Darmstadt closed on 1 January 2026. However, this page still provides up-to-date information for prospective and current students with a refugee background.

The financial framework set out by the Hessian state government in the Hessian Higher Education Pact 2026–2031 has resulted in TU Darmstadt's budget being in deficit. This deficit must be offset by cost-saving measures. Therefore, expenditure must be reduced across all areas. Unfortunately, this necessitates tough cuts, including to the services offered by TU Darmstadt. The Executive Board did not take these cuts lightly.

One of these structural adjustments concerns the Central Coordination Office for Refugee Integration (ZKF), which will cease its activities after more than ten years of successful work. During its existence, the ZKF has made a significant contribution to enabling refugee students and prospective students to access higher education. Through dedicated advisory services, close university-wide cooperation, and a consistent focus on equal opportunities and inclusion, the ZKF has established sustainable structures, specialist expertise, and competent networks, often under challenging conditions. The ZKF's work was also supported by additional project funding.

The experience gained and knowledge built up within the ZKF framework have been systematically documented and integrated into TU Darmstadt's regular structures. This ensures that support for students continues within the established structures, including through the HessenFonds scholarship programme, even though the scope of specialised services has been adjusted due to changes in the financial framework.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Walther
Vice President for Innovation and International Affairs

You can apply to the ZAB for an evaluation of your foreign university degrees.

If you are interested in studying at TU Darmstadt, your certificates will be evaluated by Zulassung International.

No recognition by the ZAB is required to apply for a degree program at TU Darmstadt.

Once you have received an admission, you can request a credit transfer. The credit transfer is done by the student office of your department. You can contact them for more detailed information.

The orientation programs provide you with helpful information for your start at the TU Darmstadt.

The Kick-Off Days are aimed at all international students. The diverse program supports you in having a successful start in your studies and takes place every October.

The pages of einfachsTUdieren provide comprehensive information for all new students at the TU Darmstadt.

TU Darmstadt no longer offers preparatory German courses.

Preparatory German courses offered by other universities in the region:

Funding period October2026 – September2027

The Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) awards scholarships for particularly talented and high-achieving refugee students, PhD students and researchers within the framework of the “HessenFonds”.

Next Application period:

The application deadline (internal) is 31st July 2026.

Prerequisites:

  • Eligible for asylum or status as a recognized refugee
  • Generally not registered in Germany for more than four years at the time of the start of funding.
  • The continuous residence in Germany does not exceed five years.
  • Students
    • Enrollment at TU Darmstadt (if you are studying at another university in Hessen, please contact the respective office at your university)
    • high academic achievements
  • PhD students
    • accepted as a PhD student and supervised at a state university in Hessen
    • high academic achievements
  • Researchers
    • guarantee of a research or teaching placement at a state university in Hessen
    • a supporting statement from the same state university in Hessen
    • exceptional achievements in research and/or teaching

Scope of Funding:

  • Students
    • 300 euro / month
  • PhD students
    • 1.200 euro / month
  • Researchers
    • 2.300 euro / month

Funding period:

  • 1st October 2026 – 30th September2027

Direct application at the Hessian Ministry of Science and Arts is not possible.

Are you interested in applying? Then please contact us: as soon as possible. We are happy to help you and answer your questions.

Our internal application deadline is 31st July 2026.

Information on the HessenFonds scholarship for refugee and at risk researchers as well as PhD students at risk can be found on the SAR website and the HMWK website.

Highlights from 10 Years of ZKF

The Beginnings of ZKF