First-time graduates at TU Dortmund
First in the family to want to study? This page is for you.
In Germany, educational opportunities still depend heavily on social background. Children from non-academic families are much less likely to study than children from academic families – not because they are less talented, but because they often lack the necessary information, contacts and role models.
TU Dortmund University is committed to educational equality. This page is aimed at all those who are the first in their family to study – or are thinking about it.
Anyone who comes from a family with no university experience is considered a first-time graduate. This often raises questions of its own:
- Is a degree program even right for me?
- How do I find the right one – and how does it all work?
- What if I can't ask anyone?
These are understandable questions—and many people ask them. About half of the students at TU Dortmund come from non-academic families. So you’re not alone.
Contact the Central Student Advisory Service for guidance!
Support for first-time graduates on the topic of...
Study orientation
Starting a degree program is a big decision – especially if there are no or hardly any role models in your own environment. Take advantage of the TU Dortmund University's orientation offers to get to know degree courses, get a taste of university life and ask questions.
- Overview - From study orientation to application/enrollment: studienwahl@home
- Contacts for course-specific questions: Student Advisory Service
Starting your studies
Starting university brings many changes with it – new processes, new terms, new surroundings. It is a real achievement to master these structures yourself. That's why there are offers to help you settle in and find your feet.
- Everything to do with preparation, timetabling, getting to know each other etc. in the respective degree program/subject: Introductory events (preliminary courses, O-week)
- Comprehensive information for a good start to your studies: Right from the start (lecture series)
- Refreshing school skills in an individualized way and parallel to your studies: beVinuS
Student financing
Studying has to be affordable – even without financial reserves from your parents. At TU Dortmund University, you will find support for questions about BAföG, scholarships, jobs and other ways to secure your studies.
- Information and open consultation hours on the subject of scholarships: Scholarship advice
- Funding opportunities for high-achieving and talented students: Deutschlandstipendium
- Information and advice on BAföG: Studierendenwerk Dortmund
Promotion
Do you enjoy academic work and want to delve deeper? Then perhaps a doctorate is an option – even without an academic family history. TU Dortmund University offers advice and support to help you get to know and plan this path.
- Information and advice for those interested in a doctorate: Graduate Center of TU Dortmund University
Did you know? Only 1 in 100 children of non-academics complete a doctorate - compared to 10 in 100 children of academics(Hochschul-Bildungs-Report 2020).
What you bring with you - and perhaps don't even know:
Being the first in the family to study often requires courage, organizational talent and a clear view. Many first-time graduates already have skills that are particularly helpful during their studies:
- Independence
- Stamina
- A sense of responsibility
- Social sensitivity
- Creative problem solving
In short: you have already achieved a lot. And you can build on it.
The Central Student Advisory Service will be happy to advise you!