Why study in Dortmund?
Research Ecosystem at TU Dortmund University
TU Dortmund University is part of an ecosystem of specialized institutions related to Information Systems:
- Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISST): Led by Prof. Dr. Boris Otto, who is also a professor at TU Dortmund University, the ISST drives applied research in data sovereignty and industrial data spaces (Gaia-X) and serves as a direct transfer partner for the industry.
- Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: As one of five national AI competence centers, the Lamarr Institute is a source of cutting-edge research in AI. It feeds the latest findings into the university's curriculum and serves as the scientific foundation for AI-based spin-offs.
- RC Trust (Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security): This interdisciplinary center of the UA Ruhr is dedicated to critical research on the trustworthiness, security, and explainability of AI—a key competence for the economic acceptance of Business Information Systems solutions.
- Center for Entrepreneurship & Transfer (CET): The CET is the central hub for start-up activities at TU Dortmund University. It offers a comprehensive program ranging from idea validation and funding advice to the organization of competitions.
- DLAB: This extracurricular program functions as a talent incubator by connecting highly qualified students with corporate partners to work on real-world digital innovation projects.
- Informatik Centrum Dortmund (ICD) and RIF e.V.: These institutes serve as agile bridges to the industry. As a spin-off from the Faculty of Computer Science, the ICD implements projects directly with companies. RIF provides an important interface for Industry 4.0 topics in the production environment.
Life in Dortmund
A city with character
Dortmund is a city undergoing change: modern, welcoming, and down-to-earth. Here, industrial tradition meets a lively cultural and creative scene—and it is precisely this mix that gives the city its special charm.
Affordable and close by
Compared to many other large cities, Dortmund is still very affordable for students. Whether it's housing, food, or leisure activities—your budget will go further here. What's more, everything is within easy reach: the university, city center, and leisure facilities are all close by.
Plenty of leisure time, plenty of culture
Soccer at Signal Iduna Park, concerts at the FZW, theaters, museums, or the alternative scene in the Kreuzviertel– Dortmund offers you plenty of variety. And if you want to get out and about, the parks, lakes, and surrounding Ruhr region are perfect for relaxation or day trips.
Renowned university with international appeal
Dortmund University of Technology is one of Germany's leading universities and enjoys an excellent international reputation.
Innovation and career opportunities
The city is a center for technology, IT, and business. Start-ups, research institutions, and large companies offer students attractive internships, projects, and networking opportunities.
Top location and connections
Located in the heart of the Ruhr area, you can quickly reach other cities such as Essen, Bochum, or Düsseldorf. Thanks to excellent rail and motorway connections as well as Dortmund Airport, you can also reach your destination quickly throughout Germany and Europe.
