Information for New Students

Last updated: September 09, 2026

Prof. Sebastian Faust, Ph.D.,
Dean of Studies

I am delighted to welcome you to the Department of Computer Science at TU Darmstadt and wish you a good start to your studies.

Before courses start…

For whom? What? When?
Bachelor's students Mathematics pre-course
Online course for new students in STEM programs
14/09 – 11/10/2026
Bachelor's students Programming pre-course
Introduction to programming
28/09 – 02/10/2026
International students University-wide Welcome Day for international students 02/10/2026
Bachelor's students Ophase – Bachelor
Introduction to studying at the Department of Computer Science
05 – 09/10/2026
Master's students Ophase – Master
Introduction to studying at the Department of Computer Science
07 – 09/10/2026
All students University-wide Fresher's Welcome and Info Market 07/10/2026
All students Courses start 12/10/2026
All semester dates and deadlines (publishing date of the course catalogue, deadlines for registration and re-registration, deadline for changing a degree program, etc.)

…your next steps

The required steps for enrollment listed in the admission letter should be completed as soon as possible. The enrollment will be finalized once all required documents and payments have been received.

You can find the current status of your application and a list of documents to be submitted for enrollment at any time in your TUCaN account.

  • All questions regarding enrollment for students with a German university entrance qualification (HZB): Student Service
  • All questions regarding enrollment for students with an international university entrance qualification (HZB): International Admissions Office

The most important step for a successful start to your studies is participation in the Ophase (Orientation Phase) of the Department of Computer Science.

The Ophase provides a structured introduction to your studies and includes lectures and introductory sessions as well as social activities that help you get to know fellow students, the department, and student life in Darmstadt.

You can participate on campus and online:

  • Live streams allow you to follow the most important sessions
  • You can ask questions during the live sessions
  • Recordings will be available afterwards

The first semester…

…for Bachelor's students

The Department of Computer Science’s mentoring program “Erfolgreich ins Informatik-Studium starten” (eiiss) supports new students as they begin their Bachelor’s studies in Computer Science. In addition to academic support from tutors, lecturers, and research staff, the mentoring program helps students organize their studies and navigate student life.

Further information

…for Master's students

Detailed guidance on course selection and registration will be provided during the Ophase.

If you do not yet see available courses in your TUCaN account, this may be expected and will be explained during the Ophase:

  • In the M.Sc. Computer Science, you must first select a specialization before modules and courses become visible.
  • In the M.Sc. Informatik, the available specialization must also be selected first.

Both English- and German-taught courses are offered in the English-language Master’s programs. You can complete your degree entirely in English by selecting English-taught courses.

There are no minimum academic performance requirements in your first semester.

Compass@MasterPlus (Computer Science Peer Assistance & Student Support) is our mentoring program for new international Master’s students. It provides peer support from experienced international students to help you transition into your study program, integrate into the academic community, and navigate administrative processes at the beginning of your studies.

Our mentoring team can support you with practical questions about studying and living in Darmstadt. They also share information about networking opportunities, events, and social activities during the semester.

  • A welcome email will be sent by our mentoring team at the beginning of the semester to all new international Master's students.
  • They will also be present during the Ophase.

If you arrive after the start of courses, you can still begin your studies successfully. Late arrival is common for international students. Your main priority should be to participate online in the Ophase. Afterwards, you should focus on arriving safely and settling in.

Study planning guidelines for late arrival:

  • There are no minimum academic performance requirements in your first semester.
  • Until you arrive on campus, you should select lectures (Vorlesungen) or integrated lectures (integrierte Vorlesungen) only.
  • Seminars, labs, and practical courses (Seminare, Praktika) should only be selected after your arrival.
  • If a course description lists prerequisites, these indicate the knowledge needed to follow the course successfully. You do not need to have taken the listed courses if you have equivalent knowledge.
  • The first sessions of lectures often cover introductory material or review content that you can usually study independently.
  • For practical information about whether specific courses or course materials are offered online, you may contact the Computer Science Student Council.
  • We recommend attending the open consultation hours of the Student Advisory Service after your arrival for individual study planning support.

If required for visa procedures, you may request a Letter of Late Arrival from the International Admissions Office.

…for all students

Scientists and students from the Department of Computer Science study and conduct research at various locations on the TU Darmstadt campus.

Students in the Department of Computer Science have access to two learning centres and three computer labs in the Robert Piloty building (S2|02).

Computing services are offered by the ISP group and can be accessed via remote login (SSH). Instructions can be found on the web pages of the ISP.

…registration for modules, courses and exams in TUCaN
…enrollment or Late Arrival Letter

….study planning, recognition of prior academic achievements
…mentoring programs

  • For Bachelor’s students - Erfolgreich ins Informatik-Studium starten (eiiss): eiiss team
  • For international Master’s students (compass@MasterPlus):

…Ophase and Ofahrt
…TUCaN (technical support)
…TUDa App (technical support)
…TU-ID (technical support)
…accommodation (international students)
…visa procedures, residence permits, health insurance (international students)
…other topics not listed above
Overview of Support Services (PDF file) (opens in new tab)
ArbeiterKind.de (Network for first-generation students)
International Student Services (Visa & Residence Permit Support, Housing International, Address Registration)
Maternity Protection for Students
Compensation for Disadvantages in Examinations
Studierendenwerk (Social Counselling, Psychological Counselling, Student Financing, Accommodation Service)
Studying with a Disability or Chronic Illness
Studying with Children
Part-time Studies

Studying is about more than lectures and classes…

Meeting friends, pursuing a hobby, enjoying Darmstadt's night-life – leisure activities act as a counterbalance to studying.