Technical University of Munich (TUM): 70 Programs Offered in English

Expatrio 2024-10-07

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Germany's most prestigious universities, known globally for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. A first choice for many students, this guide will help international students understand the study options, application process, accommodation, and student life at TUM.

Study at Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Abbreviation: TUM
Year of foundation: 1868
Type: University
Institution Type: Public
THE (Times Higher Education) ranking: 1
Main Campus: Munich

70 Degree Programs in English at Technical University of Munich (TUM)

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About the University

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the most research-intensive technical universities in Europe. Nobel Prize winners and inventors such as Rudolf Diesel, Carl von Linde and Rudolf Mößbauer have conducted research at TUM. In 2006 and 2012 it was recognized as a university of excellence. In international rankings, TUM is regularly one of the best universities in Germany. It is represented worldwide with a campus in Singapore and liaison offices on several continents. TUM students learn from leading experts in their field, whose findings from cutting-edge research are incorporated into their teaching. Students receive individual support in, among other things, the Young Academy and various mentoring programs. The university has also set up special offers for female students. The university mostly selects its students itself. It's not just the Abitur grade that decides, but also the talent of the applicant. That's why almost no subject has a numerus clausus (NC). TUM focuses its research on important future topics: health and nutrition, energy and raw materials, environment and climate, information and communication, mobility and infrastructure. Numerous technology companies have already emerged from inventions and discoveries made at TUM. With its tenure-track model based on the American model, TUM has created a modern career system for professors: it appoints promising talents to a temporary W2 professorship (W2) and gives them the realistic prospect of a permanent W3 position right from the start. to advance to a professorship. Doctoral students receive comprehensive support: They are supervised by experienced scientists in their research work. The TUM Graduate School also promotes your interdisciplinary qualifications and networking. TU Munich is one of the most research-intensive technical universities in Europe, supporting students in the Young Academy and mentoring programs

Interesting Facts About the University

940

Number of students

552

Number of international students

47%

Share of female students

58%

Share of international students

Yes

Doctorate possible

Avg. students per professor ratio

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Application Process for International Students at TUM

The application process at TUM is straightforward but requires early preparation. Key steps include:

Research Programs: Use our Studyfinder to find courses that interest you. The Studyfinder course pages include relevant information such as language requirements, admission details, etc.
Document Preparation: Make sure you have the required documents, such as your high school diploma, transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and passport copy.
Submit Application: Most undergraduate programs require an application through uni-assist, while master’s programs may be applied directly through the university portal.

Universities usually have two-semester intakes in a year, but it is also possible that some courses only have an intake of one semester. So, it is important to keep track of the deadlines:

Semester	Application Deadline
Winter Semester	May 31 (undergraduate), March 15 (postgraduate)
Summer Semester	November 30 (postgraduate only)

Be sure to check specific program deadlines on the university's course page, as some may have earlier or extended dates.

General Language Requirements

Depending on the program you choose, TUM has different language requirements:

Program Type	Required Proficiency
English-Taught	IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 88+
German-Taught	C1 Level German (TestDaF or DSH)

Helpful Tip!

Application deadlines and requirements may vary depending on your chosen course. You can use our Studyfinder tool to get specific details for your program. Search for your course, click to explore, and find all the relevant information about deadlines, application processes, and language requirements for your particular course.

How to Apply for Admission at TUM

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) uses a dual application process for international students depending on their educational background:

uni-assist (Preliminary Documentation - VPD): If you obtained your previous qualification (e.g., high school diploma for a bachelor's or undergraduate degree for a master's) outside of Germany or from a non-EU country, you will need to apply through uni-assist. Uni-assist handles the preliminary evaluation of your academic qualifications and provides a VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation). This document verifies your eligibility for TUM by converting your grades into the German grading system.
Direct Application via TUMOnline: Once you have your VPD from uni-assist, you must submit your final application directly to TUM using their online platform, TUMonline. Applying through uni-assist alone does not suffice for admission; you must also complete the direct application using TUM’s system.

Need a VPD? Here's Everything You Need to Know About VPDs

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Remember!

We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. However, application requirements may change over time. To ensure you have the latest details, please regularly check the university’s official website to confirm any updates to the application process and requirements.

Campus Life at TUM

Campus life at TUM is rich and diverse, offering many opportunities for students to engage both academically and socially. Here's a detailed look at what you can expect as an international student:

Student Clubs and Societies

TUM has a vibrant student community with over 150 student clubs and organizations. These clubs cater to various interests, including academics, culture, sports, and social causes. Some popular clubs include the Entrepreneurship Club, which connects students with startup ecosystems, and ESN TUMi, a student organization dedicated to supporting international students. ESN TUMi organizes regular meetups, city tours, and cultural exchanges.

Events and Festivals

TUM regularly hosts events and festivals that bring students together. For instance, the TUM Global Week celebrates internationalization and diversity on campus, while the Cultural Program organizes activities that allow students to experience Munich and Bavaria. International students can participate in various events like hiking trips, museum tours, and Oktoberfest visits.

Additionally, TUMi orientation weeks are held at the beginning of each semester. These weeks offer international students help settling into Munich, organizing city tours, and social activities to meet other students.

Campus Facilities

TUM offers cutting-edge facilities across its campuses in Munich, Garching, and Weihenstephan. These include:

Libraries and study spaces: TUM’s libraries are well-equipped with modern study spaces, research materials, and collaborative work areas.
Research centers: The university is home to world-class research institutes like the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology and the TUM Institute for Advanced Study.
Student lounges and cafes: Students can relax or study in the various cafes around campus, like the popular Café Vorhoelzer, which offers stunning rooftop views of Munich.

Living in Munich

Life outside of campus is just as exciting. Munich is a bustling city known for its cultural richness, including art galleries, theaters, and the annual Oktoberfest. The city is well-connected with efficient public transportation, allowing students to explore the Alps, nearby lakes, and other European cities. Munich is also home to some of Germany’s largest tech and engineering companies, providing students with networking opportunities and internships. For nature lovers, Munich’s proximity to the Bavarian Alps makes it perfect for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

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Accommodation Options at TUM

Finding accommodation in Munich can be challenging due to the city's high demand for housing. However, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) provides various resources and support to help international students secure housing. Here are the most common accommodation options:

University Dormitories

TUM offers limited accommodation in student dormitories through the Student Union Munich (Studentenwerk). These dormitories are highly competitive, and students are advised to apply as early as possible. Monthly rent for dormitories typically ranges from €300 to €450, depending on the room type and location.

How to apply: Applications for dormitories are managed by the Studentenwerk. International students should apply as soon as they are admitted, as spots fill up quickly.
Tips: Students who don’t receive a dormitory spot right away can join waiting lists or look for temporary accommodation.

Private Housing

Many students in Munich opt for private accommodation, which includes renting apartments or rooms in shared flats known as Wohngemeinschaften (WG). Rent in private housing is generally more expensive, with prices varying based on location, size, and amenities. For a shared apartment, you can expect to pay between €450 and €800 per month. Munich's central neighborhoods like Schwabing and Maxvorstadt tend to be pricier, while more affordable options are available in areas like Garching and Freising.

Where to find private housing: Websites like WG-Gesucht.de, ImmobilienScout24, and TUM’s own TUM Living Portal list available housing options. The TUM Living Portal is especially useful for students, as it offers commission-free listings exclusive to TUM members.
Tips: Start your housing search at least 3-4 months before your planned move-in date. It's also important to be cautious of scams and never send money before signing a rental agreement or seeing the apartment.

Short-Term Accommodation

For students who arrive in Munich without securing long-term housing, short-term accommodations such as hostels, Airbnb, or student hotels are good options while they continue their search for permanent housing.

Popular choices: Some students stay in hostels like The 4You Hostel Munich or temporary shared spaces through Airbnb while waiting for a permanent room.
Costs: Short-term accommodations typically cost €20-50 per night, depending on the location and season.

Student Tips for Housing in Munich

Start Early: Begin your search months in advance to secure a place, as housing is in high demand, particularly for the winter semester.
Beware of Scams: Avoid offers that seem too good to be true. A common scam is requesting deposits before the student has had a chance to visit the apartment or meet the landlord.
Consider Alternatives: If Munich is too expensive, consider living in nearby towns like Garching or Freising, which are well connected by public transport.

Community at TUM

TUM’s vibrant and diverse community is one of its greatest strengths. It offers international students an enriching experience both academically and socially. The university actively fosters a welcoming environment for students from around the globe, providing numerous opportunities for integration, networking, and support.

International Student Organizations

TUM has several student organizations that focus specifically on helping international students adapt to life in Munich. ESN TUMi (Erasmus Student Network TUMi) is among the most active groups supporting international students. They organize various activities throughout the semester, including orientation programs, cultural events, and social gatherings to help students settle in and make connections.

Other groups include the International Office, which provides guidance on important administrative matters such as visas, enrollment, and accommodation. Additionally, the TUM Global & Alumni Office organizes events like city tours and social meet-ups, helping students discover Munich and its surroundings while building connections.

Cultural Exchange Programs

TUM promotes cultural exchange by hosting numerous events throughout the academic year, including the TUM Global Week and TUM Global Experiences Festival. These programs bring together students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging cross-cultural interactions. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in various exchange programs through Erasmus+ or partnerships with universities across the globe.

Student Support Services

TUM provides a wide range of support services tailored to meet the needs of international students. These include:

Counseling services: For academic and personal guidance, students can access counseling from trained professionals who assist with everything from mental health to study techniques.
Language courses: The university offers free German language courses to help international students integrate into the local community and succeed in their studies. It also offers additional resources for improving academic English.
Visa and immigration support: TUM’s International Office assists students with visa applications, residence permits, and navigating German bureaucracy, which can often be challenging for newcomers.

Orientation for International Students

TUM organizes orientation weeks at the beginning of each semester to make sure that students have a smooth transition into university life. These sessions help students navigate essential administrative tasks, such as registering with the city and setting up health insurance, and familiarize themselves with the campus and the city of Munich. The orientation includes workshops, information sessions, and social events designed to help international students settle in quickly.

The TUMi app further assists students by providing access to schedules, event registrations, and essential resources to support new students throughout the orientation period.