Technische Universität München

Short answer: TUMonline vs. VPD

• The application itself: TUMonline, for Bachelor's and Master's. The official page says: "An application for a VPD via uni-assist alone does not qualify as an application for a degree program at TUM. An application via TUMonline is always necessary."
• Who needs a VPD: Bachelor's applicants without a German school-leaving qualification, Master's applicants whose Bachelor's is not from a German university, and Studienkolleg graduates.
• Applicants without enough German: TUM has no German-course admission or conditional admission. The TUM Studienkolleg is for applicants whose school certificate does not give direct entry, and it requires at least B2 German.

Universities that do offer conditional admission are listed in our comparison.

Bachelor's and Master's: aptitude assessment

• Bachelor's: if your programme is subject to aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren), a two-stage procedure follows; other Bachelor's programmes are unrestricted, NC-restricted or use an aptitude recommendation (SOV).
• Master's: Master's programmes are subject to a two-stage aptitude assessment (Eignungsverfahren). Some programmes add an online test for Bachelor's degrees from countries outside the Lisbon Recognition Convention.
• Criteria and the form of interview or written test depend on the programme; read the official programme page.

For the general steps, see our guide to a Master's in Germany.

Language certificates: which and when?

• German-taught programmes: proof must be submitted before the end of the application period. Accepted: DSH-2, DSD II, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, TestDaF with 4 in all sections, Goethe C2, ÖSD C2. Lower levels are accepted only for a few Bachelor's programmes (e.g. Aerospace, Information Engineering).
• English-taught programmes: proof is, as a rule, due before the end of the application period; example thresholds are TOEFL iBT 88, IELTS Academic 6.5 and PTE Academic 65. Some programmes assess English in the aptitude assessment or accept an English-taught Bachelor's; the exact rule depends on the programme.

Our guide to German language certificates compares the German exams.

Fees and deadlines

• Tuition (non-EU/EEA, newly enrolled since winter semester 2024/25): usually €2,000 or €3,000 per semester for Bachelor's and €4,000 or €6,000 for Master's. From winter semester 2027/28: Bachelor's €2,300/€3,400, Master's €4,600/€6,800. The exact amount is on the programme page.
• Exempt (examples): EU/EEA citizens, holders of a German school-leaving qualification (e.g. Abitur), graduates of a German degree of at least six semesters, doctoral candidates and Studienkolleg students. Those who qualify for university through the Studienkolleg do pay.
• Semester fee: currently €97 for Munich, Garching and Weihenstephan; no transport ticket included.
• Deadlines: there is no single university-wide date; check the programme page. Examples: Informatics and Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. 15 May – 15 July (winter); Informatics M.Sc. 1 February – 31 May (winter) and 1 October – 30 November (summer).

Our tuition fee guide compares fees across Germany.

English-taught Master's examples

Three examples whose official programme pages state English as the language of instruction:

• AI in Biomedicine (M.Sc.)
• Quantum Science & Technology (M.Sc.)
• Mathematics in Data Science (M.Sc.)

Some popular programmes list the language as "usually English"; check the programme page to see whether it is fully English-taught.

Why Technische Universität München (TUM)?

Technische Universität München offers many attractive features for students who want to study in Germany. First, TUM's status as an Exzellenzuniversität (University of Excellence) is the biggest indicator that the quality of its education and research is recognized internationally. This title confirms that the university consistently provides high-standard education and makes significant investments in research projects.

TUM consistently ranks high in global rankings, especially in fields like engineering, natural sciences, medicine, and architecture. The university's strong research culture offers you the chance to get involved in current projects and work with expert academics, even from the undergraduate level. Additionally, TUM's membership in Elitenetzwerk Bayern means it's part of a network that brings together the most talented students in Bavaria, providing special support and development opportunities. With Nobel laureates and industry leaders among its alumni, TUM prepares an excellent foundation for you to kickstart your career.

Student Life and Career Opportunities in Munich

Munich, where Technische Universität München is located, is one of Germany's most livable and economically strongest cities. As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is home to global giants in the technology, automotive, and finance sectors. This offers unique advantages for TUM students in terms of internships and post-graduation career opportunities.

With the headquarters of companies like BMW, Siemens, and Allianz in Munich, students have the chance to be immersed in the industry during and after their studies. The city also stands out for its rich cultural life, historic buildings, green spaces, and world-famous festivals like Oktoberfest. With its student-friendly atmosphere, modern infrastructure, and high quality of life, Munich promises international students a fulfilling experience, both academically and socially. The education you receive at TUM will be a significant step towards becoming a sought-after professional in the job market across Germany and globally.

Education and Program Variety at TUM

Technische Universität München offers a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs. According to our database, the university offers a total of 290 programs: 46 Bachelor's, 219 Master's, and 8 PhD programs. This variety gives you the flexibility to choose the program that best suits your interests and career goals.

You'll find a strong academic staff and modern laboratory facilities, especially in engineering disciplines (like mechanical, electrical, computer, and civil engineering), natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology), architecture, medicine, and sports sciences. TUM's educational philosophy places great importance on practical application and research, alongside theoretical knowledge. This ensures that when you graduate, you'll be a well-equipped professional with the knowledge and skills the industry needs.

Many programs are also offered in English to make it easier for international students to participate. These are the English-taught programs you might be looking for. For program details and application requirements, we recommend visiting the university's official website (www.tum.de).