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.
Free Courses
English Courses
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
Number of students
Number of international students
Share of female students
Share of international students
Doctorate possible
Avg. students per professor ratio
Use the Expatrio StudyBuddy
The application process at TUM is straightforward but requires early preparation. Key steps include:
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:
Be sure to check specific program deadlines on the university's course page, as some may have earlier or extended dates.
Free Webinar
April 30th, 2026
Depending on the program you choose, TUM has different language requirements:
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.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has announced that it will reintroduce tuition fees for non-EU students starting from the winter semester of 2024/2025. Non-EU students will be required to pay €2,000–€3,000 per semester for bachelor's programs and €4,000–€6,000 per semester for master's programs, depending on the course. TUM is the first university in Bavaria to reinstate these fees after the state had previously removed them for all students.
When choosing your degree program at the Technical University of Munich, consider the newly introduced tuition fees for non-EU students. Plan your budget accordingly to cover these costs, as they may significantly impact your financial preparations.
💡 - If you're looking for other tuition-free universities in Munich, make sure to check out our article on the Top Universities in Munich here. Discover your options and find the perfect fit for your academic journey without worrying about tuition fees!
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:
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.
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.
TUM offers cutting-edge facilities across its campuses in Munich, Garching, and Weihenstephan. These include:
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.
📍 Not sure if Munich is the right fit?
Check out our full list of universities in other German cities to find the best match for your academic and lifestyle preferences.
Free Live Webinar
Thinking about moving to Germany? Join our webinar!
April 23rd, 2026
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TUM provides a wide range of support services tailored to meet the needs of international students. These include:
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.
If you're looking for more guidance on studying in Germany, including how to apply, settle in, and succeed as a student, visit our Study in Germany resource center.
Important note on tuition fees: TUM reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU students from Winter Semester 2024/25. Bachelor's programs cost €2,000–€3,000 per semester; Master's programs cost €4,000–€6,000 per semester, depending on the course. 18 programs are listed as free in the StudyBuddy database — always check the individual program page to confirm.
Bachelor's Programs (TUM School of Management)
Bachelor's Programs (TUM School of Engineering and Design)
Master's Programs (TUM School of Management)
Master's Programs (TUM School of Engineering and Design)
For the full list of English-taught programs at TUM, browse the Expatrio StudyBuddy Program Database.
YOUR TK CONTACT
Stefanie can help you with your TK Health Insurance.
Feel free to reach out!
Thinking about studying in Germany but missed the October deadline? The summer semester might be your perfect opportunity. While most international...
In the last decade, Germany has become one of the fastest-growing study destinations for Indian students. While the USA once dominated the dreams of...
Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but choosing the right country and course can be confusing. The United States and Germany are...
Studying abroad doesn't have to drain ₹40-60 lakhs from your family's savings. Five countries offer world-class education for under ₹10 lakhs per...
Choosing where to study abroad is a big deal, especially for Indian students. You're not just picking a country; you're deciding to move far from...
In a move that’s left thousands of students in shock, the U.S. government has revoked Harvard University’s certification to enroll international...
