FAQ

• Universities
• Subjects
• Activities and daily student life at the TU9 Universities
• Formalities before the begin of studies
• Scholarships and costs
• Acceptance modalities
   

Universities

What do the TU9 academic institutions offer me besides a very good education?
At the TU9 academic institutions, there is a diverse student life. All of the 9 universities have a center for university sports that the students can use for very good prices. In addition, there are choirs, theater groups and much more. There, one can involve him/herself and quickly find contact to other students.
The TU9 academic institutions are located in large and interesting German cities. These offer many possibilities for recreational activities. In their vicinity are scenic recreational areas that invite one to hike, climb or ski.

Which academic institution do you recommend if I would like to study a particular subject like electrical engineering?
The basic education in engineering and the natural sciences are generally very good at the TU9 German Institutes of Technology. There can be differences between academic institutions in the specialization. Certain criteria are considered in the rankings. It is best for you to directly ask students / graduates, advisors and lecturers at the academic institution.

Why should I go to a TU9 academic institution?
You want to study engineering or natural sciences? Then the TU9 academic institutions in Germany are a good choice for you, because they are traditional and research-strong universities whose degrees are recognized world-wide. The education at the 9 universities delivers on the one hand a wide methodic basic knowledge, and is on the other hand practically oriented. The interdisciplinary approach that the universities of the TU9 Group adhere to makes sure that students look “outside the box” of their own subject. The ability to look at a problem completely and from different perspectives is a big advantage in one’s later career path. TU9 graduates expect very good career chances.

Which TU9 university is the best?
There is no BEST among the TU9 universities. At every one of the TU9 academic institutions, there are certain especially reputable and traditional subjects. All of the academic institutions have close contact to the business world. For students, this means that they can work on projects with businesses during their studies. All TU9 German Institutes of Technology have a large number of relationships to partner universities in the whole world. To study one or two semesters abroad is normal for the students. In addition, all TU9 academic institutions work closely with research institutions. This offers students the opportunity to be involved in research projects.

How do I find a good academic institution for me?
There are approximately 300 academic institutions in Germany. To decide on “one’s own” academic institution is difficult.
First, you should vaguely know what you would like to study. Then you begin to search for an academic institution. We narrow down the circle from over 300 German academic institutions to 9 important technical institutions and introduce these on our webpage. The emphasis of the courses of study lies in engineering and the natural sciences. There are, however, courses of study in other subjects at the TU9 academic institutions. Next to the subject, you should also take the living standards of the city into account. We have summarized this information for you under the keyword “Recreational activities”.

Subjects

Before, there was the Diplom in engineering and the natural sciences in Germany. Now there is Bachelor and Master. Why?
The German academic system is currently being reformed. Many degree programs are being switched to Bachelor and Master degrees. After 6 or 7 semesters, one receives the Bachelor degree. With this, one has completed the first part of his or her studies. With the Bachelor, it is easier to transfer academic institutions within Germany and also worldwide. This is an advantage, for example, if one would like to choose a certain specialization that is not offered at their initial university. The TU9 academic institutions recognize each other’s Bachelor degrees. After 3-4 semesters of further study after the Bachelor, one attains the Masters degree. The Master is the degree that is equivalent to the university Diplom. The quality of the Master of a TU9 academic institution is equivalent to that of the Diplom.

What should I study?
This question is not easy to answer. In order to judge this, we must know more about you. Where do your interests lie? What are your strengths (and weaknesses)? It is best if you make an analysis (with your school counselor). Naturally, you may also contact us by email.
You can find tips about subjects on our site under the keyword “choice of studies”. There are also many links to lead you further.

What are elite degree programs?
Elite degree programs are courses of study that are offered for especially talented students and sponsored by a special supporter. They are closely connected to business partners.

What exactly does one do in mechanical engineering? Which subjects does one have?
In the first part of one’s studies (Basic Studies), one takes subjects like design theory, mathematics, physics, materials engineering etc. Later in one’s studies (after approximately 2 years), one can specialize in mechanical engineering (design, material science, etc.), automotive engineering, aerospace engineering (satellites, airplane design, etc.), production  and systems engineering or also energy and process engineering (how does one optimize processes in production?).

Activities and daily student life at the TU9 Universities

Can I also transfer from my German academic institution to a foreign academic institution?
This is also possible. The same applies as for a transfer to another academic institution within Germany: you apply to the other academic institution with your transcript. It is best if you transfer when you have completed one segment of your studies – that is, when you have received your Bachelor degree.
The ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), in which the universities of the TU9 group participates, makes it possible to transfer completed credits to other academic institutions (that work with the ECTS).

I do not wish to complete my entire studies at the same academic institution in Germany. Can I transfer also?
You can transfer to another academic institution during your course of studies. You apply to the other academic institution with your transcript. It is best if you transfer when you have completed one segment of your studies – that is, when you have received your Bachelor degree. The TU9 academic institutions recognize each other’s Bachelor degrees.

How long is the semester break, and how many do I have per year?
There are two semesters per year, and two semester breaks.
The winter semester is from October to February. The semester break follows from February to April. The summer semester is from April to July and then again comes the semester break. Tests and examinations are mostly in the semester break (also known as the time without classes).

Does one have time to do an internship while studying?
This is pretty difficult. An internship usually takes 8 hours per day, but one’s studies are also full-time. It doesn’t work to just study in the evenings. You can complete an internship in the semester break, if you don’t have examinations, or use an internship semester.

How many hours per day must one be at the university?
That depends on the semester and the degree program. One can count on about 25 hours per week.

Are courses of study in Germany usually taught in German or in English?
Lectures and seminars are usually held in German. There are, however, more and more degree programs (very often Master degree programs) in which there are also lectures and seminars in English. Note: Before the start of studies, a test of German language may be required anyways, except if one has the German Language Diploma II (DSD II).

How high is the number of international students at the TU9 universities?
At TU9 universities, there are between 10 and 25 percent international students.

Formalities before the begin of studies

What formalities must one go through before the trip?
The question of formalities is quite extensive (visa application, dormitory room application if you need a room in a residence hall). You can find the answers on the internet pages of the Akademischen Auslandsämter/ International Students Office.

Scholarships and costs

How much must one pay to study in Germany?
For the most of the German states no tuition is due. Yet, there are Bavaria, Hamburg and Lower Saxony, which are charging one (of approximately 500 euros per semester).

Are there scholarships for students who want to begin their studies in Germany?
One can research scholarship opportunities on our homepage under “Financing” or also on the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) site under http://www.daad.de/.

As you perhaps know, there are DAAD scholarships for the best graduates (international students) of German International Schools abroad. The state, Saxony, offers the Georgius Agricola Scholarship for the best international students in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. They must have excellent German language skills. Otherwise it is difficult to receive a scholarship for the first year of studies in Germany.

The chances of receiving a scholarship are better if the first degree is done abroad and you  come to Germany after the Bachelor degree.

For students, above all in engineering and the natural sciences, there is the possibility after two to three years of study to work as a student aid in a laboratory or with a project and thus finance a part of one’s studies.

Acceptance modalities

Can I begin a degree program in my home country and then transfer to a TU9 academic institution?
No problem. You can begin your course of studies in your home country and then apply to a TU9 academic institution. A transfer is convenient, for example, after the Bachelor degree. Then you already have study experience and a degree in your hand.

With what criteria are applicants to the TU München chosen?
The TU München has only a few NC degree programs by which, above all, the Abitur grade point average counts. Most study places are given according to a suitability determination process. There are three criteria for this selection: Abitur grade, letter of motivation and possibly a discussion.

What does one write in a letter of motivation?

In the letter of motivation, one writes why one is interested in the TUM, why one is interested in this degree program, and why one believes that he or she is suitable for this degree program. One can also write if one has previous experience. The letter of motivation is usually 1 page long.

I have my grade point average from the Abitur. How and when do I know if I have received a study place?
That depends on the degree program that one applies to. With open subjects, that happens quickly; with subjects that have restricted admissions, one receives the answer after the application deadline at the earliest, sometimes shortly before the beginning of classes (this depends on one’s place in the ranking list).

What are the chances of studying in Germany with a Romanian degree?
In principle, someone with a Romanian degree can study further in Germany.

Example: One completes his Bachelor degree at the university in Bucharest and would like to complete his Master degree in Germany. The only question then (and this is independent of one’s home country) is how many applicants have applied for the degree program and how many study places there are. If there are more applicants than places, one will look to see if the degree is very good.

There are, for example, doctoral students at the TU Dresden who studied in Romania and then came to Germany to write a dissertation. The question of recognition is in principle no problem; one works that out with the academic institution in Germany.

Is the Numerus Clausus grade for restricted admissions constant, or does it change?
The minimum grade for acceptance to an NC degree program changes every semester because there are always different applicants with different grades.