Erasmus guide Technical University of Munich
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Technical University of Munich in Munich, Germany.
Snapshot
A top-tier technical exchange option with strong global prestige, practical incoming support, and one of Munich's most visible newcomer communities through TUMi.
Why students shortlist it
A Munich-based technical university with campuses across Munich, Garching, and Heilbronn. It is strongest for students who can match their course plan to a specific school, campus, and language profile early.
Teaching languages: German and English (dual; most exchange and master's courses in English; bachelor's often in German)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination through Erasmus+, TUMexchange, or a school-level agreement, TUM application, passport or ID, study plan, language evidence where required, and insurance or arrival documents.
Nomination Process
Students nominated through Erasmus+, TUMexchange, or an approved school-level exchange partnership.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Use the current TUM Global schedule provided to partner universities | Exchange students complete the TUM application after nomination through their home university |
Arrival Checklist
- Decide early which campus will dominate your daily routine.
- Join TUMi or International Campus Life before arrival if possible.
- Treat Munich housing as the first major project, not an afterthought.
Academics
Course Registration
TUM gives strong support, but students still need to watch campus spread and faculty-specific access rules when building a study plan.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading System
German 1.0-5.0 grading scale with ECTS credits; TUM transcripts are interpreted by the home university under its exchange conversion rules.
Exam Culture
Technical modules often rely on final written exams, with labs, exercises, programming tasks, or project work added depending on the school.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + ~EUR 100–300 semester contribution | German public universities waive tuition for exchange. Semester contribution varies: LMU ~€97 (Grundbeitrag from Summer 2026, Semesterticket suspended), TUM … |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR ~300/year (EU) | EU/EEA: NO tuition + TUM semester contribution ~€150 × 2 = ~€300/year. No non-EU state fee for EU passport holders. World-class engineering, CS and managemen… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR ~6,300/year | Non-EU: Bayern state fee €3,000/semester + TUM semester contribution €150 = ~€6,300/year since 2024. Munich living costs high (~€1,200–1,800/month). Compare:… |
EUR 0 tuition + ~EUR 100–300 semester contribution
German public universities waive tuition for exchange. Semester contribution varies: LMU ~€97 (Grundbeitrag from Summer 2026, Semesterticket suspended), TUM …
EUR ~300/year (EU)
EU/EEA: NO tuition + TUM semester contribution ~€150 × 2 = ~€300/year. No non-EU state fee for EU passport holders. World-class engineering, CS and managemen…
EUR ~6,300/year
Non-EU: Bayern state fee €3,000/semester + TUM semester contribution €150 = ~€6,300/year since 2024. Munich living costs high (~€1,200–1,800/month). Compare:…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC-compatible route where accepted
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
German public insurer confirmation
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Accepted private insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
TUM Global
Exchange application guidance, arrival information, and international mobility support.
International Campus Life
Orientation weeks, language cafes, excursions, and practical support for incoming students.
University Library (TUM)
TUM University Library with central, faculty, and branch locations. Digital access to e-journals, e-books, and databases. Study spaces and research support for all TUM students.
Sports & Health (TUM)
Largest university sports programme in Germany: 300+ courses, gym, swimming, yoga, climbing. Mental and physical health support integrated with sports and counseling services.
Student Support & Advice
TUM support services hub: academic advising, study difficulties, orientation, and special needs. First point of contact for any study-related issue at TUM.
Mental Health Support
Confidential counseling for study stress, anxiety, burnout, and personal difficulties. Free sessions via Studierendenwerk München — available in-person and online.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- TUM stands out because international student life is not only official; it also has a strong student-led layer through TUMi.
Buddy Program
TUMi and International Campus Life are the most useful practical newcomer routes for exchange students.
Sports & Recreation
- Campus and city sports options across TUM sites
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN TUMi Munich - the clearest exchange-student community linked directly to TUM.
TUM International Campus Life - official orientation, language cafe, and excursions for incoming students.
TUM Global orientation weeks - the fastest way to understand paperwork and campus life before classes intensify.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Map your campus first and your social life second.
- Join TUMi immediately if you want structured events and group chats.
- Do not underestimate how different Munich and Garching routines feel.
Key Dates
Orientation weeks and welcome session
Before lecture period
These events are a real shortcut for both admin and friendships.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Campus events hub: Browse all events