Erasmus guide Technical University of Munich
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Technical University of Munich in Munich, Germany.
Study abroad at Technical University of Munich: overview
Study abroad at Technical University of Munich means choosing a global technical university with strong engineering, computer science, management, life sciences and a highly international technical community. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Approx. 52,000 students in recent institutional profiles; international mix: Very international technical and master's-level mix across Munich, Garching and other campuses; academically it fits best around Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Management (TUM School of Management). The part to check without romanticising it: language, course access, seat limits and housing timing need checking before you choose it on name alone.
Enrollment
Approx. 52,000 students in recent institutional profiles
International Mix
Very international technical and master's-level mix across Munich, Garching and other campuses
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Management (TUM School of Management) in Munich, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: language, course access, seat limits and housing timing need checking before you choose it on name alone.
Language of instruction: German and English (dual; most exchange and master's courses in English; bachelor's often in German)
Exchange & application at Technical University of Munich
Start with home-university nomination, then confirm faculty rules, Learning Agreement, insurance and semester contribution. Do not treat acceptance as the end of the process.
✅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
Your home university nominates first; the German host then opens application or enrolment steps.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; check faculty and partner instructions. | Usually spring/early summer after nomination. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; summer-semester options can be narrower. | Usually autumn after nomination. |
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 & courses at Technical University of Munich
Expect ECTS, direct feedback, faculty-level course rules and a mix of lectures, seminars or projects. German-taught modules can require stronger language skills than the title suggests.
📝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.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at Technical University of Munich
Exchange students usually pay no host tuition at German public universities, but semester contribution, insurance, housing and transport still matter. Full-degree tuition differs by state and student status.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution | Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies | Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Programme/state fees can apply in Bavaria | Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying. |
EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution
Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply.
Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies
Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ.
Programme/state fees can apply in Bavaria
Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Technical University of Munich
Munich housing should move in parallel with the application. Student residences are limited, and private rooms need careful contract checks.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Munich
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Technical University of Munich
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, orientation and buddy or student groups early. German systems work well once you know which office owns each question.
🛡️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 at Technical University of Munich
Student life in Munich depends on repeated routines: Mensa, sports, student associations, language tandems and neighbourhood plans. Waiting passively can make the semester feel colder than it is.
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 & 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 exchange dates at Technical University of Munich
The key dates are nomination, application, semester-fee payment, course registration, housing, arrival and orientation. Keep exam and resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for winter semester; autumn for summer semester
Home university nomination comes first; the host application and Learning Agreement follow.
-
2
Housing, insurance and semester fee
As soon as acceptance arrives
Munich housing and German admin move early. Confirm insurance, semester contribution and arrival documents before travel.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
September/October or March/April
Use orientation for enrolment, campus systems, Anmeldung, Mensa, student groups and course changes.
Campus events hub: Browse all events