"Apart from exploring Madrid and experiencing student life in a different university, I really enjoyed meeting so many wonderful international students. I highly recommend the ATHENS week here." Image: Cara Coetzee / TUM 
"The ATHENS week left me with many unforgettable memories. I found new friends from all parts of Europe and the exchange of ideas, cultural values and thoughts was truly remarkable!" Image: Nikan Modhadam / TUM 
"Not everyone can go abroad for a full semester. Therefore, ATHENS is just great to experience the European spirit for one week." Image: Leon Kobinger / TUM 
"I never thought a single week could make such a difference – so many new and interesting experiences.” Image: Sofien Fejji / TUM 
"Taking part in the ATHENS Programme was the best decision I could have made during my studies at TUM.” Image: Michael Schwarz / TUM
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The ATHENS Programme offers students and doctoral candidates of TUM the opportunity to stay abroad at 24 partner universities in Europe (e.g. ParisTech, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Czech Technical University). Twice a year – in mid-March and mid-November – specialized courses take place at the same time at all ATHENS universities.
ATHENS Week in March 2023
The next ATHENS week will take place from March 11 to 18, 2023 and is currently scheduled to be conducted in presence.
The list of available courses will be published in time on the ATHENS portal.
The application period for the ATHENS session in March 2023 runs from January 19 to 31, 2023. The application is done directly via the ATHENS portal.
Please note: Participation in the BIP courses offered as part of ATHENS Week is not possible for this March session. TUM students can only participate in the regular ATHENS course.
Would you like to gain first-hand experience abroad and get to know the life, teaching, and mentality of a different major European University? Then take advantage of the ATHENS Programme and attend a one-week intensive course on engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, political science, and economics at one of the ATHENS partner universities. Participation in the program is free of charge, but the costs for travel and accommodation have to be paid by yourself.
How it works
- Select at least four courses at the participating partner universities via the ATHENS portal
- Apply online and and upload the application documents to MoveON
- Nomination and confirmation by ATHENS coordinators
- Participate in the 30-hour intensive course incl. final exam
- Participate in the 10- to 15-hour European Dimension Program
- Upload an experience report to MoveON for the record of stay in the Diploma Supplement
Participation requirements for the ATHENS week
In order to apply for the ATHENS Programme, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- Enrollment at the TUM
- Fulfilling the respective course requirements, see course descriptions
- First year of study successfully completed (Bachelor programme)
- In the ATHENS course catalog you will find the courses offered for the upcoming session.
- Find out about the course requirements in the course descriptions. Only apply for courses you fulfill the prerequisites, e.g. subject-related knowledge year of study.
- Select at least four courses from the course offer. This increases your chances of participation. Please only choose courses you are really interested in, as it can happen that you are going to get assigned for your 4th choice.
- The course language is usually English. However, some courses offered by French partner universities are in French. Please ask if in doubt.
First, select courses via the ATHENS portal:
- Fill out and submit the registration form in the ATHENS portal, then print and sign it
- Print and sign the student commitment
- Write a motivation letter: length half a page to one page, in German or English, explaining your course selection
Second, register at MoveON to upload the application documents listed above:
- After final course selection in the ATHENS portal, register in MoveON with your TUM e-mail address
- Complete the form Application for ATHENS
- Upload the signed documents and motivation letter to MoveON
The selection for a place in one of the courses is made by the ATHENS coordinators based on your application. Confirmations / rejections will be announced on the ATHENS portal in early February.
A pre-departure meeting by TUM will take place in time for the ATHENS session, where important questions can be clarified before departure. You will receive an invitation by e-mail.
Please note
- Your application is binding, so please only apply if you are sure you can take part in the ATHENS week.
- Clarify in advance whether an absence from TUM is possible in your degree program during the ATHENS week.
- Find out in advance about the costs for your stay in the respective city. You can find a quick orientation on the ATHENS website.
- Participation in the intensive course and the cultural activities is mandatory.
- Please inform yourself in good time about the date of the kick-off event at your partner university.
- Please note the cancellation deadlines when using the "Housing Option", as you will have to pay the cancellation fees yourself.
- In case your ATHENS stay needs to be interrupted due to any unforeseen circumstances TUM cannot bear any related costs. We strongly recommend buying flexible tickets.
Record in the Diploma Supplement and ECTS
After successfully participating in the ATHENS Programme and submitting an ATHENS report, your stay abroad will be printed in the Diploma Supplement.
After the trip:
- Documented successful participation in the specialized course and the European Dimension Program
- Upload an experience report (2-4 pages) to MoveON
Reports from other ATHENS participants can be found in our online database.
Two (2) ECTS can be awarded for ATHENS courses at the TUM. Please inquire in advance about the possibilities for recognition within your degree program either with the Examination Office or your departmental student advisor.