Students who are matriculated at a university abroad and want to work on a research project at TUM or write their thesis during their Bachelor's or Master's studies can be enrolled as Practical Project Students for one to two semesters. However, it is not mandatory to be enrolled at TUM; working on a research project at a TUM chair is also possible without matriculation.
What are the requirements for enrollment? How do I prepare for my stay after receiving my admission? What do I have to do once I have arrived – and what before I leave? Can I do an internship without enrolling? We have answers to all these questions.
Requirements for enrollment as a Practical Project Student
- You must be enrolled in the Bachelor's or Master's program at your home university during your entire stay at TUM. PhD students please contact the TUM Graduate School directly.
- The search for a TUM supervisor has to be done on your own initiative, unfortunately TUM G&A cannot assist you. For this purpose, please contact the TUM Schools directly. Only after confirmation of supervision by a TUM supervisor it is possible to apply for an enrollment in the framework of PPS.
- Endorsement from a supervisor at your home university is required. Your home university does not need to be a TUM partner university.
- The collaboration on a research project or the writing of the thesis must take place at TUM. Your presence is mandatory. It cannot take place at an external institution or company.
- A minimum stay of two months for research projects or writing your thesis at TUM is required; the maximum length of stay is two semesters.
- Complete your application within the given deadline
Please note:
- No regular courses may be taken at TUM. German courses are the exception.
- You cannot receive ECTS for your stay at TUM.
- Enrolled students will receive a certificate of participation from their TUM supervisor (not from TUM G&A) at the end of their stay.
- The semester fee is to be paid per semester. There are no tuition fees.
- Accommodation in a dormitory of the Student Union Munich-Upper Bavaria is not possible.
- The program language is determined in consultation with the TUM supervisor in advance.
- The purchase of a health insurance policy or an exemption from a German statutory health insurance is mandatory. Health insurance contributions are to be paid from the day of enrollment, in some cases even for the entire semester.
Benefits of enrollment
- Visa for study purposes can be applied for, easier visa application process (visa application only after receipt of TUM admission letter)
- Framework for stay at TUM is regulated, no need to sign an additional user agreement. Without enrollment, your supervisor must clarify your personnel law status individually. Unfortunately, the TUM G&A cannot be of assistance here.
- Accident insurance on TUM grounds and during TUM related business travels.
- Receipt of TUM Student Card which includes some benefits, e.g. TUM Student ID, discounted meals in canteens and caféterias and eligibilty of using the university library.
- Purchase of the reduced Deutschlandticket (“Ermäßigungstickets”) for enrolled students (ticket for public transportation within Germany).
- No tuition fee
How to apply
In order to apply for an enrollment at TUM for a research stay, you will need a confirmation of a TUM supervisor in advance as well as all the documents mentioned below. The corresponding templates can be found below at Downloads and Safety information.
- Online application portal “Incoming Practical Project Student”
- Transcript of records
- Confirmation of supervision from a TUM chair with signature and stamp
- Endorsement of your home university with signature and stamp (alternatively: confirmation of the organization in your home country that supports the Practical Project, e.g. Fulbright)
- Declaration of Insurances (mandatory and optional insurances)
- CV in German or English
Please send the online form and all other documents, combined into one PDF file, by e-mail to the coordinator of the TUM Global & Alumni Office.
Please note our application deadlines. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be processed by the TUM Global & Alumni Office and forwarded to the Admissions Office. Unfortunately, applications received after the deadline cannot be considered. After your acceptance , TUM will send you the official admission letter for exchange students along with important information and instructions on the enrollment process.
Downloads and Safety information
Supervision agreement from a TUM chair (PDF, 94 KB)
Letter of endorsement from your home university (PDF, 12 KB)
After admission
- Clarify entry requirements and apply for visa, if necessary
- Enroll at TUM
- Obtain health insurance and other insurances (optional)
- Transfer the semester fee
- Calculate your cost of living
- Organize your trip to Germany
- Get to know the university
- Seek accommodation
- Public transportation: subscribe to the "discounted Deutschlandticket" (Ermäßigungsticket), if needed
End of your stay
- Make sure to re-register, if you are staying at TUM longer
- Obtain your Confirmation of Stay: Contact your TUM supervisor
- Cancel your health insurance and other contracts
- Deregister at the residents' registration office
- Become part of our alumni network
Accommodation search tips for international Practical Project Students
Are you coming to TUM to study within the framework of Erasmus+ or to gain practical experience at a TUM research institution and still need to find accommodation for your stay in Munich or Garching? Then this video is for you.
