TUM PREP: International talent for your research
Since 2017, TUM PREP (Practical Research Experience Program) has been offering students from leading US and Canadian universities — and since 2022 also from our flagship partner Imperial College London — the chance to gain research experience at TUM.
Participants work side by side with TUM researchers for eight weeks, bringing new energy, fresh perspectives, and a great deal of commitment. The program is open to all TUM chairs and research groups in Munich, Garching, and Freising — and we warmly invite you to submit your project ideas and integrate international top students into your research.
TUM PREP is exclusively for partner universities such as Imperial College London, Princeton University, MIT, Harvard, Georgia Tech, as well as the University of Toronto and the University of Montreal, and is extremely popular. Every year, up to 50 students are selected from a pool of outstanding applicants. Participants work intensively on their research projects and, along the way, enjoy a cultural program together with TUM buddies in a relaxed atmosphere. This includes activities like visits to Munich landmarks, excursions to the Alps, or evenings at traditional beer gardens — creating lasting memories, fostering a strong sense of community, and strengthening their intercultural competencies.
Scientific and cultural benefits for TUM researchers
The added value for the participating research chairs is clear to supervisors of past TUM PREP rounds: the international students contribute new ideas and enrich the teams both professionally and personally.
Prof. Stephen Schrettl from the TUM School of Life Sciences, who supervised a student from Imperial College London in 2024, emphasizes: “Her enthusiasm, analytical skills, and ability to integrate seamlessly into our team enriched our lab academically and personally. It was inspiring to see how quickly she contributed to our research while becoming a valued member of the group. TUM PREP was a rewarding experience for all of us!”
Prof. Andreas Reiserer, Chair of Quantum Networks, also speaks enthusiastically about his experience hosting a Princeton University student at TUM: “Despite the short duration of her stay, she made a valuable contribution to one of our research projects. We are still in contact after her return — laying the groundwork for a long-term and successful collaboration.”
And Prof. Hubert Gasteiger, Chair of Technical Electrochemistry, offers a positive summary of hosting students from Virginia Tech and the University of Wisconsin–Madison: “Their diverse academic backgrounds brought new ideas and fresh perspectives into our research. Plus, their energy, curiosity, and international spirit enriched the entire team!”
Join TUM PREP 2026!
Take this opportunity to showcase your project to international talent in the next TUM PREP round and make valuable global connections. Applying is easy: simply submit your project idea via Wiki form with just a few clicks and receive support from the TUM Global & Alumni Office project manager throughout the process. Deadline is August 24, 2025.
Important: If you participated in summer 2025 and would like to offer the same project again in summer 2026, please simply send the existing project code to prep(at)tum.de.