Technical University of Munich: TUM

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Germany’s most prestigious universities, globally renowned for its excellence in engineering, technology, medicine, and the applied and natural sciences. In the 2024 QS Rankings, TUM was recognized as the second-best overall university within the European Union (behind Université PSL, Paris) and as the second-best EU university for engineering and technology (behind Delft University of Technology, Netherlands). TUM’s main campus is located in Munich.

You should definitely consider TUM if you are planning to study engineering, technology or applied science at a leading university. With its strong academic excellence, focus on entrepreneurship and commitment to global collaboration, TUM is an excellent school that prepares its students for success in the global market.

TUM’s bachelor programs typically span three years and offer a comprehensive foundation in technical and scientific disciplines. Many programs integrate practical experience through internships, research projects, or industry collaborations, ensuring students gain real-world skills alongside their academic studies. TUM emphasizes an international perspective, with English-taught programs and partnerships with over 170 universities worldwide, which also allows students to participate in exchange programs or earn dual degrees with leading universities.

Some key bachelor’s programs offered by TUM include:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Biotechnology
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Management and Technology

For Swedish students interested in studying a TUM, applications are submitted through the German university application system (Uni-Assistt or TUMOnline), depending on the program. Applicants must typically provide:

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English or German proficiency (depending on the program’s language of instruction)
• A personal statement outlining their motivation
• Letters of recommendation
• Résumé/CV

The application deadline for fall 2025 is usually mid-July 2025, though deadlines may vary by program.

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Questions with responses from TUM:

1. What unique qualities or experiences do you look for in international applicants, particularly those from Sweden?
   
   For us at TUM, the most important factor is a student’s dedication and drive. Of course, you need specific skills and prior knowledge to join our university, but the most important factor for our admission committees is understanding why you want to join a particular program. What are your goals, your ambitions? The scientific deep-dive, entrepreneurial spirit, or the vision to discover the hitherto undiscovered at the intersection of traditional disciplines? If you can support your arguments with grades, extracurricular activities, and personal engagement, all the better.
   
2. How does your university’s academic approach and link to the job market differ from others in the US or Europe?

What makes TUM unique is its willingness to drive change at the intersection of disciplines and focus on leveraging an individual’s skills to benefit science and society. We encourage all students to develop their skillsets even in undergraduate courses, look left and right and discover what they’re really good at. TUM supports its students in this by offering a unique range of interdisciplinary courses, allowing students to try out new things. Are you an engineer passionate about sustainable solutions? A management student focusing on AI in medical applications? A political science major with a passion for spacecraft?

Our excellent rankings in both scientific fields and in terms of employability and startup support encourage us on our path.

3. What kind of extracurricular activities are popular among international students, and how do these activities help with integration?
   
   In our 180 clubs, more than 50% of the students involved are international. In terms of integration, finding friends, and creating networks, it does not matter what you do – you can have fun mountain biking, build satellites, cars, and rockets, or build sustainable structures in our ecosystem – there’s something for everyone. It really helps international students quickly find their new home at our university.
   
   
4. How does the university help students engage with the broader local community?
   
   Our Student Clubs, the TUM Think Tank, our Center for Culture and Arts, and the entrepreneurial initiatives – all of them work closely with partners in the local and wider community and are open to students from all disciplines.
   
5. How does your university assist students in transitioning from academia to the job market, particularly internationally?
   
   One major aspect is integrating companies in project-based learning courses, particularly at the master’s level. This is an excellent opportunity for students to meet companies, spend a few days at their premises, and build their network. There is also a dedicated apartment for setting up students’ career paths, Germany’s largest student career fair IKOM and additional coaching and advising offers to prepare students for the international job market. As a global university with a strong network of industry and research partners from Germany and worldwide, there is no shortage of opportunities to kickstart your career.
   
6. What scholarships or financial aid opportunities are available specifically for students from Sweden?
   
   We do not offer specific scholarships for Swedish students – there is, however, a scholarship for international students and generally no tuition for EU students.
   
   

Written by Axel Brunzell