Table of Contents of this Study Abroad Blog
Before We Start, Let Me Ask You This
When you hear Technical University of Munich, what do you feel first?
Excitement?
Pressure?
Fear of rejection?
Or that quiet thought: “If I get in here, everything changes”?
Most students do not Google TUM casually. They search it because they want the best technical education in Germany, possibly Europe. They want world-class engineering, AI, aerospace, automotive, data science, and management programs. They want that one university name that makes recruiters pause for a second longer.
But what most blogs do not tell you clearly is this:
TUM is not just competitive.
It is selectively brutal in ways you only realize when you start applying.
This guide is written to save you time, confusion, and unrealistic expectations.
About the Technical University of Munich (TUM)
The Technical University of Munich, often abbreviated as TUM, is one of Germany’s most prestigious public universities. Founded in 1868, it is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world for engineering, technology, and natural sciences.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Munich, Bavaria, Germany |
| Type | Public research university |
| Total students | ~53,000 |
| International students | ~45 percent |
| Main fields | Engineering, CS, AI, Data, Aerospace, Management |
| Language of instruction | English and German |
| Global reputation | Elite technical university |
Unexpected fact most students miss:
TUM is not one campus. It operates across Munich, Garching, Weihenstephan, and Straubing. Some programs are located far from the city center, which affects housing decisions and daily commute.
Why Everyone Wants TUM and Why That Is a Problem
TUM checks almost every box:
-
Germany’s strongest industry connections
-
Partnerships with BMW, Siemens, Google, Airbus
-
Excellent post-study work opportunities
-
Strong research funding
-
High employability after graduation
Now the problem.
Because TUM is public, globally ranked, and industry-linked, everyone applies. Not just top students from India, but also Germany, EU countries, China, Iran, and the US.
This leads us to the question everyone cares about.
Technical University of Munich Acceptance Rate 2025
Let us be honest.
TUM does not publish an official acceptance rate, but based on enrollment numbers, applications, and faculty disclosures, the effective acceptance rate is estimated between 8 and 10 percent.
That puts TUM in the same league as:
-
Imperial College London (for STEM)
-
ETH Zurich
-
Top US public universities
Estimated Acceptance Rate Breakdown
| Applicant Category | Acceptance Probability |
|---|---|
| Overall | ~8 to 10 percent |
| International students | Lower than average |
| Highly competitive programs | 5 percent or less |
| Non-competitive programs | Slightly higher |
Programs With the Lowest Acceptance Rates
-
MSc Aerospace Engineering
-
MSc Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence
-
MSc Informatics and AI-focused tracks
-
MSc Automotive Engineering
-
MSc Data Engineering and Analytics
Unexpected insight:
Many students with excellent GPAs still get rejected because TUM evaluates course matching and academic fit, not just marks.
TUM Admission Difficulty Explained Properly
Most blogs say “competitive” and move on. That is not enough.
TUM rejects students for three main reasons:
1. Curriculum Mismatch (Most Common Reason)
Your bachelor’s subjects must closely match the German curriculum. Even a high GPA will not save you if:
-
You lack core math credits
-
Your CS degree is too application-oriented
-
You skipped theoretical foundations
Many Indian students are rejected silently at this stage.
2. Limited Seats Per Program
Some programs accept only 30 to 60 international students per intake.
That means your competition is not average students. It is top students from around the world.
3. Additional Selection Procedures
Some programs include:
-
Aptitude assessments
-
Technical interviews
-
Written tests
-
Ranking based on weighted criteria
This is why TUM feels harder than other German universities.
IELTS and Language Requirements at TUM
English-Taught Programs
| Test | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | ~88 |
| Cambridge | Accepted |
Important detail most students miss:
Some programs prefer higher scores, especially if your academic background is borderline.
German-Taught Programs
-
TestDaF
-
DSH-2
-
Goethe certifications
Even for English programs, basic German helps massively in daily life and part-time work.
Fees at Technical University of Munich (Big Change After 2024)
This is where many old blogs are now outdated.
Tuition Fees for Non-EU Students (From Winter 2024 Onwards)
TUM introduced tuition fees for non-EU students.
| Level | Tuition Fee per Semester |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €2,000 to €3,000 |
| Master’s | €4,000 to €6,000 |
| Semester contribution | ~€145 |
Total Tuition Cost Estimate
| Program Duration | Approx Tuition |
|---|---|
| Bachelor (6 semesters) | €12,000 to €18,000 |
| Master (4 semesters) | €16,000 to €24,000 |
Unexpected but important:
Fees vary by program. Engineering and tech-heavy programs tend to be on the higher side.
Living Cost in Munich (Reality Check)
Munich is Germany’s most expensive student city.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 to €800 |
| Food | €200 to €300 |
| Health insurance | €120 |
| Transport | €40 |
| Miscellaneous | €100 |
| Total | €800 to €1,400 |
Unexpected insight:
Students living near Garching campus often pay less rent but spend more time commuting.
Scholarships and Fee Waivers at TUM
TUM introduced waiver scholarships specifically to offset new tuition fees.
Types of Support Available
-
Merit-based fee waivers
-
Need-based tuition reduction
-
Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per month)
-
External DAAD scholarships
Important truth:
Scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed. You should never rely on them as your only financial plan.
How to Actually Improve Your Chances at TUM
This is the part I wish more blogs wrote honestly.
What Actually Helps
-
Strong GPA in relevant subjects
-
Clear alignment between bachelor’s and master’s curriculum
-
Well-written motivation letter focused on academics
-
Projects that show depth, not just certificates
-
Internships related to your field
-
Early application with perfect documentation
What Barely Helps
-
Fancy extracurriculars unrelated to your course
-
Generic SOPs
-
Applying to random programs without fit
-
Assuming “German universities are easy”
Comparison: TUM vs RWTH Aachen (Acceptance Reality)
| Factor | TUM | RWTH Aachen |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Lower | Slightly higher |
| City cost | Very high | Moderate |
| Global ranking | Higher | Very strong |
| Industry exposure | Exceptional | Excellent |
| Admission strictness | Extremely high | High |
Unexpected insight:
Some students rejected from TUM get into RWTH Aachen and still have outstanding careers.
Is Studying at the Technical University of Munich Worth It?
If you are looking for:
-
Easy admission
-
Low stress
-
Guaranteed entry
Then no.
But if you want:
-
Elite technical education
-
Global recognition
-
Strong industry exposure
-
A challenging but rewarding academic environment
Then yes, absolutely.
TUM is not for everyone, but for the right student, it can be life-changing.
Final Thoughts (Read This Slowly)
The Technical University of Munich is not just another German university. It is a filter. It filters for academic seriousness, discipline, and long-term vision.
Many students remember the blogs that sugar-coat the process.
You will remember the site that told you the truth.
If you want, I can next:
-
Build a TUM vs ETH Zurich vs RWTH comparison
-
Review your profile honestly for TUM chances
-
Create a program-specific SOP framework
-
List hidden mistakes that cause silent rejection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on
Study at Technical University of Munich: Fees, IELTS, Acceptance Rate:
1. Is the Technical University of Munich hard to get into?
Yes, the Technical University of Munich is one of the most competitive universities in Germany. The estimated acceptance rate is around 8 to 10 percent, and for highly demanded programs like Aerospace Engineering, Informatics, Robotics, and Automotive Engineering, the acceptance rate can fall below 5 percent. Admission decisions are based not only on GPA but also on curriculum match, academic depth, and program-specific selection criteria.
2. What is the acceptance rate of the Technical University of Munich for international students?
The acceptance rate for international students at the Technical University of Munich is lower than the overall average. Due to limited seats and high global demand, non-EU students face intense competition. Many academically strong applicants are rejected due to curriculum mismatch or limited capacity rather than poor grades.
3. What are the tuition fees at the Technical University of Munich for international students in 2025?
From winter semester 2024 onward, non-EU international students must pay tuition fees at the Technical University of Munich.
Bachelor’s programs cost approximately €2,000 to €3,000 per semester, while Master’s programs cost €4,000 to €6,000 per semester, depending on the course. All students must also pay a semester contribution of around €145 per semester.
4. Is the Technical University of Munich still free for Indian students?
No. The Technical University of Munich is no longer tuition-free for Indian students. Indian students, classified as non-EU applicants, are required to pay tuition fees starting from the 2024 intake. However, scholarships and tuition waivers are available for eligible students.
5. What IELTS score is required for the Technical University of Munich?
For English-taught programs, the Technical University of Munich typically requires an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall. Some competitive programs may prefer higher scores. Students applying to German-taught programs must demonstrate German language proficiency through TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent certifications.
6. Can I get into the Technical University of Munich with a low GPA?
It is very difficult to get into the Technical University of Munich with a low GPA, especially for competitive programs. TUM prioritizes academic excellence and curriculum alignment. Even students with high GPAs are rejected if their academic background does not match the program requirements.
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