Informatics

The science of informatics concerns the systematic, automatized processing of information. It is a constantly evolving discipline that deals with how information is structured, presented, and processed in both natural and high-tech computational systems. The bachelor’s program in Informatics at the Technical University of Munich is exciting and challenging. Course content concerns not only informatics itself but also sustains a focus on its application. It offers you the opportunity to acquire solid theoretical, practical, and technical skills in this fast-moving field.

No other science has changed our lives and the way we work in the last 30 years more than informatics. Mobile phones, digital cameras and PCs have become everyday commodities within an incredibly short time span and the internet has very quickly become omnipresent. Decisive breakthroughs in medicine, automotive engineering, or aerospace were first made possible by informatics.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the bachelor's program in Informatics (PDF, German) 

As a graduate you possess sound knowledge of computer systems and mathematics. You will also have been able to acquire the first bases for specializing within the discipline.

You are familiar with the fundamental concepts and rules of programming language, computer architecture, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, computer networks, and operating systems. In addition to which, you will have been able to expand your mathematical skills in analysis, linear algebra, and discrete structures. Further, you understand the principles of theoretical informatics, probability theory, and statistics.

During the course of your studies you will have been able to acquire knowledge of the specialties in which you are particularly interested. These include inter alia software engineering, databases, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, IT security, computer architecture, algorithms, and scientific computation.

You will have been able to acquire your first experience of working on projects in interdisciplinary teams and you are also able to present your results to audiences of scientists. 

Although informatics is still a relatively young discipline, it has already assumed a lead role in industrial society. Graduates of the bachelor’s program in informatics go on to begin an exciting career in the fields of software engineering, research, and IT consultancy in Germany as well as internationally.

They find employment in every industrial and economic sector, whether related to mechanical or electrical engineering, mathematics, or medicine. Graduates design complex information systems for commercial use, program robots, build data networks between banks and corporations, and develop traffic control systems – to mention just a handful of examples. 

In addition to the discipline-specific foundations, the bachelor's program in informatics offers you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in internships, projects, and practice-based seminars.

After acquiring solid basic knowledge in the first four semesters, the fifth semester offers you the opportunity to pursue individual specialties. You can choose from a broad offering of specialist courses that deal, by way of example, with artificial intelligence and robotics, computer architecture, databases, or theoretical informatics.

The degree concludes with the bachelor’s thesis and the colloquium in the sixth semester.

• Program structure & Overview of modules

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German. Some courses may, however, be taught in English.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 3,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

How does the application process work? [Bachelor]

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure evaluating your ability to successfully manage the particular qualitative requirements of the bachelor’s program.

In the first stage, your overall secondary school grades, your grades in subject-specific courses, and any relevant practical experience or additional qualifications will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to take a written test.

In detail:

• Aptitude Assessment for Bachelor
• Aptitude Assessment Regulations (German) (PDF 196 KB)