Chemistry

Modern tumor therapy, molecular machines, chip technology, efficient catalysts, new kinds of energy sources – chemists bring their ideas to all of these research areas and develop new concepts. Chemistry is the most significant cross-sectional science, in which fascinating research areas are linked with one another to great effect. There is a grand and uninterrupted tradition of chemistry in Germany. In economic terms, the discipline remains the country's most important natural science.

The master's program in Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich offers students the opportunity to create an individual study and competency profile. In the process, they choose a main subject from the areas of

• inorganic and organometallic chemistry
• organic chemistry
• physical chemistry
• chemical technology

And complement this with a minor from a broad spectrum of specialist disciplines:

• analytical chemistry
• inorganic and organometallic chemistry
• construction chemistry
• biological chemistry
• the chemistry of macromolecules, colloids, interfaces
• catalysis
• food chemistry
• material chemistry
• organic chemistry
• pharmaceutical radiochemistry
• physical chemistry
• chemical technology
• theoretical chemistry

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

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Chemistry (PDF, 940 KB) (German) 

As a graduate you are able to analyze, describe and evaluate complex sets of circumstances relating to chemicals. Your discipline-specific and methodological competencies enable you to develop and implement individual solutions.

In addition, individual options concerning combinations of disciplines will have allowed you to acquire your own competency profile. 

For graduates of the master's program in Chemistry, diverse opportunities arise: in industry, at research institutes or institutions of higher education, and also in public services. Other sectors also offer interesting opportunities: the cosmetics, food, automotive, electrical, and construction materials industries, metal production and processing, consultancy, energy, insurance, water services, wood processing and paper manufacture, state institutions and regional authorities, factory inspection, customs, fire services, police, regional law enforcement agencies, or clinics. 

• Central to the first two semesters is content in the chosen main subject and minor.
• This is expanded upon in the third semester through content from further disciplines in chemistry and general education modules. Students also have the option to complete the third semester abroad.
• The program concludes with the master’s thesis in the fourth semester.  

• Overview degree program structure

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.

• Information on exams
• Contact Examination Board
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 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.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master’s program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment allows the TUM school to which you are applying to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

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

Here you will find detailed information on the requirements for the documents you need to upload for application and admission to TUM.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a Bachelor’s) obtained outside of Germany must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist (Preliminary Documentation).

In detail:

• Applying for a Master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more  
• Important information about your application from the TUM School of Natural Sciences (German)

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Statement of purpose (Letter of Motivation)
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a Bachelor’s) was obtained outside Germany)

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)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (authentic document)
• Transcript of Records (authentic document)
• 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 winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
Application period for summer semester: 01.10. – 15.01.

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. 

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. The aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its Master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your Bachelor’s program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Information on the Aptitude Assessment (German) (PDF 403 KB)