Technical University of Munich (TUM) Admission 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Indian Students

Introduction

For an Indian engineering aspirant, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is the "MIT of Europe." Consistently ranked as the #1 University in Germany, it is the birthplace of BMW, Siemens technology, and 17 Nobel Laureates.

But for the Winter 2026 intake, the dream comes with a new price tag.

After decades of free education, TUM has re-introduced tuition fees for non-EU students. Furthermore, the competition has skyrocketed—admission is no longer just about your GPA; it’s about passing the rigorous "Aptitude Assessment" (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).

In this detailed review, we break down exactly how much it costs to study at TUM in 2026, which courses are still "Indian-friendly" (taught in English), and how to hack the admission process.

Highlights: Technical University of Munich(TUM) at a Glance

Feature	Details
QS World Rank	#28 (Germany #1)
Location	Munich (Main), Garching (Tech), Freising (Life Sciences)
Tuition Fees (2026)	€2,000 - €6,000 per semester (Non-EU)
Acceptance Rate	~8% (For popular English Masters)
Indian Community	MISA (Munich Indian Students Association)
Admission Criteria	APS Certificate + Aptitude Test/Interview

1. The New Tuition Fees: Is it Still Worth It?

This is the biggest update. As of the 2024/25 cycle, TUM charges fees for international students.

• Bachelor’s Degree: €2,000 – €3,000 per semester (approx. ₹1.8L – ₹2.7L).

• Master’s Degree: €4,000 – €6,000 per semester (approx. ₹3.6L – ₹5.4L).

• Total Cost (2 Years): Approx. ₹15 Lakhs – ₹22 Lakhs.

Verdict: While no longer "free," TUM is still 60% cheaper than US/UK universities. For a degree that lands you a job in Germany’s highest-paying state (Bavaria), the ROI remains massive.

2. Top English-Taught Courses for Indian Students

TUM is famous because it offers Technical courses entirely in English. You do not

need German proficiency for admission to these:

• MSc Data Engineering and Analytics: The most popular course for Indian CS grads. Highly competitive.

• MSc Aerospace: TUM runs its own space program. Ideal for Mechanical/Aero students.

• MSc Management & Technology (TUM-BWL): A unique blend of MBA and Engineering. Perfect for engineers who want to enter consulting.

• MSc Computational Science and Engineering (CSE): Focuses on simulation and high-performance computing.

3. TUM Admission Requirements 2026 (The Hard Part)

Getting into TUM is harder than getting into IIT Bombay for some streams. Here is the gauntlet you must cross:

A. The APS Certificate (Mandatory)

Before you even apply, you need an APS Certificate from the German Embassy in India. It verifies your Indian degree.

• Warning: Processing takes 4-5 months. Apply for this in January 2026 for the Winter intake.

B. The "Aptitude Assessment" (Level 1 & 2)

TUM does not just look at your CGPA.

• Level 1: They evaluate your GPA, SOP, and Course Match (Curriculum Analysis). If your score is high (e.g., >75 points), you get a Direct Admit.

• Level 2: If your score is borderline, you are invited for an Online Test or Interview.

  • For CS/Data: Expect a coding test or rigorous math quiz.

  • For Mech/Civil: Expect technical questions on thermodynamics or mechanics.

C. GRE/GATE Scores

• GRE: Highly recommended (Quant 164+) for MSc Informatics and Data Engineering.

• GATE: A high GATE score can sometimes substitute for GRE in specific faculties.

4. Scholarships for Indian Students

Since fees are high, scholarships are crucial.

1. TUM Waiver Scholarship:

   • If you are an excellent student but cannot afford the fees, you can apply for a waiver after getting admitted.

2. Loschge Scholarship:

   • One-time grant of €500 – €1,000 for students in the School of Engineering.

3. Deutschlandstipendium:

   • €300/month.[4][5] Open to all international students with high grades.

4. Tata Scholarship (External):

   • The J.N. Tata Endowment loan scholarship is widely accepted for TUM students.

5. Student Life: The "MISA" Factor

Munich is expensive (Rent ~€800/month), but the Indian community makes it easier.

• MISA (Munich Indian Students Association): One of the most active groups in Europe. They organize Diwali bashes, Cricket tournaments, and—most importantly—"Freshers' Help" (finding accommodation, city registration).

• Location: Most tech courses are at the Garching Campus, which is 25 mins by train from Munich city center. It has its own "Research City" vibe with giant slides inside the Math building!

FAQs regarding TUM Admission 2026

1. Is German required for English-taught masters?

For admission: No. For the degree: Yes. You usually need to pass a basic "A1 German" module during your studies to graduate.

2. Can I apply with a 7.5 CGPA?

Yes, but it is risky for popular courses like Data Science. TUM focuses heavily on "Curriculum Matching." If your Indian syllabus didn't cover specific Math/Stats modules, you will be rejected even with a 9.0 CGPA.

3. When does the application open for Winter 2026?

Applications usually open in April 2026 and close on May 31, 2026. Do not wait for the last day.

4. Is the Garching campus boring?

It is a tech hub, not a party hub. However, the U-Bahn (U6 line) takes you to Marienplatz (City Center) in 20 minutes. Most students live in the city and commute.

5. What is the average salary after graduating from TUM?

TUM graduates are the highest paid in Germany. Starting salaries for CS/Engineering grads range from €55,000 to €70,000 (approx. ₹50L – ₹63L).

Conclusion

TUM is not for the faint-hearted. The admission process is a bureaucratic maze (APS + Curriculum Analysis), and the exams are tough.

But if you make it, you join the elite. You study in the labs where Diesel engines and Refrigerators were invented.

Your Action Plan:

1. Apply for APS immediately.

2. Match your Syllabus with TUM’s requirements.

3. Learn A1 German now to save time later.