International Automotive Engineering (MEng) Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

The increasing use of electronics in drive, in chassis, and in equipment of modern automobiles as well as the replacement of whole subsystems by technologies such as X-by-wire are important milestones in the automotive industry. The vehicles of tomorrow will be different. Take the higher voltage electrical and electronics systems for example. A 42 volt battery in place of today's 12V system is one change that is coming. Digital wiring harnesses are another.
Therefore, there is a demand for new skills in design and development. Engineers who have solid knowledge in the interface between mechanics, electronics, and computer engineering will be sought after. The Master's programme in International Automotive Engineering provides an opportunity for students to gain a deep understanding in those engineering disciplines upon which the life cycle of the production automobile is based.
The programme is conceived so as to offer a focused graduate course of study covering manifold aspects of automotive engineering. These aspects range from the potential of control units used in automobiles to driver assistance systems. The theoretical foundations of industrial practice and practical applications of the theory of automotive electronics, and control theory, development methodologies, etc. will be presented in a well-balanced fashion.
Furthermore, the rapid increase in the amount of economic activity taking place across national boundaries has changed the job requirements of engineers. Particularly in the automotive industry, employees who are familiar with methods of communication and cooperation in international teams and who have learnt to gain access to foreign cultures are in demand. Therefore, due to the multicultural composition of the trainee group, the language of instruction is English.
The Master's programme addresses qualified and dedicated students from all countries with an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline or in computer science. The programme particularly addresses students who want to take on responsibility for tasks in development, organisation, and management in the automotive industry.

In particular, the Master's programme teaches the engineering-scientific approach within the range of automobile development. It explains the language and symbols to be used in automobile projects. However, scientifically-oriented work in a Master's programme means that students learn independently and take on responsibility themselves.
Several modules are offered to deepen and enlarge the knowledge gained during undergraduate studies. Students will take part in a team project, which will be completed in international and intercultural teams in the labs of the university. The Master's thesis must be written in the fourth semester.

An internship of 12 weeks may be inserted between semesters. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline or in computer science

Due to the large number of applications, we are forced to apply a strict selection procedure in which we evaluate how well an applicant fits the programme. The aptitude procedure is carried out by the selection committee in two stages. In the first stage, the professional qualification is assessed by a curricular analysis of the documents submitted (Bachelor’s certificate). Modules from fundamental areas (automotive engineering, electrical and communications engineering, microcontrollers and signal processing, programming, and software engineering) in which the skills required for the Master’s degree programme in International Automotive Engineering must be acquired are considered. In the second stage, motivation, professional qualifications, and communication skills are determined and assessed in an interview. Applicants with sufficient marks in stage one will be invited to the aptitude interview for stage two. The aptitude interviews are held in June and July for applicants applying to the winter semester, and in January and February for those applying to the summer semester.

The Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt can only make a legally binding decision about your eligibility for your desired study programme after reviewing the documents you submit with your application. We can’t provide a definitive assessment or evaluate your chances of acceptance until we have your full application, including your educational history.

Furthermore, it is possible to find out if you’re qualified to study in Germany before applying. Detailed information is available at the following link: www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/check-university-admission.

Additionally, you can find out about the qualification requirements via the study and examination regulations (=Studien- und Prüfungsordnung = SPO). Find these on the following page under the respective statutes: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/.

Thank you for your understanding. You are very welcome to apply, and we will check your application documents.

All students will have to pay a student union fee of 82 EUR per semester.

In addition to tuition fees, students face the following fixed monthly living costs:

- Health insurance: approx. 150 EUR

- Liability insurance: approx. 10 EUR

- Accommodation: approx. 500 to 650 EUR

- Internet and mobile phone: approx. 25 EUR

- Food: approx. 200 to 300 EUR

- German TV/radio fee: approx. 19 EUR

- Public transport (Deutschlandticket 2026): approx. 43 EUR

Beyond these fixed costs, additional expenses will vary depending on individual needs, such as travel to visit family or participation in leisure activities. 

Additionally, don’t forget potential unforeseen costs, such as the need for a new laptop or mobile phone, etc.

Usually, non-EU students are required to provide proof of sufficient financial means with a blocked account for visa purposes. It should contain approx. 992 EUR per month for up to 12 months.

Whether you can work alongside your studies depends on several factors. At the beginning, it is advisable to focus on your studies and adjust to a new academic and cultural environment. Studying abroad can be challenging due to different learning cultures and the need to catch up on course content.

International students are required to take part in a programme preparing them for the German labour market.

A good command of German at least B2 level is essential for employment opportunities. Students are therefore encouraged to invest time in learning German.

After the first year, students may consider taking on a part-time job. Specialist skills are required to work as a student trainee.

Furthermore, non-EU citizens only have a limited work permit in Germany (see Study and work).

There are different scholarship opportunities for enrolled students in Germany. However, it is very important to understand that scholarships are highly competitive, limited in number, and never guaranteed. Students must ensure they can finance their studies independently and should not rely on receiving a scholarship. Most programmes focus on excellent academic performance, personal engagement, or specific qualifications; financial need is often not the main criterion. Some national scholarships also require German language skills (often B2 level).

THI offers its own scholarship opportunities for international students once a year, announced through the university’s communication channels. Deutschlandstipendium, for example, supports high-performing, committed students regardless of their financial situation.

Also, there are several major national foundations with extensive selection processes for which the university provides guidance and support.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt provides a comprehensive range of counselling and career services, including workshops designed to prepare students for the German labour market. These cover key topics such as application training, CV writing and interview skills.

After graduation, our graduates stay connected with the university and their study group through the Alumni Network.

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/organisation/career-service-student-counselling

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not run any student residence halls / dorms. You will have to start looking for accommodation on your own as soon as possible. At least 500 EUR per month should be budgeted for accommodation.

Here are some facts about finding accommodation in Ingolstadt or Neuburg.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) is an institution that specialises in business and technology and is characterised by innovative study concepts and modern facilities. We are currently training over 8,500 students in more than 75 study programmes in engineering, computer science, business, life sciences and sustainability.
Our students will graduate as sought-after specialists and managers. An extremely dynamic and successful region with a distinctly strong economic structure provides for excellent framework conditions. The relatively small student body guarantees individual guidance, a familial atmosphere, and close cooperation between students and professors.
One of the core features of studying at our university is its orientation towards practical application. Internships and projects, as well as continuous cooperation with regional companies, are fundamental components of every study programme.
The Ingolstadt campus was completed in 1999, and a new tract of buildings opened in 2014. In 2021, the Neuburg campus opened its doors with its Faculty of Sustainable Infrastructure. Modern equipment and facilities create an atmosphere that adds to students' success and enjoyment. Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt is proud of its commitment to offer the highest possible level of quality in research and education. It is possible to explore Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt by visiting the interactive 360° THI campus tour.

The campus is only a short walk from Ingolstadt's appealing old city. The view from the lecture halls is of a castle and other medieval buildings. Ingolstadt lies in the centre of Bavaria, one of the most prosperous German federal states, and it is only an hour by car from the metropolitan areas of Munich and Nuremberg. The opportunities to take part in leisure activities in the area – which is close to the Alps as well as to the beautiful Altmühl valley – are unlimited. With the headquarters of Audi (the international automotive company) and a large number of innovative corporations in the city, Ingolstadt is proud to be one of the strongest economic regions in Germany. Opportunities to participate in sports activities are provided by the university as well as by various amateur and competitive sports clubs. Bavarian charm and the Bavarian way of life – including summer evenings in beer gardens and the diverse cultural events on offer – make daily life in Ingolstadt particularly attractive for students.