Sustainability Management and Technologies (SMT) Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

The Master’s programme in Sustainability Management and Technologies (SMT) focuses on the integration of sustainability into the core of business, taking into consideration the support provided by innovative, clean technologies.

As the world grapples with environmental and social challenges, the SMT programme integrates sustainability, management and technology, offering a consecutive Master of Science degree that transcends traditional education boundaries. The programme is designed to accommodate about 30 students per year, ensuring a personalised and focused learning experience.

The curriculum is a tapestry of sustainability management, economics, and technology subjects interrelated to each other. All subjects focus on practical case studies and projects. This approach ensures that students don’t just learn theories but also apply them in real-world scenarios, preparing them for the complexities of the global market.

The curriculum of the SMT programme is a reflection of the university’s commitment to innovation and practicality. Voluntary language courses complement the technical and management subjects, providing a well-rounded educational experience. The Sustainability Science & Technology Cluster focuses on technologies essential for sustainability, while the Sustainability Management Cluster covers the management aspects, and the Social Sustainability & Social Skills Cluster addresses social sustainability aspects as well as social and intercultural skills.

Modules like Sustainable Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Circular Economy and Life Cycle Management and Metrics and Analytics for Sustainability are just a few examples of the comprehensive offerings of the programme. These modules are not just academic subjects; they are the tools with which students will shape the future of sustainable business practices. It’s a programme that has been crafted with the future in mind and discussed with industry representatives to ensure its relevance and practicality.

In conclusion, the Master’s programme in Sustainability Management and Technologies at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt is more than just an educational pathway; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. It’s an invitation to be part of a vision that seeks to harmonise the needs of the economy, society and the environment.

The Sustainability Management and Technologies programme is a postgraduate Master's programme with a total of four semesters, which are to be completed on a full-time basis. The programme combines in-depth academic studies with practical examples, establishing language competencies required by international markets.

The first semester builds the foundation of the programme. The integration of sustainability into business with a focus on life cycle thinking and circularity is combined with performance management and the societal perspective of technology development. The second semester deepens the knowledge on sustainable leadership and introduces technologies crucial for a sustainable development. The third semester extends the programme towards sustainable finance and technologies relevant to address climate change and urban ecology. It also includes a sustainability project. During all semesters, the language skills required in an international environment are built.

Upon completion of the Master's thesis, which is written in the fourth semester, students receive the academic degree of "Master of Science", which enables them to start careers in internationally-active business enterprises, in self-employment or in advanced research programmes with a focus on the integration of management, sustainability and technology.

The individual study contents ("modules") are shown in the following overview. The study programme comprises 120 ECTS.

The admission requirements are stated on the course website:

https://www.thi.de/en/faculties/sustainable-infrastructure/degree-programmes/sustainability-management-and-technologies-msc/

It is recommended (but not mandatory) to provide either a GMAT or GRE test score with your application. 

The application procedure includes a short video interview (online, in groups). 

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.

This programme is offered at the Neuburg campus. Neuburg offers a rich and beautiful baroque history. It is on the Danube, the European river is running through the city and landscape and is leaving its mark. The Danube floodplains between Ingolstadt and Neuburg are a biosphere reserve full of oxbow lakes inhabited by rare animals and plants. Neuburg within the district of Neuburg-Schrobenhausen is also a central player in the economic region between Eichstätt, Ingolstadt and Pfaffenhofen, centrally located between the major cities of Munich, Augsburg and, of course, Ingolstadt.