Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence University of Passau

Prepare for a future-proof tech career with a degree in AI

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has been accelerating in recent years and AI is on the way to become a key driving force for new developments in our society.

Employers in the industry and IT sector are keen to recruit AI experts. Our English-taught Bachelor’s programme in Artificial Intelligence is designed to equip you with that sought-after expertise. You’ll learn how to model complex problems, process data, and use AI-based solutions such as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks and large language models, to name just a few.

The programme goes far beyond teaching you how to use AI tools: you’ll learn the mathematical and theoretical principles that AI is based on, enabling you to refine and optimise existing AI tools and to develop brand new ones. You'll also learn about legal and ethical perspectives on AI and its developments.

This is what the BSc Artificial Intelligence degree programme in Passau offers:

• Research-oriented education in AI under internationally renowned scientists
• Superb staff-student ratio
• AI project (comprehensive team-based software project)
• You can complete the entire programme in English. For the first two years, you can also attend lectures in German.
• Free subject-specific language classes are available.
• An award-winning student experience on Germany's most beautiful university campus and in the lively student town of Passau.

Building on this Bachelor's degree programme, the University of Passau offers the MSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering, the MSc Computer Science and the MSc Mathematics, in which you can specialise and deepen your acquired knowledge. Upon completion of this Bachelor's programme, you can continue along the academic career path by studying for a Master's degree and subsequently a doctorate.

Core curriculum in Artificial Intelligence

The basic AI training consists of programming, data representation, algorithms and data structures, and algorithmic complexity. You will also learn the relevant mathematical fundamentals from linear algebra, analysis, and stochastics. There are also AI-specific lectures such as machine learning and multi-agent systems.

Elective curriculum

In addition to the core curriculum, the elective area "theoretical and/or applied artificial intelligence" covers in-depth aspects, for example, from the fields of machine learning, logic, algorithmics, databases, software engineering, knowledge engineering, optimisation and stochastics.

Minor subjects

Students must choose three minor subjects and, if necessary, take language courses to acquire the required language skills.

As minor subjects, you can choose from the following:

• Theoretical Foundations of AI – Random Structures and Dynamics
• Theoretical Foundations of AI – Algorithms and Optimisation
• Natural Language Processing and Multilingual Computational Linguistics
• Software Engineering
• Visual Computing, and Data Science
• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Regulation of AI and Data
• German as a Foreign Language

There is no formal internship requirement for this degree programme. Nevertheless, we recommend that you go to the effort of completing one or more voluntary internships as you study towards your degree. These internship(s) will not be arranged for you; rather, you are responsible for searching for the internship, negotiating the outline (i.e. the job description) and making all necessary arrangements. However, the university can help you with information and hands-on advice. For more details, please see the following websites:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach

Applicants with an Abitur or European qualifications:

Prospective students with a higher education entrance qualification from Germany or the EEA region (e.g. German Abitur or the Austrian Matura) who have English language skills equivalent to B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) can enrol directly on this degree programme during the enrolment period.

Prospective students with non-EEA qualifications:

English language requirements: You should provide proof of English language skills equivalent to level B2 (CEFR).

Higher education aptitude tests: In addition to the university entrance qualification, applicants whose qualification was attained outside the school systems of European Economic Area (EEA) member countries are required to achieve the specified results in one of the following aptitude tests:

• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) with a score of 1240 or higher
• Test for Academic Studies (TestAS) showing a percentile rank of 80 or above in the Core Module or the Subject Module Maths, Computer Science or Science (digital and paper-based TestAS results are both accepted)
• American College Testing programme (ACT) with a score of 25 or higher (Composite ) or in the STEM category (which is calculated from your scores in Maths and Science)
• Joint Entrance Examination (JEE): one of the following:
  • JEE Main with an NTA score of 80 or above
  • or: JEE Advanced rated "qualified"
• College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT; Suneung) with the result "Grade 3" or better

If you are a citizen of the European Union, please contact the Student Registration Office.

The semester contribution fee is around 130 EUR per semester. This covers the student services association and bus pass fees. At the time of writing (April 2026), the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees.

You should budget a minimum of 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. If you need a visa to come to Germany, this is the amount you must have available to you (e.g. paid into a blocked account) for each month. Nevertheless, your actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle, and so you should treat this figure as an absolute minimum.

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand: the "iStudi Coach" will help you with all your questions about finding work or placements in Germany.

Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

The International Office awards a small number of scholarships to international degree-seeking students who have been enrolled in a Bachelor's programme for at least two semesters or in a Master's programme for at least one semester. You may also apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, which is open to students of all nationalities. This scholarship has a stipend of 300 EUR per month and runs for one year. You may reapply in subsequent years. Finally, there is a one-off emergency hardship grant available to international students in exceptional cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

The university provides advice on job hunting, jobs, and career-entry positions at German and international companies, here and abroad. These include personal interviews, advice, and training courses on how to apply as well as intercultural and soft skills training.

International students have access to a dedicated career adviser – the "iStudi Coach" – who helps them find internships and apply for student jobs and career-entry positions at German companies. The iStudi Coach also coaches international students on German labour market practices, how to write applications, and so on.

Related links:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach

The International Office has set up an accommodation service, which assists international students in finding accommodation.

Rooms in the halls of residence cost between 240 EUR and 510 EUR per month and are fully furnished. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared, although some rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. However, please note that the demand for the rooms in the student halls is very high, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent one.

Luckily, there is a large number of flats and flatshares available on the open housing market. On average, you should expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of 350 EUR to 550 EUR a month for these. Landlords usually require a two-month or three-month deposit when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your accommodation in good condition.

• Further details on housing in Passau
• Accommodation service for international students

The University of Passau

More than 10,000 students from approximately 100 countries are currently studying towards their degrees on our bright, modern campus next to the Inn River and a stone's throw from the town centre and the historical old town.

The five faculties of the university offer degrees at the undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral levels. Currently, 11 degree programmes can be studied entirely in English: BSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering, MSc Business Administration, MSc Computer Science, MA Development Studies, MA Governance and Public Policy, MSc Information Systems, MSc International Economics and Business, MA International Education and Global Learning, BSc Mathematics and MSc Mathematics.

A cosmopolitan university

No other Bavarian university has more of its students spending part of their programme abroad – to study, conduct research or gain work experience – than the University of Passau.

The range and depth of language tuition offered by our language centre probably has a role to play in this. Another reason is that our programmes are very international in their outlook – and with some 300 international partner universities to choose from, it is difficult not to be tempted to go abroad for a semester or two or even to complete one of our double-degree programmes offered in cooperation with our global partner universities.

An unparalleled student experience

Passau’s students benefit from a good staff-to-student ratio and from studying on an urban campus of manageable size that is located very close to the town centre.

The facilities on campus are of a high standard. There are bright, sunny seminar rooms, lecture theatres equipped with the latest technology, numerous computer rooms, Wi-Fi access exists throughout the campus, and our well-stocked university library stays open until late into the night on most days.

Student satisfaction at the University of Passau is particularly high and our sought-after graduates typically occupy executive posts in business, social, and academic organisations in Germany, Europe, and indeed all over the world.

Student life

Throughout the semester, there are plenty of events of all sorts on campus and around town, often organised by our very active student societies. Our sports centre has some 40 sports clubs, offering everything from acrobatics to Zumba.

An ideal student town

Passau is situated near the Bavarian Forest at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. After two fires that destroyed much of the town in the 17th century, the old town was rebuilt in the baroque style by Italian master builders, which is why you will notice a distinct Italian flair as you stroll through "Bavarian Venice", another name by which Passau is known.

With students accounting for one-quarter of its population, Passau is very much a student town with many galleries, art studios, bars, cafés, clubs and, of course, beer gardens; naturally, there is a modern multiplex cinema. A shopping centre and the nearby pedestrian zone offer a lot of excellent eateries and shops, just a short five-minute walk from campus.

Passau is home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the theatre and the "Scharfrichterhaus" – a restaurant, cinema and political cabaret/stand-up stage where many of Germany’s most popular contemporary comedians started out. Both have productions and acts running throughout the year.

In addition to this, Passau plays host to numerous annual cultural events, including "Europäische Wochen Passau" – a cultural festival which brings international symphonic orchestras, classical ensembles, theatre companies and artists to Passau for about six weeks every year; the Eulenspiegel Festival with predominantly German comedy acts and rock bands; two Oktoberfest-style festivals in spring and autumn; and no list of festivals would be complete without the traditional Christmas Market in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral every December. Incidentally, did you know that St. Stephen's is home to the world's largest cathedral organ?

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted at the many opportunities for hiking, climbing, cycling, and alpine and cross-country skiing in the nearby Bavarian Forest. Additionally, Passau is not far from the Austrian and Bavarian Alps, with their famous skiing areas as well as their mountain biking and hiking trails.