AI Engineering of Autonomous Systems Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

This exciting programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to work on cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are transforming industries and revolutionising our lives and work.

Throughout the programme, you’ll learn how to design, develop, and deploy intelligent systems capable of learning, making decisions, and operating autonomously, without human intervention. You’ll explore advanced topics like sensor networks and data fusion, data engineering, computing and software engineering, machine learning and decision-making, perception and cognition, and connectivity – the building blocks of modern autonomous systems.

Our experienced faculty members, experts in AI engineering and members of the unique “AImotion” approach funded by the Bavarian government, provide practical, hands-on training and theoretical insights to help you apply your learning to real-world problems. They guide you through the latest developments in AI engineering, including ethical considerations and challenges associated with developing autonomous systems.

By the end of the programme, you’ll possess the skills and knowledge to design and implement intelligent systems that learn from data, adapt, and make decisions optimising overall performance. You’ll develop autonomous systems capable of providing new functionalities, enhancing safety, and improving efficiency across various industries, such as mobility, production, agriculture, and medical engineering.

We believe AI engineering is the future of technology, and autonomous systems will play a pivotal role in shaping our world. We’re thrilled to accompany you on this journey and committed to providing the support and resources you need to succeed. Join us and be a part of the revolution in AI engineering!

This three-semester programme at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt covers compulsory and elective modules. The compulsory modules focus on Intelligent Sensing and Exploration, Planning, Control and Decision Making, and Software Methods and System Development.

Intelligent Sensing and Exploration explores the role of sensors in autonomous systems, particularly in terms of mobility and autonomy. It delves into how data from multiple sensors is combined to quickly and accurately communicate information about the environment, physical events, activities, or situations to decision-making components.

Planning, Control and Decision Making emphasises the importance of intelligent planning in autonomous and predictive action. Systems need to be able to plan their actions to achieve goals and respond to unexpected or new situations by adapting their behaviour. Machine learning methods are used to combine sensory data with past experience, drawing conclusions that can improve actions.

Software Methods and System Development approaches the development of autonomous systems from a software engineering perspective. It covers various characteristics of autonomous systems, cloud and edge computing architectures, and learning models to demonstrate the technical feasibility of systems that can dynamically adapt their behaviour to changes in operating conditions through software.

The elective modules complement the compulsory part and focus on specific aspects of autonomous system development, automotive applications, innovation management, engineering processes, and German language courses.

The research methods module allows students to apply scientific research methods to a state-of-the-art topic in AI engineering. They present and discuss the topic with peers and summarise their findings in a seminar paper.

The group project provides students with an experience of “learning by doing” and collaboration in a team of their peers. The project culminates in a project presentation and a summary paper.

Admission to this programme is based on a successfully completed Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or mathematics (or a discipline thereof), totalling 210 ECTS. If your Bachelor’s degree has less than 210 but at least 180 ECTS, you’ll need to demonstrate missing competences through additional passed exams or internships.

To be admitted to the Master’s programme in AI Engineering of Autonomous Systems, you must pass an aptitude test to assess your skills acquired in your Bachelor’s programme. The test evaluates your cumulative grade in electrical engineering, computer science, or mathematics, knowledge of systems engineering, signal processing, communications, programming, software development, probability theory, and machine learning, and independent scientific work and experience in engineering problem-solving.

There are no tests or interviews that require personal presence. You can apply using the aptitude test questionnaire, which is also available on the Primuss application portal.

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.