Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

The Master's programme in Renewable Energy Systems (RES) aims at providing graduates with the skills required to successfully plan, develop, and control energy systems. Graduates will be familiar with renewable energy technologies and able to expand their professional knowledge.
The main focus is not on single technologies. Rather, it is on the interrelation between these technologies and the structure of the demand side. In particular, graduates should be able to work in an international working environment, dealing successfully with intercultural challenges.
The following modules are part of the curriculum:

1. Introductory Laboratory Course
2. Production Oriented Energy Systems
3. Off-Grid Energy Systems
4. Urban Area Energy Systems
5. Numerical Methods and Simulation Techniques
6. Energy Efficiency and Energy Management
7. System Analysis and Control
8. Energy Policies and Markets
9. Hydrogen in Energy Technology and Energy Markets
10. Thesis
11. Optional Internship

It is also possible (but not compulsory) to study the RES programme as a dual course of study. Students of the dual Master's degree programme will complete two internships over semesters one and two.

The standard period of study for the RES Master's programme amounts to three theoretical semesters. The third semester is used primarily for the completion of the Master's thesis. The programme is offered as a full-time course. Within the range of subjects, students are conveyed an in-depth and detailed theoretical, technical and practical understanding of energy systems.

In the first semester, knowledge, skills and competencies in the fields of energy are conveyed. An urban area energy system is designed. Furthermore, students learn to work independently by engaging in individual projects. Additionally, numerical mathematics and simulation techniques will be taught.

The second semester focuses on off-grid energy systems and industrial energy systems. The System Courses are enhanced by a module on energy policy and energy markets.

The Master's programme concludes with the Master's thesis in the third and last semester. The thesis is complemented by seminars.

There are practical elements in all modules, e.g. by providing project and thesis topics set by partner companies (especially for the dual programme). Courses also offer practical elements in university labs, company and trade fair visits, etc.

Language and culture courses are offered throughout the programme while the university is in session. Students from abroad have the opportunity to participate in German language courses and German students have the opportunity to learn another foreign language, but language courses are not part of the curriculum.

The programme is a full-time study programme. 

It is possible to integrate an internship into the study programme. The Master's degree programme will then offer the opportunity to do an optional internship semester after the two theoretical semesters and before the Master's thesis semester. The students have to find an appropriate internship by themselves. The International Office offers courses for application training and will assist the students. It is common and recommended to write the Master's thesis within a company as an alternative to writing it within the university.

Positions for taking part in the dual Master's degree programme are provided independently from the university only by companies – students have to arrange such contracts with a company on their own before the start of the Master's course. Suitable companies can be located in Germany or the students' home countries – students should search the companies' websites for dual programmes. It is advisable to apply at the students' home location to companies that have their headquarters or other sites in Germany.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering or equivalent with at least 210 ECTS credits or equivalent degree requirements (a minimum of seven semesters at a German university with a workload of 25–30 hours per ECTS).

Specific experience in energy-related topics is also required and checked in an aptitude test on the basis of documents provided by the applicant. There is NO interview and no written test. Energy experience can be gained by way of professional jobs, suitable internships, a Bachelor's thesis and other project work. You have to prove your experience by uploading valid documents at the THI application server. Your grades and your experience will be used to form a new grade.

Admission for applicants with Bachelor's degrees comprising 180 ECTS
For applicants who have a Bachelor's degree with less than 210 credits (but with a minimum of 180 ECTS), an approval of 30 ECTS on the basis of the qualified working experience is possible if the examination board agrees. The extent and nature of the working experience must comply with the rules for a second practical semester at Bavarian applied universities (§ 13 RaPO) and must be documented with a certificate of employment.

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from a country other than Germany will have to send their documents to uni-assist for preliminary inspection prior to their application at THI. Please allow several weeks for this process, i.e. apply as soon as possible via uni-assist. Following this, you can apply via the THI application server with your VPD (preliminary review documentation, or "Vorpüfungsdokumentation" in German) from uni-assist.

Eligibility for a study programme at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt can only be determined during the official application process based on your submitted documents; a binding pre-assessment in advance is not possible.

However, you can check the general admission eligibility for study in Germany via uni-assist and review programme requirements in the relevant study and examination regulations (SPO) on our website.

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.