TUM Scholarships for International Students 2026 in Germany | How to Apply

Pursuing high-level research and academic training in engineering, natural sciences, or technology requires an environment that values talent over financial capability. As one of Europe’s top-tier institutions, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) actively works to ensure that financial hardship does not derail the academic progress of its global student body. Funded by the Bavarian Government, the TUM Scholarships for International Students provide crucial semester-by-semester financial aid to international Bachelor’s and Master’s students already enrolled at the university.

Please note that the application window for this cohort is currently closed, as the final submission deadline was April 26, 2026 (with the application portal active from April 13 to April 26, 2026). However, because this state-backed program opens every semester, understanding its rigid eligibility milestones, financial structure, and document requirements is essential for planning your application for the upcoming academic cycle.

TUM Scholarships for International Students Summary

TUM Scholarships Program Structure

The TUM Scholarship for International Students operates as a one-time financial aid package awarded per semester rather than a continuous, multi-year grant. The program is designed to bridge immediate financial gaps, helping students cover essential cost-of-living expenses in Munich—one of Germany’s most expensive student cities.

• Tiered Semester Support: Recipients receive between €500 and €1,800 per semester, depending on evaluated financial need and available state funding.
• Reapplication and Renewal: To maintain support, students must reapply every semester. The absolute maximum cumulative funding duration allowed per student is 36 months.
• Enrolled Student Target: This program is specifically designed for students who have already commenced their studies on campus at TUM and have established a local academic record. It is not an admission scholarship for incoming prospective students who have not yet matriculated.

Eligibility Requirements

Because this scholarship is backed by Bavarian state funds, applicants must meet precise academic and nationality-based criteria:

• International Student Status: Must be an international student who is not eligible for BAföG (the German Federal Student Financial Aid Program) due to nationality.
• University Enrollment: Must be actively enrolled as a full-time student in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program at TUM.
• Academic Progression Benchmarks:
  • Bachelor’s Students: Eligible to apply only from their 3rd semester onward.
  • Master’s Students: Eligible to apply from their 2nd semester onward. (An exception is made for 1st-semester Master’s students only if they completed their undergraduate Bachelor’s degree at TUM).
• Academic Performance: Must demonstrate good, consistent academic progress verified by an official university grade report.
• Documented Financial Need: Must prove that current income and support structures are insufficient to cover standard German living costs.
• Thesis Submission Rules: If you are completing your program, you must submit your final thesis after June 30 (for applications during the Summer Semester) or after December 31 (for applications during the Winter Semester).

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Required Documents

To apply during an active cycle, you must prepare and upload the following documents in unencrypted PDF format:

1. Motivation Letter: A concise statement of 100 to 200 words explaining your current financial status, living conditions, and why you require this financial aid.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated resume highlighting your academic history and any student employment.
3. Proof of Legal Residency: A copy of your valid passport and German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel).
4. TUM Grade Report: An official transcript of records generated directly from your TUMonline student portal.
5. Two Recommendation Letters: Formally signed letters of recommendation from TUM faculty members. These letters must not be older than one semester.
6. Income and Bank Verification:
   • Official proof of the applicant’s personal income over the last 12 months (e.g., student job contracts, payslips, or prior scholarship statements).
   • Complete, unedited bank statements for the last 12 months across all bank accounts held by the applicant.
   • Proof of parents’ or spouse’s income (where applicable to your financial profile).

How To Apply

1. Log Into Your Student Portal: Access your personal profile on the TUMonline system during the designated application window.
2. Request Recommendations Early: Contact your professors or academic advisors well in advance of the short two-week application window to secure your two signed reference letters.
3. Compile Financial Documentation: Gather 12 consecutive months of bank statements. Ensure all accounts are disclosed, as failure to show all statements will lead to immediate disqualification.
4. Complete the Digital Application: Fill out the online scholarship form, upload your combined PDFs, enter your unique TUMonline application number, and submit the file before the deadline.

Application Deadlines and Timeline

• Official Application Window: April 13 to April 26, 2026 (Closed for the Summer 2026 semester)
• Evaluation and Selection Phase: May to June 2026
• Disbursement of Funds: Mid-to-late Summer Semester
• Subsequent Winter Cycle: Typically opens for a similar two-week window in October/November of each academic year.

Important Post-Deadline Guidelines

• No Grace Period: The application portal closes strictly at midnight on the final day of the cycle (April 26, 2026). Late uploads, missing recommendation letters, or incomplete bank statements will not be accepted under any circumstances.
• Bank Statement Rigor: The review committee evaluates bank transactions closely. Any unexplained large deposits or undisclosed accounts can result in the rejection of your application on the grounds of non-transparent financial disclosure.
• Maintaining Progress: Because the scholarship requires a current grade report showing steady progress, dropping too many courses or failing key modules can impact your eligibility for renewals in subsequent semesters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for this scholarship before I arrive in Germany or during my first semester?

No. This scholarship supports only students who already participate in TUM’s academic community. Bachelor’s students must wait until their third semester to apply, and Master’s students must wait until their second semester unless they completed their Bachelor’s degree at TUM.

Is this scholarship compatible with other minor student funding or part-time jobs?

Yes, but you must disclose all sources of income, including student jobs (Werkstudent contracts) or minor grants, during the application process. The selection committee evaluates your total monthly income against standard Munich cost-of-living indexes to determine your level of financial need and your final scholarship amount.

What happens if I change my major or transfer to another university?

Because the Bavarian government funds this scholarship specifically for TUM students, TUM will immediately terminate your scholarship if you transfer to a university outside Bavaria or leave the university. If you change your major within TUM, you must notify the scholarship office immediately for a re-evaluation of your academic progress.

Can I apply if I am currently taking a semester off (Urlaubssemester)?

No. You must be actively enrolled and participating in coursework or exams during the semester for which you are requesting financial support. Students on an official leave of absence are not eligible to receive the scholarship during that period.

How are the recommendation letters submitted?

Your two recommendation letters must carry the signatures of TUM professors or lecturers. Your referees may give them to you to upload as PDF files with your application or, depending on departmental guidelines, submit them through a secure academic portal.Ensure your referees use the official TUM recommendation template if one is specified for that application cycle.

Disclaimer: The Technical University of Munich published the scholarship tiers, eligibility parameters, credit boundaries, and required documents detailed in this guide in its official guidelines. Scholarship values and administrative guidelines remain subject to change by the Bavarian State Government and TUM’s student service administration. Candidates are advised to consult the official TUM scholarship database for active requirements.

Official Application Portal