Going abroad
Gain valuable experience abroad, meet new people and experience excellent university culture worldwide. The main aims of studying abroad are to strengthen your personal development, gain intercultural skills and build an international network at an early stage. If you are interested in studying or doing an internship abroad, we will be happy to inform you about the various options for a stay on the following pages.
A Semester Abroad
You can apply to be nominated for a study place at one of our partner universities for a study-related stay of usually one semester via the following structured exchange programs.
One advantage of participating in a structured exchange program is that the partners involved have already agreed on the suitability of the study program in advance. Academic achievements abroad can be recognized after prior consultation with the faculty.
Erasmus+ (incl. Swiss European Mobility Program)
With the Erasmus+ program, you can study at partner faculties in other European countries. You receive financial support and pay no tuition fees locally.
TUMexchange
With TUMexchange you can study at TUM partner universities worldwide. The program does not include any scholarships or monthly cost subsidies from TUM. However, there are no tuition fees (with a few exceptions). Stays at selected partner universities can, however, be funded within the framework of Erasmus+ International.
Faculty Partnerships
In addition to the centrally administered programs, there are exchange agreements between individual faculties. Such faculty partnerships exist between the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology (Governance Department) and the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) as well as The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Further partnerships are currently being established. Tuition fees are also waived for these programs.
Existing Partnerships
You can find an up-to-date overview of our existing partnerships in the MoveOn online database, which is also an applicant portal.
When is the right time for a semester abroad?
We recommend an exchange for Bachelor's students in the 5th semester.
For Master's students, a stay in the 3rd semester is recommended.
The lead time for the organization and application is approximately one year.
Bachelor's students therefore apply in their 3rd semester, Master's students in their 1st semester for a place in the following academic year (winter or summer semester).
Depending on the individual study plan and the semester times at the foreign university, it is generally possible to stay in both the winter and summer semester.
Other Opportunities to Go Abroad
In addition to existing (contractually regulated) partnerships, you can also go abroad on your own as a freemover. In this case, you organize your stay completely independently.
Perhaps you would like to spend just a few weeks abroad at a summer or winter school or take part in a one-week "taster course" at a European TUM partner university as part of the ATHENS program. Or you can complete the practical or research project planned for your degree program abroad.
There are many opportunities to spend time abroad. Simply contact us, we will be happy to help you: international@gov.tum.de