TUM Technische Universität München Practical Research Experience Program
Location: Munich, Germany
Type of Internship: Research
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Level: Undergraduate, Graduate
Faculties: All
INFO SESSION - Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 5 pm CET (10 am MT)
Add the event to your calendar so you don’t miss it.
Program Overview
The TUM Practical Research Experience Program (PREP), is a short-term (8-week) research internship program that runs over the course of the summer semester. Working on a research project under the supervision of a TUM academic, PREP participants will build up and further refine their research skills, learn more about the specifics of the German higher education and research landscape, and become members of the diverse scientific community at Germany's top-ranked technical university.
Together with TUM scientists, TUM PREP students work in small research teams at different TUM chairs on a previously defined research project. TUM PREP projects are offered by six different TUM schools/departments in Munich, Garching, and Freising. Project areas include:
- Architecture
- Computation, Information &Technology (CIT)
- Engineering & Design (ED)
- Education
- Life Sciences (LS)
- Medicine & Health Sciences (MH)
- Management (MGT)
- Natural Sciences (NAT)
- Social Sciences and Technology (SOT)
Services Provided by TUM
TUM Global & Alumni Office will provide the following services to program participants:
- Accommodation: TUM Global & Alumni Office will support students in the organization of their accommodation.
- Certificate: TUM PREP participants will obtain a certificate with a written evaluation of their research work from their project supervisors. The TUM Global & Alumni Office will issue a certificate of participation.
- Credits (ECTS): TUM PREP participants may obtain ECTS credits, if accepted by program advisors at the University of Alberta. The rule is: 1 ECTS Credit ≙ 30 hours of student workload. 10 ECTS credits can be received and recognized.
- Individual Support: The TUM PREP Program Manager of the Global & Alumni Office will act as a single point of contact for program participants.
- TUM PREP Buddies: Additionally, TUM PREP participants will be supported by TUM student buddies.
- Kick-off Event: A special information event for all program stakeholders (students, supervisors and buddies) will facilitate the start of the project phase.
- Orientation Days: During the first days of the program, various events and activities will be offered for the TUM PREP students: Munich city tour, German taster course, intercultural training, opening a German bank account, etc.
- Framework Program: TUM PREP offers a special framework program with activities and events designed for TUM PREP students only. Moreover, program participants can join the activities organized by International Campus Life or the TUMi association, TUM's orientation and support program for international students. The framework program takes place in and around Munich.
- Closing Event: This event will be a well-rounded conclusion of the participants' time at TUM and offers the opportunity to say goodbye to other participants.
When Can I Go?
Terms Offered: Summer
Duration: 8 weeks (July 1 - August 27, 2026)*
* In most cases, an extension of the project duration (i.e., a later project end date, up to a maximum of the end of September 2027) may be possible in consultation with the TUM PREP supervisor. Please note, however, that an earlier start date is not possible.
Eligibility Requirements
- Cumulative GPA: 3.0
- At least 2 years of undergraduate studies when starting the program
Language of Instruction: English
Note: Available projects might list specific course requirements or other skills as prerequisites for potential applications
Application Deadlines + Instructions
Deadline: November 5, 2026*
* Note: The earlier you apply, the greater the chance of being accepted.
Application Instructions: Apply on Horizons. Once your Horizons application is approved and your nomination is sent to TUM by U of A program coordinators, you will be instructed to register and submit your application materials to the TUM online portal. Please ensure you have a letter of recommendation prepared for your application on the TUM application portal.
Note: Students can select up to three (3) projects to improve their chance of acceptance. Please ensure you have prepared one letter of motivation for each project you are applying for, addressed to the supervisor and including the project name.
Fees + Costs
University of Alberta Nomination/Placement Fee: $250
TUM Enrollment Fee: €97
Accommodation: approx. €600 to €1100 per month
German health insurance: approx.€870 - the host may accept StudentCare or private insurance. Students will be required to submit insurance policy documents to determine whether coverage is sufficient.
"Deutschlandticket" for travelling within Germany: approx. €43/month
Students are also encouraged to apply for funding even if they do not have a confirmed internship to avoid missing important deadlines.
Program Information + Contact
For all questions, email goabroad@ualberta.ca or connect with the International Outbound Internships Coordinator through in-person or virtual advising.
Funding Opportunities
Students receive on average between $1,400-$2,000 in funding.
Over 80% of students who apply get funding.