TUM Technische Universität München Practical Research Experience Program
Location: Munich, Germany
Type of Internship: Research
Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid
Level: Undergraduate, Graduate
Faculties: All
Program Overview
The TUM Practical Research Experience Program (PREP), is a short-term (10-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 (offer and reservation in a Student Union residency).
- 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 ETCS credits can be received and recognized.
- Individual Support: The TUM PREP Program Manager of the Global & Alumni Office will act as 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 (usually early-July to late-August)
Eligibility Requirements
Cumulative GPA: 3.0
Language of Instruction: English
Note: Available projects might list specific course requirements or other skills as prerequisites for potential applications
Application Deadlines + Instructions
Deadlines: Closed for Summer 2025. The deadline will likely be mid-November for Summer 2026.
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 include the project name.
Fees + Costs
University of Alberta Placement Fee: $250
TUM Enrollment Fee: approx. €85
Accommodation: approx. €1200 to 1350, plus utilities and a €500 deposit
German health insurance: approx.€660
"Deutschlandticket" for travelling within Germany: approx. €29/month
Dorm Room Security Deposit: approx. €500 (refunded if room is left in good condition)
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.