🏅 QS World Rank #25
Technical University of Munich (TUM) — Full Profile & Ranking 2026
Germany’s highest-ranked university — QS World Rankings 2027 #25
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is a public research university in Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1868. In the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published June 2026) it is 25th in the world. This guide covers programmes, admission, the tuition fees that now apply to many international students, scholarships, advice for applicants from Pakistan and the questions applicants ask most. Every figure is labeled with its year or ranking edition.
TUM Overview
TUM was founded in 1868 and is one of Germany’s leading technical universities. Its main campuses are in Munich and Garching, with others in Freising-Weihenstephan, Straubing and Heilbronn.
It is known for engineering, computer science, natural sciences and its close ties to Munich’s automotive, technology and engineering industries.
TUM Rankings — QS World University Rankings 2027
TUM is 25th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in June 2026. QS lists it as the highest-ranked university in Germany in this edition.
This is a QS-specific result, not one universal ranking. Times Higher Education, U.S. News and ARWU use different methods and can order universities differently.
Source: QS TopUniversities (QS World University Rankings 2027, 18 June 2026).
Key Strengths & Programs
TUM is known for:
- Mechanical and automotive engineering
- Computer science and informatics
- Physics, chemistry and the natural sciences
- Electrical engineering and information technology
- Management — the TUM School of Management
- Industry links — Munich is home to companies such as BMW and Siemens
See TUM’s official website for the full programme list.
Explore Related Guides & Rankings
Admission Requirements
Entry rules depend on the programme and your qualification. Confirm all details on TUM’s official pages.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Applicants with a non-German school qualification go through an eligibility check, and Pakistani applicants should check whether their qualification gives direct access or needs a preparatory year such as Studienkolleg |
| Master’s | A relevant bachelor’s degree and a programme-specific application, often with a grade threshold and documents |
| Language | Many bachelor’s programmes are in German, while many master’s are in English. Each programme sets its own German or English requirement. |
| Deadlines | Set by TUM for each programme and intake. Check the programme page. |
| Documents | Transcripts, identification, language evidence and programme-specific documents |
Official source: TUM — Application.
TUM Acceptance Rate
TUM does not publish one acceptance rate for all programmes. Selectivity varies widely by programme, from open admission in some to strict selection in others.
Practical Application Checklist
- Choose your programme and read its entry and language requirements
- Check the application deadline for your intake
- Book an English (or other required) language test
- Prepare transcripts, identification and any required documents
- Apply and accept your offer
- Meet the visa or residence-permit conditions for your destination
- Plan funding for tuition and living costs
- Verify every date, fee and requirement on TUM’s official website before submitting
Tuition & Costs
Important change: TUM has charged tuition to most non-EU students since the winter semester 2024/25, so the old “effectively tuition-free” claim no longer applies to most Pakistani applicants. Third-party guides report:
- Bachelor’s (non-EU): about €2,000 or €3,000 per semester, depending on the programme
- Master’s (non-EU): about €4,000 or €6,000 per semester, depending on the programme
- Semester fee: an additional fee of roughly €97 at the Munich campuses
- Exemptions and waivers: some groups, such as doctoral candidates and exchange students, are exempt, and TUM offers merit and hardship waivers with set application windows
TUM says non-EU students “usually have to pay” tuition and lists the exact amounts on its tuition page, so confirm the figure for your programme. Munich is also expensive: TUM estimates about €1,300 to €2,000 a month for living costs in the Munich area.
Sources: TUM — Fees and a third-party guide for the tuition amounts. Fees change.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- TUM waivers: merit-based and hardship-based tuition waivers exist, with specific application windows
- TUM scholarships: third-party guides report awards of roughly €500 to €1,500 per semester based on performance and need. Check the current scheme.
- DAAD scholarships: the German Academic Exchange Service funds study in Germany, including for applicants from Pakistan, at master’s and doctoral level
- Other aid: compare options in our fully funded scholarships for 2027 guide
- No guarantee: scholarships are competitive
TUM for Pakistani Students
Pakistani applicants follow the standard international process:
- Entry: check whether your qualification gives direct access and whether a preparatory year applies
- Language: prepare German or an accepted English test depending on the programme. Our IELTS preparation guides can help.
- Tuition: as a non-EU student you will usually pay tuition, so check waivers early
- Visa: a German student visa and proof of funds are required
- Budget: plan for tuition plus Munich rent, food and transport
Campus & Student Life
- TUM has several campuses, with the main sites in central Munich and Garching
- Munich is a large Bavarian city with a strong technology and engineering economy
- Student housing is limited and competitive, so many students rent privately
- Student groups and TUM’s entrepreneurship centre support start-ups and projects
Research & Career Opportunities
- TUM is research-intensive, with strong work in engineering, computer science and physics
- Munich’s automotive, aerospace, technology and engineering employers recruit from TUM
- Germany offers a post-study job-search period for graduates, subject to current rules
- TUM does not guarantee employment, salary or visa outcomes
Notable Alumni
- Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine, studied at a predecessor of TUM
- TUM graduates and researchers hold leading roles in German engineering and technology companies
Contact & Location
Technical University of Munich
Arcisstraße 21, 80333 Munich, Germany
Official website: tum.de
Frequently Asked Questions
TUM is ranked 25th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026.
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, TUM is the highest-ranked German university. Other rankings may order German universities differently.
Not for most non-EU students. TUM has charged tuition since the winter semester 2024/25, and third-party guides report about €2,000 to €3,000 per semester for bachelor’s and €4,000 to €6,000 for master’s. Exemptions and waivers exist.
TUM is best known for mechanical and automotive engineering, computer science and the natural sciences.
It depends on the programme. Many bachelor’s programmes are in German and many master’s programmes are in English. Check each programme’s language requirement.
Yes. TUM offers merit and hardship tuition waivers, and the DAAD funds some international students. They are competitive and not guaranteed.
Yes. Pakistani applicants follow the international route and should check qualification recognition, language requirements and the tuition rules for non-EU students.
TUM estimates about €1,300 to €2,000 a month in the Munich area. Check its page for current figures.
TUM does not publish one overall rate. Selectivity varies widely by programme.
Check TUM’s official application and fees pages. Fees, deadlines and rules are set by TUM and can change.
Compare TUM With Other Top Universities
Disclaimer: This page is based on the QS World University Rankings 2027, TUM’s official pages, and other publicly available sources, last checked in October 2026. Fees, rankings, deadlines, and admission rules change, and no admission, funding, visa, or employment outcome is guaranteed. Always verify current details directly with the university before applying.