AI Engineering of Autonomous Systems Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

The language of instruction of the Master's programme is English.

This exciting programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to work on cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are transforming industries and revolutionising our lives and work.

Throughout the programme, you’ll learn how to design, develop, and deploy intelligent systems capable of learning, making decisions, and operating autonomously, without human intervention. You’ll explore advanced topics like sensor networks and data fusion, data engineering, computing and software engineering, machine learning and decision-making, perception and cognition, and connectivity – the building blocks of modern autonomous systems.

Our experienced faculty members, experts in AI engineering and members of the unique “AImotion” approach funded by the Bavarian government, provide practical, hands-on training and theoretical insights to help you apply your learning to real-world problems. They guide you through the latest developments in AI engineering, including ethical considerations and challenges associated with developing autonomous systems.

By the end of the programme, you’ll possess the skills and knowledge to design and implement intelligent systems that learn from data, adapt, and make decisions optimising overall performance. You’ll develop autonomous systems capable of providing new functionalities, enhancing safety, and improving efficiency across various industries, such as mobility, production, agriculture, and medical engineering.

We believe AI engineering is the future of technology, and autonomous systems will play a pivotal role in shaping our world. We’re thrilled to accompany you on this journey and committed to providing the support and resources you need to succeed. Join us and be a part of the revolution in AI engineering!

• 2 May to 15 July for the following winter semester (start early October)
• 15 November to 15 January for the following summer semester (start mid-March)

If you have a Bachelor's degree from a country other than Germany, uni-assist must check your eligibility for study in Germany and convert your grades to the German grading system. You will need to submit all the necessary documents to uni-assist online. The process will take between four and six weeks to complete.

THI charges fees of currently 500 EUR per semester for students from third countries (citizenship outside the EU and European Economic Area).

The fees are planned to increase to 1,200 EUR per semester (Master's programmes) from summer semester 2026 onwards. When more details are available, you will find further information on our homepage.

THI students who started their studies earlier are not affected by this reform.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not cooperate with recruitment agencies. Applicants will have to apply on their own. Apart from the uni-assist fee, there is no application fee.

To stay updated on the most recent study orientation dates, please visit www.thi.de/go/events-studyorientation.

This three-semester programme at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt covers compulsory and elective modules. The compulsory modules focus on Intelligent Sensing and Exploration, Planning, Control and Decision Making, and Software Methods and System Development.

Intelligent Sensing and Exploration explores the role of sensors in autonomous systems, particularly in terms of mobility and autonomy. It delves into how data from multiple sensors is combined to quickly and accurately communicate information about the environment, physical events, activities, or situations to decision-making components.

Planning, Control and Decision Making emphasises the importance of intelligent planning in autonomous and predictive action. Systems need to be able to plan their actions to achieve goals and respond to unexpected or new situations by adapting their behaviour. Machine learning methods are used to combine sensory data with past experience, drawing conclusions that can improve actions.

Software Methods and System Development approaches the development of autonomous systems from a software engineering perspective. It covers various characteristics of autonomous systems, cloud and edge computing architectures, and learning models to demonstrate the technical feasibility of systems that can dynamically adapt their behaviour to changes in operating conditions through software.

The elective modules complement the compulsory part and focus on specific aspects of autonomous system development, automotive applications, innovation management, engineering processes, and German language courses.

The research methods module allows students to apply scientific research methods to a state-of-the-art topic in AI engineering. They present and discuss the topic with peers and summarise their findings in a seminar paper.

The group project provides students with an experience of “learning by doing” and collaboration in a team of their peers. The project culminates in a project presentation and a summary paper.

1,200 EUR

THI charges fees of currently 500 EUR per semester for students from third countries (citizenship outside the EU and European Economic Area).

The fees are planned to increase to 1,200 EUR per semester (Master's programmes) from summer semester 2026 onwards. When more details are available, you will find further information on our homepage.

THI students who started their studies earlier are not affected by this reform.

All students will have to pay a student union fee of 72 EUR per semester.

Student organisations estimate that the cost of living is approx. 990 EUR or more per month, depending on individual needs and expectations. Mandatory health insurance in Germany will cost a student around 145 EUR per month.

Usually, non-EU students will have to provide proof of financial means with a blocked account for visa purposes. It should contain approximately 992 EUR per month for up to 12 months.

Admission to this programme is based on a successfully completed Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or mathematics (or a discipline thereof), totalling 210 ECTS. If your Bachelor’s degree has less than 210 but at least 180 ECTS, you’ll need to demonstrate missing competences through additional passed exams or internships.

To be admitted to the Master’s programme in AI Engineering of Autonomous Systems, you must pass an aptitude test to assess your skills acquired in your Bachelor’s programme. The test evaluates your cumulative grade in electrical engineering, computer science, or mathematics, knowledge of systems engineering, signal processing, communications, programming, software development, probability theory, and machine learning, and independent scientific work and experience in engineering problem-solving.

There are no tests or interviews that require personal presence. You can apply using the aptitude test questionnaire, which is also available on the Primuss application portal.

The Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt can only make a legally binding decision about your eligibility for your desired study programme after reviewing the documents you submit with your application. We can’t provide a definitive assessment or evaluate your chances of acceptance until we have your full application, including your educational history.

Furthermore, it is possible to find out if you’re qualified to study in Germany before applying. Detailed information is available at the following link: www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/check-university-admission.

Additionally, you can find out about the qualification requirements via the study and examination regulations (=Studien- und Prüfungsordnung = SPO). Find these on the following page under the respective statutes: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/.

Thank you for your understanding. You are very welcome to apply, and we will check your application documents.

Applicants applying for an English-language Master's programme must provide proof of sufficient English language skills at level B2. Proof of having passed the examination must be submitted by the time of enrolment at the latest. A list of all accepted certificates can be found here: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/general-statutes/.

There is no requirement to formally prove German language skills for admission. You may start with little or no German language proficiency.

• 2 May to 15 July for the following winter semester (start early October)
• 15 November to 15 January for the following summer semester (start mid-March)

If you have a Bachelor's degree from a country other than Germany, uni-assist must check your eligibility for study in Germany and convert your grades to the German grading system. You will need to submit all the necessary documents to uni-assist online. The process will take between four and six weeks to complete.

There are different scholarships available to enrolled students, such as the Deutschlandstipendium. All students will have to look and apply for specific scholarships themselves!

Most scholarship programmes are based on performance (grades, voluntary work, etc.) The economic situation of applicants is usually not taken into consideration. A certain level of German language skills (at least B2) is required for many scholarships.

The International Office also offers scholarships. Enrolled international students will be notified of the call once a year via the communication channels of the university.

International students at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) are strongly advised to start gaining practical experience early to earn money during their studies and improve their job prospects. Besides looking for working student positions, students are also encouraged to seek low-level jobs in gastronomy or similar sectors to earn money and improve their German language skills. In addition to internship positions posted on the university platform, students should actively consider research and teaching assistant roles at THI. Please note that international students face legal limits on the number of working days allowed (see Study and work).

The International Welcome Center offers workshops and events in English to help international students prepare for their entry into the German market, especially in preparing for the internship search and applications.

Important: German employers expect students to take the initiative in applying for jobs and to have a good command of German. For internships, a minimum German language level of B1/B2 is required, while for entry-level jobs after graduation, B2/C1 is generally expected. Therefore, international students should start learning German as early as possible to increase their employability.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not run any student residence halls / dorms. You will have to start looking for accommodation on your own as soon as possible. At least 500 EUR per month should be budgeted for accommodation.

Here are some facts about finding accommodation in Ingolstadt or Neuburg.

Workshops to prepare for the German job market

For most jobs German is still a necessary key qualification and prerequisite. We will not only provide you with the best possible support in your studies, but we will also offer a variety of German courses to help you learn German quickly.

• Service point and counselling
• Online info session for admitted degree-seekers
• Support with city registration and residence permits
• Orientation days and networking events
• Mentoring programme
• German courses and language support programmes
• Cultural events, excursions, and company tours
• Workshops to prepare for the German job market
• Student clubs, such as N.I.C.E. (Network & International Culture Exchange)

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) is an institution that specialises in business and technology and is characterised by innovative study concepts and modern facilities. We are currently training over 8,000 students in more than 70 study programmes in engineering, computer science, business, life sciences and sustainability.
Our students will graduate as sought-after specialists and managers. An extremely dynamic and successful region with a distinctly strong economic structure provides for excellent framework conditions. The relatively small student body guarantees individual guidance, a familial atmosphere, and close cooperation between students and professors.
One of the core features of studying at our university is its orientation towards practical application. Internships and projects, as well as continuous cooperation with regional companies, are fundamental components of every study programme.
The Ingolstadt campus was completed in 1999, and a new tract of buildings opened in 2014. In 2021, the Neuburg campus opened its doors with its Faculty of Sustainable Infrastructure. Modern equipment and facilities create an atmosphere that adds to students' success and enjoyment. Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt is proud of its commitment to offer the highest possible level of quality in research and education. It is possible to explore Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt by visiting the interactive 360° THI campus tour.

The campus is only a short walk from Ingolstadt's appealing old city. The view from the lecture halls is of a castle and other medieval buildings. Ingolstadt lies in the centre of Bavaria, one of the most prosperous German federal states, and it is only an hour by car from the metropolitan areas of Munich and Nuremberg. The opportunities to take part in leisure activities in the area – which is close to the Alps as well as to the beautiful Altmühl valley – are unlimited. With the headquarters of Audi (the international automotive company) and a large number of innovative corporations in the city, Ingolstadt is proud to be one of the strongest economic regions in Germany. Opportunities to participate in sports activities are provided by the university as well as by various amateur and competitive sports clubs. Bavarian charm and the Bavarian way of life – including summer evenings in beer gardens and the diverse cultural events on offer – make daily life in Ingolstadt particularly attractive for students.