Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering University of Passau

The entire degree programme is in English.

Artificial intelligence (AI) now permeates all areas of our lives and holds enormous potential for the future. Mathematics and computer science provide the foundations for understanding and developing core AI technologies.

In the Master of Science programme in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (AI Engineering), you will deal with scientific theories, algorithms and methods for designing and developing AI-based systems. You will also acquire the ability to integrate artificial intelligence into existing real-world systems (e.g. media systems, information systems, industrial processes) or to develop these yourself.

In addition, you will study artificial intelligence from the perspective of other academic disciplines, as the widespread use of AI-based systems raises not only technical but also legal, ethical, social and economic questions.

Features

• Research-oriented Master's degree leading to excellent career opportunities in a multitude of industries
• Study a subject at the interface between computer science and mathematics and gain insights into a wide range of cross-disciplinary areas of application (e.g. media, Industry 4.0, mobility).
• Broad selection of state-of-the-art subjects with an international outlook
• Superb staff-student ratio: study in small learning groups.
• The chairs and institutes maintain excellent relations with industrial and business partners.
• The whole programme is taught in English.

Career prospects

The demand for AI competencies in the labour market is increasing significantly. With a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, you are able to work independently or take on executive positions and challenging jobs in the private and public sectors or academia. This degree opens up outstanding career opportunities in a wide range of industries, such as the following:

• Systems development and data analysis in the area of digital media
• Software engineering and IT systems development
• Data analysis in the financial and service sectors
• Development of AI-based solutions in the transport and mobility sector
• Control of industrial plants; Industry 4.0
• The medical and pharmaceutical industries as well as life sciences
• Insurance companies and banks

Finally, the degree opens up an academic career path if you continue studying for a doctorate in artificial intelligence development.

Please visit our website to find out more about the programme syllabus and how to apply.

The application round for the April intake starts in mid-November of the previous year. For the October intake, the application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can currently change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The MSc AI Engineering programme is divided into compulsory and compulsory elective module areas. In the compulsory area you will attend the Introduction to AI Engineering lecture (with accompanying exercise course) as well as an AI Engineering seminar. You will also write your Master's thesis in this area.

Compulsory elective modules

The compulsory elective area is divided into the following six module groups:

1. Algorithm Engineering and Mathematical Modelling

You will study the construction of deterministic and stochastic algorithms, their implementation, evaluation, and optimisation as well as the modelling and complexity analysis of discrete and continuous problems using mathematical methods. In addition, you will acquire fundamental knowledge of mathematical logic, stochastics, functional analysis, and discrete mathematics to enable a deeper algorithmic mathematical understanding of AI-based systems.

2. Artificial Intelligence Methods

You will examine methods and algorithms of symbolic and sub-symbolic artificial intelligence and machine learning (e.g. reinforcement learning, knowledge representation and deduction systems). Furthermore, you will study underlying theories of learning systems and the application of algorithmic and mathematical principles for the realisation of artificial intelligence.

3. Artificial Intelligence System Engineering

You will learn methods and structured process models for the development of AI-based systems. In particular, these include testing and evaluation strategies (e.g. generative adversarial testing or simulation), data and knowledge modelling methods, methods and systems for operationalising AI-based systems and the evaluation of properties such as security, traceability, reliability, explicability, and transparency.

4. Artificial Intelligence Applications

You will gain insight into different application areas and possibilities of artificial intelligence, such as speech, text and media analysis, business information systems or energy informatics. Also covered are the specific characteristics of the application domains and their influence on the selection of AI methods and the development of AI-based systems.

5. Cross-Cutting Concerns

You will learn about the legal, ethical, social and economic considerations involved in using AI-based systems and reflect on the societal impact of AI. Language courses and writing workshops, soft-skills seminars and practical courses will complement your academic studies and prepare you for your professional life.

6. Research Seminars

You will learn to familiarise yourself independently with the current state of research in the AI Engineering field, collate this information, and deliver oral presentations. You will acquire in-depth knowledge of research work in the field of artificial intelligence and get the preparation for a future research role.

There is no formal internship requirement for this degree programme. Nevertheless, we recommend that you go to the effort of completing one or more voluntary internships as you study towards your degree. These internship(s) will not be arranged for you; rather, you are responsible for searching for the internship, negotiating the outline (i.e. the job description) and making all necessary arrangements. However, the university can help you with information and hands-on advice. For more details, please see the following websites:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach

No tuition fees

The semester contribution fee is around 120 EUR per semester. This covers the student services association and bus pass fees. At the time of writing (January 2026), the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees.

You should budget a minimum of 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. If you need a visa to come to Germany, this is the amount you must have available to you (e.g. paid into a blocked account) for each month. Nevertheless, your actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle, and so you should treat this figure as an absolute minimum.

You are eligible for this degree programme if the following applies to you:

• You have an undergraduate university degree in computer science or mathematics with a computer science/mathematics component of at least 120 ECTS credits. Out of these 120 ECTS credits:
  • at least 35 ECTS credits must have been earned in mathematics modules/courses, including theoretical computer science;
  • at least 40 ECTS credits must have been earned in computer science modules/courses.
• If you completed a four-year, non-ECTS degree, the 120 ECTS credit requirement is deemed to be met if two-thirds of your credit points were earned in computer science/mathematics-related modules/courses.

This is further qualified as follows:

• Your degree must have been earned over a course of study of a standard length of three years or more.
• The final grade for your first degree must be 2.7 or better under the German marking system, or the relevant equivalent final grade in a foreign marking system.
  • If your final grade is not 2.7 (or the equivalent foreign grade) or better, you may still apply if you can prove that you ranked among the best 70% of graduates within your particular degree programme in the academic year in which your final certificate was issued (i.e. your cohort).
    • In that case, you should provide an official certificate from your university registrar specifying the total number of graduates of your cohort as well as, importantly, the rank number/percentile you attained on the basis of your final grade.
• As part of the application, you must submit an English or German-language abstract/summary of your undergraduate dissertation/Bachelor's thesis/final year project.
  • If you did not write a dissertation/thesis as a formal part of your prior degree programme, you may instead submit an academic research paper or publication that demonstrates your ability to solve a scientific research problem independently.
• If you do not have your degree certificate and final transcript at the time of application:
  • If you cannot provide your final Bachelor's (or equivalent) certificate and transcript but are in the final semester of your degree programme at the time of application, you may include the transcripts thus far available reflecting the courses previously taken as well as all results and current marks/grades.
    • You will then be considered for a conditional offer, in which case you would have to present your degree certificate and final transcript at enrolment or within 10 weeks after the first day of lectures.
    • This will be approved only if you have already completed all coursework and assessments for your first degree at the beginning of the degree programme at the University of Passau and have submitted a (preliminary) transcript showing an average (preliminary) grade of 2.7 or the equivalent foreign grade.

Please note that we only recognise degrees awarded by universities with "H+" status in the Anabin database of the German Central Office for Foreign Education.

Unless English was the language of instruction for your prior university education, you should provide a language certificate at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), such as:

• TOEFL (567 paper-based, 87 Internet-based, ITP 543 "silver" or better)
• IELTS (score 5.5)
• Cambridge English Language Assessment at level "Advanced" (CAE) or "Proficiency" (CPE)
• or an equivalent English language certificate
• A first degree or secondary education completed exclusively in English also counts as proof of English-language proficiency.

To facilitate living in Germany, you should ideally also have German language skills at level A1 CEFR (beginner level). If you cannot provide a certificate but can meet all other requirements, you will still be admitted to the programme. However, you will complete a compulsory beginner's German course during the first year of study in addition to your regular modules.

The application round for the April intake starts in mid-November of the previous year. For the October intake, the application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can currently change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The International Office awards a small number of scholarships to international degree-seeking students who have been enrolled in a Bachelor's programme for at least two semesters or in a Master's programme for at least one semester. You may also apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, which is open to students of all nationalities. This scholarship has a stipend of 300 EUR per month and runs for one year. You may reapply in subsequent years. Finally, there is a one-off emergency hardship grant available to international students in exceptional cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand: the "iStudi Coach" will help you with all your questions about finding work or placements in Germany.

Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

The International Office has set up an accommodation service, which assists international students in finding accommodation.

Rooms in the halls of residence cost between 270 EUR and 550 EUR per month and are fully furnished. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared, although some rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. However, please note that the demand for the rooms in the student halls is very high, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent one.

Luckily, there is a large number of flats and flatshares available on the open housing market. On average, you should expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of 350 EUR to 550 EUR a month for these. Landlords usually require a two-month or three-month deposit when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your accommodation in good condition.

• Further details on housing in Passau
• Accommodation service for international students

The university provides advice on job hunting, jobs, and career-entry positions at German and international companies, here and abroad. These include personal interviews, advice, and training courses on how to apply as well as intercultural and soft skills training.

International students have access to a dedicated career adviser – the "iStudi Coach" – who helps them find internships and apply for student jobs and career-entry positions at German companies. The iStudi Coach also coaches international students on German labour market practices, how to write applications, and so on.

Related links:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach

The University of Passau

More than 10,000 students from approximately 100 countries are currently studying towards their degrees on our bright, modern campus next to the Inn River and a stone's throw from the town centre and the historical old town.

The five faculties of the university offer degrees at the undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral levels. Currently, 11 degree programmes can be studied entirely in English: BSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering, MSc Business Administration, MSc Computational Mathematics, MSc Computer Science, MA Development Studies, MA Governance and Public Policy, MSc Information Systems, MSc International Economics and Business, MA International Education and Global Learning, and BSc Mathematics.

A cosmopolitan university

No other Bavarian university has more of its students spending part of their programme abroad – to study, conduct research or gain work experience – than the University of Passau.

The range and depth of language tuition offered by our language centre probably has a role to play in this. Another reason is that our programmes are very international in their outlook – and with some 300 international partner universities to choose from, it is difficult not to be tempted to go abroad for a semester or two or even to complete one of our double-degree programmes offered in cooperation with our global partner universities.

An unparalleled student experience

Passau’s students benefit from a good staff-to-student ratio and from studying on an urban campus of manageable size that is located very close to the town centre.

The facilities on campus are of a high standard. There are bright, sunny seminar rooms, lecture theatres equipped with the latest technology, numerous computer rooms, Wi-Fi access exists throughout the campus, and our well-stocked university library stays open until late into the night on most days.

Student satisfaction at the University of Passau is particularly high and our sought-after graduates typically occupy executive posts in business, social, and academic organisations in Germany, Europe, and indeed all over the world.

Student life

Throughout the semester, there are plenty of events of all sorts on campus and around town, often organised by our very active student societies. Our sports centre has some 40 sports clubs, offering everything from acrobatics to Zumba.

An ideal student town

Passau is situated near the Bavarian Forest at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. After two fires that destroyed much of the town in the 17th century, the old town was rebuilt in the baroque style by Italian master builders, which is why you will notice a distinct Italian flair as you stroll through "Bavarian Venice", another name by which Passau is known.

With students accounting for one-quarter of its population, Passau is very much a student town with many galleries, art studios, bars, cafés, clubs and, of course, beer gardens; naturally, there is a modern multiplex cinema. A shopping centre and the nearby pedestrian zone offer a lot of excellent eateries and shops, just a short five-minute walk from campus.

Passau is home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the theatre and the "Scharfrichterhaus" – a restaurant, cinema and political cabaret/stand-up stage where many of Germany’s most popular contemporary comedians started out. Both have productions and acts running throughout the year.

In addition to this, Passau plays host to numerous annual cultural events, including "Europäische Wochen Passau" – a cultural festival which brings international symphonic orchestras, classical ensembles, theatre companies and artists to Passau for about six weeks every year; the Eulenspiegel Festival with predominantly German comedy acts and rock bands; two Oktoberfest-style festivals in spring and autumn; and no list of festivals would be complete without the traditional Christmas Market in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral every December. Incidentally, did you know that St. Stephen's is home to the world's largest cathedral organ?

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted at the many opportunities for hiking, climbing, cycling, and alpine and cross-country skiing in the nearby Bavarian Forest. Additionally, Passau is not far from the Austrian and Bavarian Alps, with their famous skiing areas as well as their mountain biking and hiking trails.