Autonomous Vehicle Engineering Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

The compulsory classes and most electives are held in English. Some electives are taught in German. Participants have to write their Bachelor's theses in English.

The Bachelor's programme in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering deals with interaction of different technologies in order to qualify engineers for the development of automated mobility systems by teaching the scientific and engineering basics and methods. Students acquire skills in fields that are characteristic for automated mobility systems:

• Sense: Sensor technology, sensor systems and sensor data fusion for detection of the environment and data acquisition
• Think: Processing information obtained via sensors to create a driving strategy using software and intelligent algorithms
• Act: Safe implementation of the driving strategy with the aid of forces offered by power train, steering and braking systems and utilised by actuators

The concepts of these phases are taught in a substantiated way. Laboratory internships and practical phases promote methodological competence. Group projects and seminars strengthen social and personal competence. Later, graduates with a broad interest in interdisciplinary trends in digitalised mobility will find many meaningful fields of activity.

Prospective students who wish to apply for admission for the winter semester are advised to consult the degree programme’s website beforehand, as changes to the admission requirements are planned.

1. uni-assist: from as soon as possible until 30 May the latest for the winter semester

If you obtained your higher secondary school certificate outside of Germany, uni-assist has to verify your eligibility to study in Germany and to convert school grades to the German grading system. You will have to submit all required documents to uni-assist online. The process takes four to six weeks.

2. PRIMUSS – THI application portal: from 2 May until 15 July for the winter semester

You will have to apply online at the PRIMUSS university application portal. In case of admission, you will have to send all required documents additionally by post later on.

Please check the THI website to get up-to-date information regarding the application periods.

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

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 800 EUR per semester (Bachelor'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.

Prospective students who wish to apply for admission for the winter semester are advised to consult the degree programme’s website beforehand, as changes to the admission requirements are planned.

First section:

• Semesters one and two: basic theories, methods and skills of engineering, mathematics/statistics and technical/practical computer science

Second section:

• Theory part – semesters three and four: imparting of subject-specific basics and skills in processing information for the purpose of driving a vehicle
• Internship part – semester five
• Theory part – semesters six and seven: this part of the curriculum imparts in-depth specialist theories and concepts of automated and networked driving. Students develop the ability to analyse a complex task from practice/research and to work on it with the help of scientific sources. The results are to be presented in written and oral form to show that the tasks can be presented in a structured way and defended in content.

An internship is mandatory in the second section (semester five).

800 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 800 EUR per semester (Bachelor'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.

Prospective students who wish to apply for admission for the winter semester are advised to consult the degree programme’s website beforehand, as changes to the admission requirements are planned.

Admission requirements are an admission to university (secondary school certificate) and sufficient knowledge of the English language. In an aptitude assessment procedure, the applicant must also prove that he or she fulfils special requirements that are expected to result in a successful progress.

The aptitude is determined by an evaluation of certificates based on the following criteria: average mark of the secondary school certificate and subject-specific individual grades. The marks listed in the secondary school certificate in the subject mathematics and two subjects from the natural sciences including computer science graded best are used as subject-specific individual marks.

As an additional part of the aptitude, a combined admission examination test in the subjects mathematics and physics has to be passed by the applicant. The grades of the submitted documents as well as the result of the admission examination test are converted into points and a total point score is calculated as a weighted average of the above criteria. If the total points value is above the expected limit, suitability is considered to be established and admission is given.

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.

• English: B2
• You may start with little or no German language proficiency.
• Students are expected to gain German proficiency throughout their studies in Germany, and this is recommended.

Prospective students who wish to apply for admission for the winter semester are advised to consult the degree programme’s website beforehand, as changes to the admission requirements are planned.

1. uni-assist: from as soon as possible until 30 May the latest for the winter semester

If you obtained your higher secondary school certificate outside of Germany, uni-assist has to verify your eligibility to study in Germany and to convert school grades to the German grading system. You will have to submit all required documents to uni-assist online. The process takes four to six weeks.

2. PRIMUSS – THI application portal: from 2 May until 15 July for the winter semester

You will have to apply online at the PRIMUSS university application portal. In case of admission, you will have to send all required documents additionally by post later on.

Please check the THI website to get up-to-date information regarding the application periods.

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

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. Even the best degree will hardly help you later if you do not speak German well. 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 and well.

• 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.