Autonomous Vehicle Engineering Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

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

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.

The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 April - 15 July

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 controlling an autonomous system
• 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).

The following tuition fees apply for applicants from: non-EU countries
800 EUR

All students will have to pay a student union fee of 82 EUR per semester.

In addition to tuition fees, students face the following fixed monthly living costs:

- Health insurance: approx. 150 EUR

- Liability insurance: approx. 10 EUR

- Accommodation: approx. 500 to 650 EUR

- Internet and mobile phone: approx. 25 EUR

- Food: approx. 200 to 300 EUR

- German TV/radio fee: approx. 19 EUR

- Public transport (Deutschlandticket 2026): approx. 43 EUR

Beyond these fixed costs, additional expenses will vary depending on individual needs, such as travel to visit family or participation in leisure activities. 

Additionally, don’t forget potential unforeseen costs, such as the need for a new laptop or mobile phone, etc.

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

Prospective students intending to apply for admission to the winter semester are advised to consult the degree programme’s website in advance, as admission requirements may be updated regularly.

Admission requires a recognised university entrance qualification (secondary school certificate) and sufficient proficiency in English. In addition, applicants must demonstrate their suitability for the programme through an orientation and selection procedure.

Selection is based on an evaluation of submitted certificates, considering the following criteria:

• Overall average grade of the secondary school certificate
• Curriculum analysis, with particular emphasis on grades in mathematics and computer science

As part of the selection process, applicants are also required to pass a selection interview. This interview may be conducted individually or in groups and typically lasts approximately 10 minutes per applicant.

Applicants may receive bonus points by submitting a SAT score of at least 1000.

All relevant grades and the results of the curriculum analysis are converted into a points-based system. A total score is calculated as a weighted average of the defined criteria. Admission is granted if the total score exceeds the required threshold and the selection interview has been successfully completed.

Please note that Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt can only make a legally binding decision regarding your eligibility after reviewing your complete application. A preliminary assessment or evaluation of admission chances is not possible without full documentation, including your educational history.

Applicants may, however, assess their general eligibility to study in Germany in advance via uni-assist: http://www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/check-university-admission

Further details on admission requirements can be found in the study and examination regulations (Studien- und Prüfungsordnung, SPO), available here: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/

Thank you for your interest. You are welcome to apply, and your application documents will be carefully reviewed.

No minimum language level required

• Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First
• IELTS Academic: 5.5
• PTE Academic: 59
• TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72
• Reading: 18
• Listening: 17
• Speaking: 20
• Writing: 17
• TOEFL iBT (since 2026): 4
• Reading: 4
• Listening: 4
• Speaking: 4
• Writing: 4
• UNIcert® English: UNIcert® II

Please find details on the course website.

There are different scholarship opportunities for enrolled students in Germany. However, it is very important to understand that scholarships are highly competitive, limited in number, and never guaranteed. Students must ensure they can finance their studies independently and should not rely on receiving a scholarship. Most programmes focus on excellent academic performance, personal engagement, or specific qualifications; financial need is often not the main criterion. Some national scholarships also require German language skills (often B2 level).

THI offers its own scholarship opportunities for international students once a year, announced through the university’s communication channels. Deutschlandstipendium, for example, supports high-performing, committed students regardless of their financial situation.

Also, there are several major national foundations with extensive selection processes for which the university provides guidance and support.

Whether you can work alongside your studies depends on several factors. At the beginning, it is advisable to focus on your studies and adjust to a new academic and cultural environment. Studying abroad can be challenging due to different learning cultures and the need to catch up on course content.

International students are required to take part in a programme preparing them for the German labour market.

A good command of German at least B2 level is essential for employment opportunities. Students are therefore encouraged to invest time in learning German.

After the first year, students may consider taking on a part-time job. Specialist skills are required to work as a student trainee.

Furthermore, non-EU citizens only have a limited work permit in Germany (see Study and work).

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.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt provides a comprehensive range of counselling and career services, including workshops designed to prepare students for the German labour market. These cover key topics such as application training, CV writing and interview skills.

After graduation, our graduates stay connected with the university and their study group through the Alumni Network.

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/organisation/career-service-student-counselling

• 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 International Culture Club

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) offers a wide range of free advisory services for international students. If you make use of these, nothing will stand in the way of a successful degree at THI and your integration into the German labour market. Students are expected to take initiative—seeking information and asking questions if they encounter any problems.

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 8,500 students in more than 75 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.