MSc Microelectronics and Chip Design Technical University of Munich

Courses are taught entirely in English (100%).

The demand for qualified chip designers and talent is one of the biggest challenges facing the growth of the semiconductor industry in Europe and globally. Integrated circuits and systems are the backbone of modern digitalised societies, and the chip shortage crisis from 2020 to 2023 has highlighted their critical importance. Despite the efforts to boost chip production and expand manufacturing capabilities in Europe, there remains a significant gap in qualified professionals. While many universities offer microelectronics programmes, the demand for skilled chip designers continues to outpace supply. This new study programme is designed to address this skills gap, preparing students to become the next generation of experts in semiconductor design and technology.

The Edu4Chip project tackles this challenge by developing a two-year Master's programme focused on chip design. The programme is offered by five top European universities, each delivering the curriculum independently. It is structured to encourage long-term collaboration among institutions and promote student exchange.

A unique aspect of the programme is that every student will design and test a chip as part of their studies. The programme has clear learning objectives across three key areas: Knowledge and Understanding, Skills and Abilities, and Evaluation Capability. These objectives ensure that graduates acquire the necessary competencies to excel in the field.

Applications are open from 1 February to 31 May each year.

For Non-EU applicants, we strongly recommend applying by 15 March.

For more information on tuition fees at TUM, please refer to the following website: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition.

The MSc in Microelectronics and Chip Design programme is a four-semester course. One semester is dedicated to working on the Master's thesis, while the other three semesters are focused on coursework. Each academic year consists of two semesters.

Different from other microelectronics programmes in Europe, our programme ensures that all students are involved in every step of the chip design process. The main part of the programme is a chip design project, which students will work on throughout the entire course.

The first semester focuses on foundational skills in digital and analogue design.

The second semester includes more advanced topics related in particular to front-end design.

In the third semester, it offers further specialised courses and courses related to the back-end design. The overall programme consists of a more theoretical part with lectures from the domain of chip design and a practical part in which students will do a tape-out.

A Master's thesis will conclude the study programme in the fourth semester, which can also be conducted in collaboration with industry.

A wide recognition of coordinated modules at the partner universities involved in the EU project "Edu4Chip" is planned, so the necessary credits can also be obtained at one of the partner universities or with prior approval of module recognition at other international universities.

6,000 EUR

For more information on tuition fees at TUM, please refer to the following website: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition.

The semester contribution must be paid each semester before students are allowed to enrol or re-enrol. As of April 2024, the basic contribution for the student union is 85 EUR. For more information, please see: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/campus-munich-garching-wzw-and-tum-asia.

For information on the cost of living in Germany, please refer to the following link: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances.

The selection process is based on an aptitude assessment. It is a two-stage process (stage 1: qualification assessment and stage 2: assessment interview) designed to evaluate applicants' suitability for the specific requirements of the Master's programme.
Applicants are expected to have a sufficient background in areas such as mathematics, electronics, and programming and should hold or be on track to achieve one of the following qualifications or their equivalent:

• Bachelor's degree programmes in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Bachelor's degree programmes in Computer Science with a minor in Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor's degree programmes in Physics

Proof of sufficient English language skills must be submitted before the end of the application period. The following language tests are accepted as proof of English language skills:

• Test of English as Foreign Language / TOEFL
• International English Language Testing System/ IELTS
• Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations, CAE/CPE
• Pearson English Language Test

You can prove also your English language skills through the language of instruction in your previous academic education, as long as at least 50% of the programme was conducted in English.

The score threshold and updates regarding recognised English-language certificates are available online: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/admission-requirements/language-certificates.

Applications are open from 1 February to 31 May each year.

For Non-EU applicants, we strongly recommend applying by 15 March.

TUM scholarships:
https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/scholarships/tum-scholarships

Scholarships, exemptions and waivers for international students:
https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition/scholarships-and-waivers

It’s not easy to find a place to live in Munich – but it’s not impossible either! The Technische Universität München (TUM) supports students and staff in their search for accommodation, providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own. 
https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/accommodations

https://www.community.tum.de/en/career-service/