Tum Scholarship For International Students 2027 | Study in Germany — Technical University of Munich, funded by the Bavarian State Government
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Not every scholarship needs to cover every expense to make a real difference, and the Technical University of Munich’s own international student scholarship proves that point well.
About the Scholarship
The Scholarship for International Students of TUM is funded through budget resources provided by the Bavarian state government and administered directly by the university. Unlike many large national programmes, this scholarship is designed as a flexible, semester-based top-up for students already enrolled at TUM who face a genuine financial shortfall partway through their studies.
Scholarship Benefits
The award is modest in size but valuable in flexibility.
- A one-time payment ranging from 500 EUR to 1,800 EUR per semester
- Students may reapply each semester, up to a maximum funding period of 36 months
- No repayment obligation, as the award is a grant rather than a loan
- Applicable across most degree programmes at TUM
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must already be enrolled as international students at TUM, in either a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme, and must be able to demonstrate a specific financial need, such as a sudden change in family circumstances or loss of prior funding. Academic standing is also considered, so students must be making satisfactory progress in their degree. This scholarship is not available to prospective students who have not yet enrolled.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship applies across TUM’s full range of degree programmes, from engineering and natural sciences to life sciences, management, and social sciences, since eligibility is based on enrollment status rather than subject area.
Required Documents
- Completed scholarship application form
- Proof of current enrollment at TUM
- Statement explaining the financial need
- Recent proof of income or financial circumstances
- Academic transcript showing current progress
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Confirm current enrollment status at TUM in an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programme.
2. Gather documentation showing the specific financial gap or hardship.
3. Complete the scholarship application form available through the TUM student portal.
4. Submit the application within the open window, typically announced each semester.
5. Await the committee’s decision, usually issued before the start of the following semester.
6. Reapply each semester if continued support is needed, up to the 36-month limit.
Selection Process
A university committee reviews each application for genuine financial need alongside academic progress, prioritizing students whose circumstances changed unexpectedly during their studies rather than those with a pre-existing funding gap from the start.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Being specific and transparent about the financial situation, rather than vague, gives reviewers a clearer basis for their decision. Since this scholarship is renewable, students who apply early each semester and keep academic records in order tend to have an easier renewal process. International students at TUM often combine this scholarship with structured doctoral or master’s funding elsewhere, such as the RWTH Aachen Scholarship for International Doctoral Candidates, when planning a longer academic path in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can new applicants to TUM apply before enrollment?
No, this scholarship is only open to students who are already enrolled at TUM, not to prospective applicants.
How much money can I realistically expect?
Awards range from 500 EUR to 1,800 EUR per semester, depending on the assessed need and available funds that term.
Is this scholarship merit-based or need-based?
It is primarily need-based, though satisfactory academic progress is also required to remain eligible.
Can I receive this alongside another scholarship?
Students should check with the TUM scholarship office, since receiving full funding from another major source may affect eligibility for this top-up award.
Does it cover tuition fees?
TUM charges minimal tuition for most programmes, so this scholarship is intended to cover living costs rather than tuition specifically.
How many times can I apply?
Students may reapply each semester for up to a total of 36 months of funding across their degree programme.
Does TUM offer any larger scholarships alongside this one?
Yes, TUM also participates in national programmes such as DAAD and the Deutschlandstipendium, which international students can pursue in addition to or instead of this university-specific award.
Is the application process different for Bachelor’s versus Master’s students?
The core application process is the same for both degree levels, though the financial need documentation expected may vary slightly depending on a student’s living situation and prior funding history.
Who reviews the scholarship applications?
A committee within the TUM scholarship office reviews each submission, weighing documented financial need against academic standing before issuing a decision each semester.