Important notes beforehand
Please read through all the explanatory paragraphs that apply to all CIT Informatics degree programs (PP Informatics and BSc IE Heilbronn) likewise before looking at the respective mobility window of your degree program.
A careful reading of this webpage is especially important for the understanding and preparation of the mobility window in the respective degree program. Typically, Bachelor's students go abroad in their 5th semester or third year of study. In the Master's program, any semester can be considered, as it depends on the personal progression of studies and the semester periods. The application deadlines for exchange programs at TUM are at the beginning or middle of the winter semester, i.e. 8-12 months (sometimes 18 months) before a stay, depending on the semester in which you want to go abroad (TUMexchange at the end of October, ERASMUS in the middle of January, see our website on studying abroad).
For better planning, please refer to our checklist and create a study progress plan. The latter should give you an overview yourself including the stay abroad, but also serve as a basis to discuss your studying abroad in the consultation appointment.
Important steps before going abroad
A. Our rule of thumb: take basic courses, bridging courses/requirements, compulsory modules and TUM-specific modules at TUM, but plan elective modules, specializations and advanced courses abroad.
Consequently, you should adjust your respective study plan in order to take elective modules and support electives abroad (see FPSO §40, para. 2 and APSO §16). Subject courses from abroad can often be assigned to an elective catalog. Then the courses have to correspond to the learning outcome/spirit of the elective module catalog for a free recognition without exact assignment to a TUM module. Sometimes you can find modules abroad which are transferable as equivalent (1:1), too. On our webpage on credit transfer you will find a constantly growing, non-final overview of recognitions from abroad that have already been granted, with examples of 'free recognitions' and equivalent modules.
B. The different semester times of our partner universities may overlap with the TUM semester or examination periods. If you are planning a stay at one of our partner universities, please make sure that your individual study plan is well thought through. Please also refer to the information in the table below under '3. Comparison of international semester times'.
C. Reflect on what kind of experience you want to make abroad and what aspects of a stay abroad you want to prioritize. In particular, preparing sufficient language skills in advance might be a requirement and can turn your stay abroad into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn another foreign language fluently on top of academic achievements. Dare to be ambitious! The TUM Language Center offers a wide range of language courses, and our partner universities also organize language courses in the local language or language of instruction. Some partner universities offer tailored programs for exchange students in language acquisition and subject areas (e.g. in Japan and China).
D. Funding: TUM's exchange programs (TUMexchange, ERASMUS+, DD and partnerships) waive your tuition fees at our partner universities (except for a few destinations in the USA). The ERAMUS+ program, additionally, awards partial scholarships to all outgoings. The living costs can vary greatly depending on the country and region you are going to. For more funding options, please visit the central scholarship websites of TUM Global & Alumni.
E. The mobility windows in all degree programs follow a similar pattern. For further questions, come to the study abroad advisor with an initial study progress plan for your degree program.
You should only go abroad when you have a good foothold in your studies! For instance, if the 3rd year of your bachelor's degree is too early, then go in the 4th year. Please do not under any circumstances try to make up for failed exams in the next year with an overloaded schedule. Of course, this also applies to our Master's programs. It is important to find the most suitable semester for your stay in your personal academic career.
Are there any special courses or a specific field of study that you have in mind? Can you attend the classes ( courses in economics, master's level, ...)? In which language is the course taught? The testimonials (Erfahrungsberichte / experience reports) of former outgoings and the TUM CIT Informatics Study Abroad Advisor will give you orientation. However, there may well be changes once you are there, so plan with a certain degree of flexibility.
In most cases a stay in the TUM winter semester is recommendable due to overlapping semesters, only in exceptions the TUM summer semester. If the different semester times result in a gap in time before or after the stay, an internship in the exchange country or in Germany, for example, can be a meaningful opportunity. In addition, the lecture and examination times at TUM CIT Informatics (can) change annually by up to three weeks; often crucial for planning without overlaps!
Come to the Study Abroad Advisor with an initial study progress plan to schedule and coordinate options for a seamless stay abroad without overlaps. We will find a solution for your dream destination.
*All information without guarantee and claim to completeness! We expect intensive self-research on current semester times (keyword "academic calendar"), e.g. via the online database of the TUM Global & Alumni Office and the websites of the partner universities. The academic calendars can also differ from university to university within a country!
| Country* | 1st semester* | 2nd semester* | Note* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina* | August - December | March - July | The 1st semester starts in the beginning of August. |
| Australia* | February - June (Academic Year starts in February - Southern hemisphere) | July - December | Often (not always), the 1st semester is more suitable for a stay in our summer semester. Exact research necessary, since Australian universities differ in the start of the semester. |
| Belgium* | September - January | February - June | |
| Brazil* | August - December | February - June | |
| Chile* | August - December | March - July | The 1st semester starts in the beginning of August. Please research the current semester periods. They can be different every year! |
| China (PCR)* | September - January | February - June | The semesters start at different times (ca. 1-2 weeks +/-). |
| Costa Rica* | July - December | February - June | Please research the different semester periods (also the one at TUM), fill out the study progress plan and come to the Study Abroad Advisor, we will find a solution. |
| Denmark* | Mid/late August - December | January - May | Every semester is subdivided in two periods. |
| Estonia* | Mid/late August - December | January - May | |
| Finland* | Mid/late August - December | January - May | Every semester is subdivided in two periods. |
| France* | September - January | February - June | |
| Greece* | September - January | January - May | |
| India* | July - December | January - June | Most Indian universities start in mid/late July. Fill out the study progress plan and come to the Study Abroad Advisor, we will find a solution. |
| Indonesia* | September - January | February - June | |
| Ireland* | August - January | January - May | |
| Iceland* | Mid August - December | January - May | |
| Israel* | October - February | March - July | |
| Italy* | September - February | Late February - June/July | |
| Japan* | October- March | March - September | Same semester periods as in Germany! |
| Canada* | Late August - December | January - May | Often, a third term (May-August) with a rather small course offer. Not relevant for the exchange. |
| Colombia* | August - December | March - July | The 1st semester starts in the beginning of August. |
| Korea,Republic* | September - January/February | Mid/late February - June | |
| Cuba* | August - December | January/February - June | |
| Malaysia* | 1st trimester: June - Mid October | 2nd trimester: Mid October - Mid March | 3rd trimester: Mid March - early June |
| Morocco* | August - December | January - May | |
| Mexico* | August - December | January - June | The 1st semester starts in the beginning of August. |
| Netherlands* | September - January | February - June | |
| Norway* | Mid August - December | January - May | Every semester is subdivided in two periods. |
| Philippines* | Mid August - December | January - May | |
| Poland* | September - February | Late February - July | |
| Portugal* | September - January | February - July | |
| Romania* | October - February | February - July | |
| Russia* | September - January | February - June | |
| Sweden* | Mid/Late August - December/January | January - May | Every semester is subdivided in two periods. |
| Switzerland* | September - January | February - June | |
| Singapore* | Early August - December | January - May | Through TUMexchange: 50/50 chance to get the 1st or 2nd semester. Fill out the study progress plan and come to the Study Abroad Advisor, we will find a solution. |
| Spain* | September - January | February - June | |
| South Africa* | July - December | January - May | Fill out the study progress plan and come to the Study Abroad Advisor, we will find a solution. |
| Taiwan* | September - January/February | February/March - July | |
| Thailand* | August - December | January - May | |
| Czech Republic* | October - February | February - July | |
| Turkey* | September - January | Mid/Late February - June | |
| Hungary* | September - January | February - June/July | |
| USA* | Late August - December | January - May | Often, a third term (May-August) with a rather small course offer. Not relevant for the exchange. |
| United Kingdom* | September - January | January - May | |
| Vietnam* | August - December | January - May |
All lecture and examination periods may differ in other schools/departments!
Winter Semester 2023/24: 1st October 2023 – 31st March 2024
Lecture period: 16th October 2023 – 9th February 2024
Examinations at TUM Informatics: 5th February 2024 – 2nd March 2024 (tbc)
Summer Semester 2024: 1st April 2024 – 30th September 2024
Lecture period: 15th April 2024 – 19th July 2024
Examinations at TUM Informatics: 15th July 2024 – 10th August 2024 (tbc)
Winter Semester 2024/25: 1st October 2024 – 31st March 2025
Lecture period: 14th October 2024 – 7th February 2025 (tbc)
Examinations at TUM Informatics: 3rd February 2025 – 1st March 2025 (tbc)
Summer Semester 2025: 1st April 2025 – 30th September 2025
Lecture period: 22nd April 2025 – 25th July 2025 (tbc)
Examinations at TUM Informatics: 21st July 2025 – 16th August 2025 (tbc)
Winter Semester 2025/26: 1st October 2025 – 31st March 2026
Lecture period: 13th October 2025 – 7th February 2026 (tbc)
Examinations at TUM Informatics: 2nd February 2026 – 28th February 2026 (tbc)
Note: Due to the large number of exams and rooms required, the general timeframes given above are subject to change, there might be exceptions. Please check the exact dates of the examinations for your individual courses. The examination dates are issued during the first few weeks of the course.
If I did my Bachelor's degree at a different university than TUM, is it possible for me to apply for a stay abroad in the 1st Master's semster?
No, that's not possible.You have to be at least enrolled at TUM at the time of application, partly you also have to submit TUM grades for the application. Therefore, a stay abroad within one of our exchange programs is possible at the earliest in your second Master year.
Where can I find information on recognitions?
Our website on recognition of credits earned abroad provides you with detailled information on the recognition procedure at TUM CIT Informatics. The recognition precedure can differ between departments and universities, that's why only the regulations and conditions of TUM CIT Informatics and the respective examination board apply to all degree programs of TUM CIT Informatics.
Why is a Master's Thesis a good idea for a stay abroad outside our exchange programs?
First of all, you can organize your Master's Thesis autonomously at a later, individual point of time in your studies (approx. 6 months before your stay abroad). There are no application deadlines, decisive is only the confirmation of your supervisor at the institution abroad (subject to the agreement of a TUM supervisor). Second, you can chose from all universities in the world, not only TUM CIT Informatics' partner universities. This is a good option, in particular, for Master's students who did their Bachelor's degree outside of TUM and do not want to extend their studies for a 5th semester. More information on this topic, you can find on our website about writing your thesis abroad.
Why is the summer semester, in most cases, not suitable for a stay abroad?
In comparison to international semester times, TUM semesters begin particularly late. The 'summer semester' (spring semester / semester 2) at foreign universities usually begin aleady in January/February. As the TUM winter semester is not finished at that point of time, it is recommendable to plan your stay abroad especially during the 'winter semester' (fall semester / semester 1). You can find an overview further above in the section comparison of international semester times.
I really would like to go abroad during the summer semester (spring / semester 2). How does that work?
The application deadlines for the exchange programs are all in the winter semester and apply to stays abroad of one or two semesters in the folllwing academic year that starts in summer/fall. There is no extra application period for the summer semester, therefore you have to start planning in time! In addition, your study progress plan and the semester times of the partner university must allow for a stay without overlap, otherwise you should consider the winter semester after all.
I am interested in universities in a country (e.g. Australia, India, South Africa) whose semester times notoriously overlap with the TUM semester times. How can I study there?
A lot is possible, if you plan ahead and are flexible! Come to the Study Abroad Advisor with an initial study progress plan. We will find a solution.
Mobility Window - 5th semester Bachelor Information Engineering (Campus Heilbronn)
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st - 4th semester | Laying the bases | pass all compulsary courses, see curriculum Bachelor Information Engineering. Elective modules are particularly well suited for studying abroad. |
| 5th semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
=> postpone Bachelor Practical Course to 6th semester. |
| 6th - 7th semester | Remaining modules and Thesis; possibly master modules | Can be taken every semester: Bachelor Practical Course, remaining Electives in Management and Bachelor's thesis. |
Start of the MSc degree program in winter semester: mobility example in 3rd semester
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st & 2nd semester | TUM specific modules at TUM | Attend at TUM: IDP (plan and register in time!), Master practical course and Master seminar. Otherwise Electives, especially TUM specific courses, in particular from the areas AWR or FMA. |
| 3rd semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
|
| 4th semester | Remaining modules & Thesis | You can register your Master's thesis by the 15th of each month. |
| 5th semester | Alternative Mobility Window (to 3rd semester) | Especially a good option for students with a Bachelor's degree from another university: First, settle in at TUM, then apply and take the remaining Electives or write your Master's Thesis abroad. There are many possibilities to chose from, as you can apply for all TUM exchange programs with your TUM grades. |
Start of the MSc degree program in summer semester: mobility example in 4th semester
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st -3rd semester | TUM specific modules at TUM | Attend at TUM: IDP, Master practical course and Master seminar. Otherwise Electives, especially TUM specific courses, in particular from the areas AWR or FMA. |
| 4th semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
|
| 5th semester | Thesis | You can register your Master's thesis by the 15th of each month. |
Start of the MSc degree program in winter semester: mobility example in 3rd semester
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st & 2nd semester | TUM specific modules at TUM | See curriculum MSc Information Systems. Move up IN2105 Information and Knowledge Management to 1st semester, and postpone courses of the area Software Engineering to 3rd semester. |
| 3rd semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
|
| 4th semester | Remaining modules & Thesis | You can register your Master's thesis by the 15th of each month. |
| 5th semester | Alternative Mobility Window (to 3rd semester) | Especially a good option for students with a Bachelor's degree from another university: Apply in your 3rd semester and take remaining Electives abroad. There are many possibilities to chose from, as you can apply for all TUM exchange programs with your TUM grades. |
Start of the MSc degree program in summer semester: mobility example in 4th semester
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st - 3rd semester | TUM specific modules at TUM | See curriculum MSc Information Systems. If possible, take all compulsory courses incl. IN2259 Distributed Systems, area Software Engineering and area Professional Specialization (Elective, 3 ECTS). |
| 4th semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
|
| 5th semester | Thesis | You can register your Master's thesis by the 15th of each month. |
Start of the MSc degree program in winter semester: mobility example in 3rd semester
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st & 2nd semester | TUM specific modules at TUM | Attend at TUM: compulsory courses (A): IN2326 Foundations in Data Engineering, MA4800 Foundations in Data Analysis, Master practical course and Master seminar. Otherwise Electives B1.1, B2.1 and B3, especially TUM specific courses. Plan IN2169 Research Work under Guidance or IN2328 Application Project in time. |
| 3rd semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
|
| 4th semester | Remaining modules & Thesis | You can register your Master's thesis by the 15th of each month. |
| 5thsemester | Alternative Mobility Window (to 3rd semester) | Especially a good option for students with a Bachelor's degree from another university: First, settle in at TUM, then apply and take the remaining Electives or write your Master's thesis abroad. There are many possibilities to chose from, as you can apply for all TUM exchange programs with your TUM grades. |
Start of the MSc degree program in summer semester: mobility example in 4th semester
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st - 3rd semester | TUM specific modules at TUM | Attend at TUM: compulsory courses (A): IN2326 Foundations in Data Engineering, MA4800 Foundations in Data Analysis, Master practical course and Master seminar. Otherwise Electives, especially TUM specific courses. |
| 4th semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
|
| 5th semester | Thesis | You can register your Master's thesis by the 15th of each month. |
Start of the MSc degree program only in winter semester: mobility example in 3rd semester
| Semester | Study phase | Modules - plan individually |
|---|---|---|
| 1st & 2nd semester | TUM specific modules at TUM | Attend at TUM: all CSE compulsory modules except for IN2012! Move up IN2183 CSE Seminar Scientific Computing (to 2nd semester). If possible, take modules from the D catalog. Take all Computer Science electives in 3rd semester. Contact the CSE coordinators early. see curriculum MSc Computational Science and Engineering. |
| 3rd semester | Mobility Window | Particularly well suited for recognitions from abroad are:
|
| 4th semester | Remaining modules & Thesis | You can register your Master's thesis at any time. |
| 5th semester | Alternative Mobility Window (to 3rd semester) | Especially a good option for students with a Bachelor's degree from another university: First, settle in at TUM, then apply and take the remaining Electives or write your Master's thesis abroad. There are many possibilities to chose from, as you can apply for all TUM exchange programs with your TUM grades. |