Application
How do I apply?
Please submit your application documents using the online registration by the deadline. If your documents are complete, formally correct, and received by TUM by the deadline, you will take part in the aptitude assessment.
For a step by step guide, please follow this link https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/master/application-master.
International applicants may require additional documents.
Do I need a portfolio?
We do not require a portfolio for this course.
In your motivational letter (text), you should include the abilities, particular talents, interests, career ambitions, and previous work that makes you particularly suited to study this degree course. Further information on your personal background or special qualifications, such as extra-curricula commitments, may also be added to illustrate your suitability (please include proof with your application, for example, as an attachment to your motivational letter). Please note that the motivational letter itself should be a maximum of two A4 pages of text and be written in English. Any attachments serve as proof of your statements, however, they will not be directly included in the evaluation of the motivational letter.
Can I apply if I have a grade lower than 2.0?
You may apply with a grade lower than 2.0
Your grade makes up one of a number of parts of the aptitude assessment, therefore while a grade lower than 2.0 GPA does not automatically lead to the rejection of an application, the application will not receive points for that part of the assessment.
Can I apply with a master's degree?
Yes, if you achieved your master's in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, geodesy, geoinformation, informatics, or a similar.
We require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in one of the degree programs listed above. A grade of at least 2.0 is asked for.
Program Fees
Tuition Fees for International Students
Please note that TUM is introducing tuition fees for international students from WS24/25. For more details, please check the TUM Website on Tution Fees.
What are the semester fees?
The semester fees, which consist of the basic student union fee and the fees for the basic (public transport) semester ticket, must be transferred in time for each semester in which you wish to begin or continue your studies.
For more information on fees and financial aid please follow this link https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/
When are semester fees due?
The payment deadline
- for first-time enrollment for the winter semester Sept. 15.
- for continued enrollment for the summer semester Feb. 15 and for the winter semester Aug. 15.
For more information on fees and financial aid please follow this link https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/
Other questions
Questions from Master's Days 2024
Can I apply as a mechanical engineer?
You can apply with any degree or grade, but the less relevant your qualifications are, the lower your chances of being accepted. You can still be accepted as a mechanical engineer if you have taken courses related to information technology or the built environment.
Do I need to know programming? What language? Can you recommend any courses?
During your ITBE program you will be expected to do programming, including creating the projects for the compulsory modules. Programming knowledge is not a prerequisite for admission to the course, but it is strongly recommended that you learn at least basic programming skills before the start of the first semester. This way you won't fall behind the group learning the basics instead of working on your projects.
There are a variety of programming courses online, many of which are free. You can search for it on YouTube or Coursera, or just type your question into Google. You can learn any language you want as it is the most important to grasp the general understanding of coding and algorithmic thinking.
One of the easy-to-follow courses is JetBrains' interactive Introduction to Python course, which requires you to install the PyCharm Community Edition software (the 'Community' is free). The course is available here: https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/16630-introduction-to-python.
Is the program designed to provide courses that are relevant to landscape architects?
Yes! Most courses are definitely relevant for landscape architects (GIS, BIM, …). However, they are not specifically made for them.
I would like to specialize in GIS technologies. Would it make sense to apply for the program then or is it rather focused on BIM?
That makes perfect sense, as both technologies are well covered in the program. In addition to BIM.fundamentals, there are 4-5 compulsory modules on GIS topics offered by the Chair of Prof. Kolbe. Additionally, you can use the electives to focus more on GIS challenges.
Is there a computer lab equipped with high-performance and up-to-date computers available for student use?
Yes, we have dedicated "BIM Lab" with high-performance and up-to-date computers next to the regular PC pools.
Are there virtual classes?
Some courses, particularly the elective modules, can be taught online. However, most courses take place in person at the TUM and require attendance during the lecture period.
Are there many group works?
ITBE is an interdisciplinary program that brings together specialists and students from different disciplines and offers the opportunity to learn from each other. Group projects are therefore a large part of the curriculum, especially the interdisciplinary Fusion Lab project in the third semester.
If I did my Erasmus abroad for one year and studied fully in English, does it count as a proof for my English skills or do I still need a TOEFL test?
You need a TOEFL test or other proof of language proficiency. You can only count your bachelor's degree in English as proof of your language skills if the language of instruction for at least 50% of the courses you attended during a four-year full-time bachelor's degree was English. An Erasmus semester or Erasmus year is therefore not sufficient. For more information, visit the Proof of English Language Proficiency website.
Can I submit the proof of English language proficiency later? Can I submit the VPD after being accepted?
All documents required for the application must be submitted by the application deadline. Otherwise, the application will not pass the formal check and will not be evaluated.
I am still studying my Bachelors degree. Can I submit my Bachelor certificate later?
Bachelor certificate is not required for the application. You will have to submit it before the enrollment. However, you must submit your current transcript of records within your application.