TUM Is No Longer Free For International Students

Summary

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has introduced tuition fees for non-EU international students, marking a significant shift in Germany's traditionally free education system. This change, effective from the winter semester of 2024/25, is a result of Bavaria's new Higher Education Innovation Act. While TUM remains the only university in Munich implementing these fees, other Bavarian universities may follow suit. The fees range from €2000-€6000 per semester depending on the program. Alternatives to TUM include other prestigious universities like RWTH Aachen and the University of Hamburg, which still offer free education for international students.

Takeaways

• 😀 TUM (Technical University of Munich) introduces tuition fees for international students starting from the winter semester 2024/25.
• 😀 International students with German education qualifications or those enrolled before winter 2024/25 are exempt from the new fees.
• 😀 Exceptions to the tuition fees include students from the European Economic Area (EEA), those with disabilities, asylum seekers, and doctoral or guest students.
• 😀 The reason for introducing the fees is to improve the quality of education, infrastructure, and student services at TUM.
• 😀 Tuition fees at TUM range from €2,000 to €3,000 per semester for bachelor's programs and €4,000 to €6,000 for master's programs.
• 😀 TUM's decision follows a new law, the Higher Education Innovation Act, introduced in Bavaria in 2023, allowing universities in the region to charge tuition fees.
• 😀 Other major universities in Munich, including Ludwig Maximilian University and University of Applied Sciences, are not currently planning to introduce tuition fees.
• 😀 The reintroduction of tuition fees for international students in Bavaria raises concerns about the future of free education in Germany.
• 😀 Other regions in Germany, like Baden-Württemberg, already charge tuition fees for international students, with universities like Heidelberg and KIT charging €1,500 per semester.
• 😀 TUM is offering scholarships and fee waivers for students with personal or social hardships, such as war refugees or those with family responsibilities.

Q & A

What is the major change happening at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) starting in 2024?

TUM is introducing tuition fees for non-EU international students starting in the winter semester of 2024/25, which is a significant change for the university, known for offering free education until now.

Who will be exempt from the tuition fees at TUM?

Exemptions include students who have been enrolled before the winter semester of 2024/25, students with German higher education qualifications like the 'Abitur,' students who completed a bachelor's degree in Germany, students with German citizenship, students from the European Economic Area (EEA), and those with specific exceptions such as students with disabilities, asylum seekers, doctoral students, and guest students.

Why did TUM decide to introduce tuition fees for international students?

The decision was driven by the Higher Education Innovation Act in Bavaria, which aims to improve the quality and sustainability of university education by providing more resources for teaching, infrastructure, and student services.

What is the range of tuition fees for bachelor's and master's programs at TUM?

Tuition fees for bachelor's programs range from €2,000 to €3,000 per semester, while master's programs will cost between €4,000 and €6,000 per semester.

What are the total tuition costs for an international student completing a computer science degree at TUM?

For a bachelor's degree (6 semesters) at €3,000 per semester and a master's degree (2 semesters) at €6,000 per semester, the total cost would be around €30,000.

What are some of the alternatives to TUM for students who want to avoid tuition fees?

Alternative universities that offer excellent education without tuition fees include Hamburg University of Technology, RWTH Aachen University, Technical University of Berlin, and Technical University of Darmstadt.

Has TUM been the only university in Bavaria to introduce tuition fees for international students?

Yes, so far TUM is the only university in Bavaria to introduce tuition fees for non-EU international students, although other universities in the region are discussing the possibility.

What concerns have been raised by the student representatives at TUM regarding the introduction of tuition fees?

Student representatives are concerned that the introduction of tuition fees will prioritize money over student support, making it harder for talented students from all financial backgrounds to access education.

How will TUM support students who face financial difficulties due to the new tuition fees?

TUM will offer scholarships for high-achieving international students and waivers for students with personal, social, or family reasons, such as war refugees or pregnancy. More details can be found on the TUM website.

Is TUM the first university in Germany to introduce tuition fees for international students?

No, TUM is not the first. Universities in the German region of Baden-Württemberg have been charging tuition fees for international students since 2015, including prestigious institutions like Heidelberg University and KIT.