About the opportunity
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers various waiver scholarships, fee exemptions, and tuition fee waivers for international students from non-EU/EEA countries who are required to pay tuition fees. These options are designed to support students facing financial hardship, those with outstanding academic achievements, or individuals experiencing exceptional personal, social, or health circumstances. Awards cover the amount of tuition fees and are applied directly to the recipient’s tuition fee account rather than paid out as cash. Deadlines and eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific waiver or scholarship category.
Funding and benefits
- Waiver of tuition fees for international students from non-EU/EEA countries
- Coverage applied directly to the student's tuition fee account (no direct cash payout)
Who can apply?
- International students from non-EU/EEA countries subject to tuition fees at TUM
- High-achieving Master's students in their 1st or 2nd semester based on previous academic performance
- Bachelor's and Master's applicants beginning their studies who face financial hardship
- TUM students in their 3rd semester or later with outstanding academic performance during their studies at TUM
- Students with an established domestic connection, eligible residence permit, or specific protected legal statuses
- Students with a documented disability, chronic illness, or personal/social hardships such as caring for children or dependent family members
Required documents
- Online application form submitted via the TUM portal
- Application number in TUMonline or student ID number
- For high-achieving Master's applicants: official ranking certificate issued by the previous institution with cohort details and valid verification or original ink stamp
- For financial need applicants: bank statements from the past 18 months, proof of income and assets, and family circumstance documents
- For advanced students: current TUM Examination Report
- For start-up founders: letters of recommendation from the supervising professor and TUM Entrepreneurship Advisory Service
- For exemptions/waivers: residence permits, registration certificates (Meldebescheinigung), disability ID cards, and medical certificates where applicable
When to apply
- Master's high-achieving students (1st/2nd semester): January 1 to May 31 for the following winter semester; November 1 to January 15 for the following summer semester
- Bachelor's financial need applicants: May 15 to July 15 for the following winter semester
- Master's financial need applicants: January 1 to May 31 for the following winter semester; November 1 to January 15 for the following summer semester
- High-achieving students (3rd semester or later): May 31 to June 30 for the following winter semester; November 30 to December 31 for the following summer semester
- Disability waivers: September 15 for initial enrollment (winter semester), August 15 for re-enrollment (winter semester); March 15 for initial enrollment (summer semester), February 15 for re-enrollment (summer semester)
- Asylum seekers: September 15 for winter semester; March 15 for initial enrollment and February 15 for re-enrollment
- Childcare and family care waivers: June 15 to June 30 for the following winter semester; November 15 to November 30 for the following summer semester
- Special personal or social circumstances waivers: June 15 to June 30 for the following winter semester; November 15 to November 30 for the following summer semester
How to apply
- Check whether tuition fees apply to your degree program and personal background
- Submit your online application through the designated TUM scholarship or exemption portal during the active application period
- Include your TUMonline application number or student ID number
- Upload all required supporting documents as specified for your chosen category
- Mail original postal documents (such as ranking certificates without digital verification) within two weeks after the application deadline if requested
- Confirm your acceptance in the application portal by the specified deadline if your waiver scholarship is approved
Additional information
- All supporting documents in languages other than German or English must be accompanied by a certified translation prepared by a sworn translator.
- Decisions on applications are announced through the scholarship application portal and communicated via email.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- International students from non-EU/EEA countries currently enrolled or applying to TUM.
- High-achieving students who can demonstrate academic merit or financial hardship.
- Students facing specific personal, social, or health-related circumstances that impact their finances.
What should you think carefully about?
- Awards are applied directly to tuition accounts, meaning no cash is paid out to the student.
- Deadlines are strict and vary by category, requiring careful planning and documentation.
- Documents not in German or English must be accompanied by certified translations.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
These waivers are essential for students aiming to reduce the financial burden of their education at a prestigious institution. Securing a waiver can make a TUM degree significantly more accessible, allowing students to focus on their academic performance rather than tuition costs.
Our take
This is a vital resource for international students at TUM. Applicants should verify their specific eligibility category early to ensure they meet the relevant deadlines.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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