Founded in 1868 in Munich, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Germany’s leading research-oriented universities and a global pioneer in science, technology, and innovation. Guided by its mission to “Shape the future through knowledge and innovation,” TUM combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and international collaboration.
With 15 academic departments and schools, more than 180 degree programs, and a wide range of interdisciplinary research centers, TUM focuses on engineering, natural sciences, medicine, life sciences, and social sciences, while also fostering innovation in management and technology. The university’s campuses in Munich, Garching, and Weihenstephan offer students a unique blend of cutting-edge research facilities and a vibrant urban environment, supported by modern student services and strong industry partnerships. Today, around 40% of its master’s students come from abroad, giving TUM a truly global academic community and making it one of the best universities in Germany for international students.
Key Facts
- University Type: Public Research University
- Established: 1868
- Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- International Students: ~45%
- Specialization: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Life Sciences, Management
- Campuses: 6 (Munich, Garching, Weihenstephan, Heilbronn, Straubing, Singapore)
History & Foundation
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) was founded in 1868 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a “polytechnic school” dedicated to advancing engineering and science. Over the decades, it grew into one of Germany’s most renowned universities, shaping the country’s industrial, technological, and scientific progress.
TUM has a strong tradition of excellence in research and innovation, with more than a dozen Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty and alumni. As one of the first universities to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, it continues to integrate engineering, natural sciences, medicine, and management to address global challenges. Today, TUM stands as a pioneer of academic excellence, recognized as a University of Excellence under the German Excellence Initiative.
Education & Research
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers a world-class learning environment, supported by over 600 professors and leading international scholars. With its strong focus on engineering, natural sciences, medicine, life sciences, and management, TUM offers a wide portfolio of degree programs that attract ambitious students from around the globe.
The university’s vibrant research culture is supported by:
- Over 10 interdisciplinary research centres, including the TUM Institute for Advanced Study
- Cutting-edge laboratories and facilities in fields such as quantum science, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology
- Strategic collaborations with leading industry partners, startups, and global research institutions
- A strong commitment to innovation through the TUM Entrepreneurship Center and UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s largest university-based entrepreneurship hub
Through this ecosystem, students benefit from hands-on research opportunities, direct industry engagement, and a culture of innovation that connects academic knowledge with real-world impact.
Student Life & Global Opportunities
Beyond academics, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers a vibrant student life with over 170 clubs, organizations, and cultural activities, fostering a strong community. Located in Munich, one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, TUM gives students numerous opportunities in sports, arts, and social engagement.
With partnerships and exchange agreements with over 500 universities worldwide, TUM offers a global academic network. Through Erasmus+, double-degree programs, and international internships, students gain cross-cultural experience and career opportunities, preparing them for leadership in science, technology, business, and beyond.
Contact Information
Visitor Address:
Arcisstraße 21, 80333 Munich, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 289 01
Email: info@tum.de
