TUM First Steps
From enrollment and tuition fees to finding accommodation, registering their place of residence and financing your studies: At TUM First Steps, admitted international degree-seeking students learn everything they need to know to get off to a good start at TUM.
All You Need to Know to Get Started as an International Degree-Seeking Student at TUM
You come from abroad, have been admitted, and are preparing to start your studies at TUM? Before the summer and winter semesters start, TUM First Steps will provide you with all the information you need to get off to the best possible start.
In the TUM First Steps Info Sessions, experts will answer your questions about arrival in Germany: What do I need to enroll at TUM? How does the German healthcare system work, and which health insurance suits me? How do I find accommodation? How do I obtain a residence permit and register with the residents鈥� office? How can I finance my studies? And what should I bear in mind if I work during my studies?
At the TUM First Steps Student Experiences, experienced international students from TUM will be on hand to answer your questions: in peer-to-peer discussions, they will talk about their experiences of arriving in Germany and at TUM, report on how to avoid a culture shock in unfamiliar surroundings, and give tips for a good start to the new phase of your life.
Key info at a glance
- The next TUM First Steps will take place from 8 to 13 September 2025.
- Target group: Admitted degree-seeking international students who are preparing their arrival in Germany and their start at TUM in the winter semester 2025/26.
- Language: English
- Format: virtual info sessions via Zoom
- Info sessions and live Q&A: After the info sessions, you can use a Q&A tool to ask your individual questions.
The info sessions will not be recorded. The presentation slides will be available for download on this page after the sessions.
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Participation in the TUM First Steps Info Sessions: Registration is required. You will find the registration links below.
- Participation in the TUM First Steps Student Experiences: Registration is required. You will find the registration link below.
Please note: The number of participants is limited to 1,000 per Info session. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, it may not be possible for all those interested to participate in all sessions. The sessions will start as scheduled, so please log in on time.
Our contact: firststeps@cst.tum.de
TUM First Steps for starting in the winter semester 2025/26
TUM First Steps Info Sessions
Do I still need to do something, or am I already enrolled? What does enrollment even mean? Do I have to pay tuition fees 鈥� and if so, how much?
To answer questions like these, the TUM Student Information team will guide you through the enrollment process and explain what steps come next. At the end of the session, there will be time to address any remaining questions. After all, successful enrollment is the foundation for a smooth start to your studies.
In addition, TUM experts from the Scholarships and Financial Aid unit (TUM Center for Study and Teaching) will introduce selected support opportunities for international students 鈥� such as scholarships. They will also present options for a tuition fee waiver, including waiver scholarships and other exemption possibilities.
Presentation + Live Q&A
Health insurance plays an important role not only for enrollment, but also for medical care during your entire studies.
In this info session, we will introduce you to the system of health insurance and medical care in Germany. Here you can find out about the special features of each type of insurance so that you can make the right decision for you. Mr. Kohl and Mr. Vicari from the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) will answer your questions.
Presentation + Live Q&A
After arriving at your new place of residence, registering with the Resident鈥檚 Office is essential. For students arriving in Munich, the Resident鈥檚 Office (Kreisverwaltungsreferat, KVR) is the relevant authority. International students from non-EU countries must also apply for their residence permit there. In this info session, an employee of the KVR will explain the relevant processes and answer any questions about them.
Presentation + Live Q&A
Ms. Salome Fritz and Ms. Sabine St枚hr from the General Advice and Social Counseling Service at the Munich Student Union (Studierendenwerk M眉nchen Oberbayern) will begin this info session by introducing the range of services their institution offers to students. They will then give an overview of various options for financing your studies, such as working as a student, scholarships, and other possibilities. They will also present the key cost factors of studying in Germany. Additionally, they will introduce the self-financing options specifically available for international students, as well as what needs to be considered in these cases.
Presentation + Live Q&A
Finding suitable accommodation is one of the most critical issues when moving to a new city, especially another country.
During the info session, our TUM Living expert will show you how to successfully find accommodation. You will receive practical tips, for example, on applications and apartment viewings and information on formalities. In addition, TUM students will report on their experiences of looking for accommodation.
Presentation + LIve Q&A