What is it all about?

Informatics is the science behind the digital world - and you can play an active role in shaping it! Its roots go back a long way: Ada Lovelace developed the first programming concepts back in the 19th century. In the 20th century, pioneers such as Alan Turing laid the foundations for modern computers. Today, you will learn how algorithms, artificial intelligence, IT security, networks and software development work. Informatics is everywhere: in apps, robotics, big data and cloud technologies. You develop solutions for complex problems and optimize processes in almost all areas of life. Whether in medical technology, finance or game development - informatics drives innovation. With logical thinking, creative problem-solving and programming skills, you can actively shape the digital future. Are you ready to change the world and be part of the next technological revolution?

Program structure

During your studies, you have various subjects, which consist of one or more modules. A module deals with a specific topic and consists of one or more courses. In the module handbook for your degree program, you will find a description of the modules and their subject assignment as well as a study plan. This gives you an orientation as to which courses you should attend in which semester in order to complete your studies within the standard period of study. It takes into account a balanced distribution of courses over the individual semesters. It also ensures that you are first taught the important basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Your individual course of study may differ from this.

You will take the following subjects to provide you with all the important foundations for later specializations and, if applicable, the subsequent master's degree program:

• Mathematics (34 to 46 CP): at the beginning of your studies, you will acquire detailed basic knowledge of analysis and linear algebra. Numerics and probability theory follow in the second year of study.
  
• Theoretical Informatics (17 CP): fundamentals of algorithm technology, data structures, complexity theory, automata theory, logic, formal languages and others provide you with important foundations for later in-depth courses.
  
• Computer Engineering (16 CP): in this subject, you will learn which components make up a computer and how they work. You will also deal with digital networks, which are used to transfer, process and store digital data. The subject is rounded off by acquiring knowledge about the structure of operating systems.
  
• Software Engineering (24 CP): this subject is about software engineering and the theory behind it. You have specific programming courses, but also learn about different programming paradigms (object-oriented, functional, logical, etc.). The Software Engineering I module also gives you an initial insight into the specification and verification of programs.
  
• Further Core Subjects (20 CP): this subject focuses on more application-oriented content such as databases, computer networks, IT security and the basics of artificial intelligence.
  
• Elective Studies in Informatics (15-36 CP): here you can take informatics modules to suit your mood. Just give it a try and perhaps this will help you decide on a master's specialization.
  
• Minor Studies (12-21 CP): here you immerse yourself in an application area of your choice, for example economics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics... the supplementary subject is an important building block of your professional qualification.
  
• Interdisciplinary Qualifications (6 CP): this subject is for your personal development. Be it language courses, writing techniques, courses on resilience or mindfulness... KIT has a lot to offer you!
  

The sum of the credit points from the subjects Mathematics, Elective Studies in Informatics and Minor Studies must be at least 82. You can find a detailed study plan and the modules available in elective areas in the module handbook.

Stays abroad

KIT offers a wide range of options for stays abroad, from individual courses to a year abroad. Especially if you are interested in a longer stay abroad, it is advisable to contact the International Students Office early on.

Bachelor's thesis

At the end of your bachelor's degree, you will complete your bachelor's thesis, an academic paper that allows you to apply and deepen the knowledge and skills you have acquired. It usually deals with a specific topic in your field of study and requires independent research, analysis and writing. The bachelor's thesis takes a maximum of four months to complete

Today, IT systems are part of our everyday life and work culture and influence a wide range of processes. With a degree in informatics, you therefore have excellent career prospects in numerous industries and fields of work. For example, you can work in software development, management, consulting or IT administration in a wide range of fields such as medicine, biotechnology, infrastructure, media, finance, etc. Informatics and its applications are also universal, making graduates sought-after specialists both nationally and internationally.

In the bachelor's degree program in Informatics, you will acquire the basic knowledge you need to start your career. You will be able to analyze technical problems and take a structured approach to complex issues. At KIT, you will also acquire basic knowledge from a supplementary subject (e.g. physics, economics, mechanical engineering), which will further expand your career opportunities. With a bachelor's degree, you will not only work in industry, consulting firms and the service sector, but may also be able to come up with creative business ideas in your own company. Of course, you can also study for a master's degree to expand and deepen your specialist knowledge and scientific skills.

Characteristic features of Informatics B.Sc. at KIT

• promotion of analytical thinking through an above-average proportion of mathematical content
  
• flexible choice of course content from the 3rd semester onwards
  
• freely selectable supplementary modules, which are taken at the other departments
  
• optional interdisciplinary qualifications
  
• possibility of various double degrees with universities abroad
  
• the "eezi goIN" mentoring program supports you in your first semester

What KIT has to offer

• central campus close to the city forest and right next to the city center
  
• orientation week before the start of lectures
  
• 24-hour library offering single and group working places
  
• wide range of inexpensive catering options (dining hall, cafeteria, Koeri and Pizzawerk)
  
• numerous interdisciplinary offers for personal and professional development, e.g. Lernlabor, Schreiblabor and Perspektivenlabor
  
• study abroad, e.g. via Erasmus
  
• excellent university sports facilities with a large selection of sports
  
• comprehensive cultural offerings with university orchestras, choirs and theater groups
  
• extensive support for career entry and self-employment
  
• Lernraum app
  
• internationally oriented degree programs and diverse exchange programs
  
• modern laboratories and practical teaching methods
  
• diverse student initiatives, clubs and opportunities to actively participate in campus life
  
• stay in touch after graduation via the alumni network

Higher education entrance qualification (HZB)

Germans and persons of equal status to Germans (i.e. EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals with a German higher education entrance qualification) are entitled to study at KIT if they have one of the following qualifications:

1. General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
2. (relevant) subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (not Fachhochschulreife)
3. Delta examination of the University of Mannheim (for holders of a Fachhochschulreife)
4. recognized advanced vocational training (e.g. master craftsperson) or vocational training, professional experience and aptitude test for those with professional qualifications

For further options, see §58 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act).

Please note: German nationals with a foreign school-leaving qualification must have the relevant "Regierungspräsidium" (regional authority) certify that their qualification is equivalent to the German Abitur.

For non-EU/EEA nationals with a foreign school-leaving certificate (hereinafter also referred to simply as non-EU/EEA nationals), the school-leaving certificate from some countries is recognized as a direct university entrance qualification in Germany. In many cases, however, in addition to the school-leaving certificate, a university entrance examination and/or a successful year of study in the home country and/or the "Feststellungsprüfung" must be proven with valid documents in order to be allowed to study a bachelor's degree in Germany. You can find the country-specific regulations in the DAAD admissions database or on the Anabin website (in German only) of the "Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen" (Central Office for Foreign Education). Further information is available from the International Students Office.

Language requirements and certificates

For the bachelor's degree program in Informatics, you need sufficient knowledge of the German language. Your German language skills must correspond to at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Important: you must provide proof of the required language skills regardless of your citizenship and by the end of the enrollment period at the latest, but preferably at the time of application.

In what form do I have to provide the language certificates? Please read the following chapters on this website carefully. If you have any further questions, please contact

• Students Office if you are applying as a German, German national or a person with German equivalent status
• the International Students Office if you are a non-EU national

Proof of sufficient German language skills

As proof of your German language skills, your higher education or master's entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, university degree or a professional qualification that entitles you to study) is sufficient if you have acquired it at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction.

In concrete terms, this means that you do not have to submit additional proof of German if you

• have obtained your Abitur at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad,
• are a graduate of a bilingual secondary school in Germany or abroad and have passed a bilingual German examination, such as the AbiBac or the Gemischtsprachiges International Baccalaureat (GIB) or
• you graduated from a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country regarding the recognition of your school-leaving certificate or language certificate as proof of language proficiency for university studies in Germany.

A complete list of foreign school-leaving qualifications and language certificates that are recognized as proof of sufficient German language skills can be found on the website of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Laender (KMK) in the Federal Republic of Germany.

If you have already completed a German-language degree at a German university, this can also count as proof of German language proficiency - but only if the diploma supplement, transcript of records or degree certificate clearly states that German was the sole language of instruction and examination.

If, on the other hand, you did not obtain your higher education or master's entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution with German as the language of instruction, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at least at DSH-2 level. This corresponds to CEFR level C1.

Only the following certificates are accepted in accordance with the KIT admission and enrollment regulations:

• passed German section of the Feststellungspruefung (assessment test)
• passed German language test for university admission (DSH) with overall result DSH-2
• passed Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) with level 4 in all four parts of the exam
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs - second level (DSD II)
• Goethe certificate C1 or higher
• passed telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam
• Austrian Language Diploma C1 or higher

Note: The above-mentioned tests are accepted as proof of language proficiency for an unlimited period of time, even if the provider specifies an expiration date.

What if I cannot provide suitable C1 proof of German at the time of application?

If you are unable to provide any of the C1 certificates listed above demonstrating your German language skills by the application deadline, you may still be admitted if you can provisionally demonstrate at least B1 language proficiency. Proof of B1 level is provided by a recognized language certificate or other certification from a language or other educational institution that clearly shows that B1 level has been achieved.

But please don't forget: you still have to submit the C1 certificate by the end of your enrollment period at the latest, which is stated in your admission letter.

Therefore, check early on whether you can provide the necessary language certificates by the deadline and, if necessary, plan to take a recognized language test.

In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of the enrollment deadline to provide proof of your language skills, but this extensvion can only be granted up to the day before the start of the lecture period. Please contact the Student Office or the International Students Office - depending on who is named as your point of contact in your letter of admission.

Additional necessary requirements for enrollment

For all applicants, regardless of their nationality, proof of participation in the subject-specific study orientation procedure is another necessary prerequisite for enrollment.

Selection procedure for German and German-equivalent applicants

There are 434 study places available. After deducting the preliminary quotas for hardship cases (5%), foreigners (10%) and second degree applicants (2%), 10% of the study places are allocated to the applicants with the longest waiting time. 90% of study places are allocated via a selection procedure.

The selection procedure is mainly based on the applicants' academic performance. On the basis of these achievements and so-called other achievements, a ranking is made according to points.

Calculation of the selection points:

1. sum of the points in the Abitur certificate divided by 56 or 60
   max. 15 points
2. arithmetic mean (sum of all points divided by the number of courses) of the upper school courses:
   • mathematics
   • computer science
   • best graded scientific-technical subject
   max. 15 points
3. other achievements (completed relevant vocational training, relevant professional practice, special training, practical activities, extracurricular achievements and qualifications)
   max. 5 points

((value 1) x 2 + value 2) / 3 + value 3 = max. 20 points in total

The results of the selection procedures of previous years can be found in the "Zulassungsergebnisse" brochure ( only available in German).

Detailed information on the selection procedure can be found in the statutes for the university's own selection procedure for the degree program.

Selection procedure for applicants from non-EU/EEA countries

Please note that a different selection procedure applies for third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA). This selection procedure is based on the higher education entrance qualification. The higher education entrance qualification can be based on academic achievements in school, any previous academic achievements at universities and/or the "Feststellungsprüfung".

• all year round Information events of the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) on your desired degree programs, application and admission as well as starting your studies
• Try out KIT - clarify your interests and support your study decision by taking advantage of the diverse summer offers or participating in taster lectures.
• Campus Day: experience the campus live (together with your family) in spring and make your first personal contacts with the departments and their students
• Studieninformationstag: visit KIT on the state-wide study information day in November and experience the lecture hall feeling for the first time
• topMINT: you don't know yet what you want to study and need to bridge the summer? Take advantage of our orientation semester before you start your studies.
• Use our central online portal studienstart.kit.edu with all the important information and services you need to prepare for your studies and your first semester at KIT. Be it preparatory courses, study-related courses or mentoring programs.
• Orientation phase before the start of lectures - from students for students to get to know KIT, your fellow students and your student council. You will receive specific information on this when you enrol.
• You will be welcomed by KIT with a colorful supporting program at the welcome event for first semester students. You will receive the invitation after your enrollment.

Weitere Ansprechpersonen:

• KIT-Fakultät für Informatik
• Fachstudienberatung
• Prüfungsausschuss
• Informationen zum Auslandsstudium
• Fachschaft Mathematik Informatik

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

• Course catalog current term
• Course catalog current term PDF (English)
• Archive of previous catalogs