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.

In order to teach you all the basics that are important for later specializations and possibly the subsequent master's degree program, you will first take the following compulsory subjects:

• mathematics (38 to 45 CP): you will acquire a detailed grounding in analysis and linear algebra. Numerics and probability theory follow in the second year of study.
  
• theoretical informatics (18 CP): fundamentals of algorithm technology, data structures. Complexity theory, automata theory, logic, formal languages, etc. provide you with important foundations for later in-depth courses.
  
• computer engineering (12 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 transmit, process and store digital data.
  
• practical informatics (48 CP): this subject focuses on more application-oriented content such as databases, programming and software technology, IT security and the basics of artificial intelligence.
  
• elective subject (15-31 CP): here you can take informatics modules to suit your mood. Just give it a try and perhaps use it as an orientation for master's specializations.
  
• supplementary subject (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!
  

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

Additional information

In addition to the module handbook, our booklet about the study program is a useful source of information. It also covers topics such as application procedure, starting your studies and career prospects.

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).

Proof of sufficient German language skills

Your higher education entrance qualification (HZB) is sufficient proof of your German language skills,

• if you obtained it at a German-speaking school in Germany or abroad,

• if you 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

• if you graduated from a foreign school, but there is another official agreement with the respective country on 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 Kultusministerkonferenz (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany).

If you did not obtain your higher education entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution, you must provide a separate language certificate - regardless of your nationality. Only the following are accepted

• the passed „Prüfungsteil Deutsch“ of the Feststellungsprüfung,
• the passed DSH with the overall result DSH-2,
• the passed TestDaF level 4 in all four parts of the exam (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, oral expression) or
• a comparable, recognized certificate of sufficient German language skills.

To find out which other recognized certificates can be accepted as comparable by KIT, please contact

• as a German or German-equivalent applicant: Studierendenservice
• as an applicant with non-EU citizenship: International Students Office

Please note:
Language certificates are extremely important application documents that can prevent your enrollment if you do not submit them on time. Therefore, check early on in the application process whether you have the necessary language certificates for your degree program and, if necessary, plan to take one of the language tests mentioned above. The deadline by which you must submit language certificates corresponds to the enrollment deadline stated in your admission offer. In justified cases, you can apply for an extension of this deadline. The extension can be granted until the start of the lecture period at the latest.

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
  
• Studieninformationtag: 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