What Is the Degree Program About?

The Mechanical Engineering (International) degree program is one of the degree programs offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). It specifically addresses international students. Courses are held entirely in English and focus on engineering in combination with digitalization and sustainability. The close-to-application courses run by the more than 20 institutes of the KIT Department cover future-oriented topics, such as robotics or energy technology. Here, you will be enabled to shape the world of tomorrow.

The degree program covers fundamentals of mathematics and central areas of mechanical engineering, including engineering mechanics, mechanical design, thermodynamics, and materials science. Your studies are complemented by modern information technology and data science. Such knowledge presently is of crucial importance and represents a major constituent of your studies plan. 

Step by step, you will develop an understanding of technical systems and learn how to engineer, program, plan, and analyze. An internship will provide you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you learned in practice. Your studies will be completed by your bachelor’s thesis that will provide proof of your capability of solving complex technical tasks on your own. 

Program Structure

The degree program’s curriculum is divided into modules. As a rule, a module consists of several lectures, exercises, or tutorials. To find out the courses that make up a module, click the link to the module handbook below. There, you will also find the recommended studiesplan that shows the order in which the courses should be attended. In addition, the lecture schedules of the Department of Mechanical Engineering provide an overview of the courses offered in the semester.

Your individual studies plan, however, may differ from this schedule due to your stays abroad or internships in higher semesters in particular.

Many modules are mandatory. In the later course of your studies, however, you will be free to join elective courses of your choice.

Note: Advanced Mathematics I and Engineering Mechanics I count as your  orientation exams. This means that you are required to pass the exams by the end of the third semester in order to continue your studies.

Most of the knowledge will be imparted by lectures. In addition, practical courses will be offered, such as the lab course for materials science and mechanical design workshops. Mandatory examinations must be passed in the following areas:

• Fundamentals of Engineering: These courses convey basic knowledge in Engineering Mechanics, Advanced Mathematics, IT and Data Science, Technical Thermodynamics, and Materials Science, among others.  
• Specializations in Mechanical Engineering (International): Choose one of the following specializations: 
  • Applied Materials
  • Energy
  • Global Production Management
  • Mobility. 
  Then, you can attend various elective courses. 
• International Studies: Within the framework of a team project, you will learn to cooperate across disciplines, both in the area of mechanical engineering and in neighboring areas. Moreover, you can acquire key competencies in language courses or seminars on presentation and communication skills, for instance. The large range of courses offered by KIT will open up numerous opportunities to tailor your studies to your individual needs.  

Internship

At the end of your Bachelor’s Program, you will pass an internship. This will help you collect valuable work experience and give you direct insight into engineering professions. 

Organization of your internship will be in your responsibility. The Internship Office of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and KIT’s Career Service will help you by providing information on how to look for internship positions and apply and on all relevant procedures and documents.  

Bachelor's Thesis

Your academic education will be completed by your bachelor’s thesis. Within a period of three months, you will write this thesis on a theoretical or application-related topic. The bachelor’s thesis may also be written in cooperation with industry. It is important that you discuss your topic with a supervising professor in advance. For an overview of bachelor’s theses offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, click here.

Special Characteristics of KIT's Mechanical Engineering (International) B.Sc. Program

• Early, visa-friendly admission process

• International orientation phase and welcome events when starting your studies

• Pre-semester for the repetition of basics to prepare for the aptitude test or the direct start of your studies

• Optional college program with additional courses and individual support

• Sound academic education with practical components

• Mandatory internship for first experience in and contacts to the profession

• Regular information events in the course of the semester

• Cost-free German courses at Studienkolleg

• Information and services for international students by the team of InSL (Information and Services for Students) 

• Prestigious degree with excellent prospects for master’s studies 

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

To apply for the Mechanical Engineering (International) program, upload the following four mandatory application documents in the application portal by April 30:

Document 1: Proof of your university entrance qualification

Please submit your university entrance qualification certificate or your preliminary certificate. The following school leaving qualifications will be accepted among others: 

• European university entrance qualification (Abitur, Baccalauréat, Matura, etc.)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• GCE A-Level: For application, your results in mathematics and physics (Advanced Subsidiary or Advanced Level) will be required. For enrollment, however, you will have to provide proof of three different A-level subjects with grade C at least. In addition to mathematics and physics, you must have attended another third subject that is not related to the former two. Certificates must be issued by an acknowledged examination authority (e.g. Cambridge or Pearson).
• US High School Diploma: Submit an official transcript with all grades as of class 9. 
• National school-leaving certificates from India, China, or Vietnam - submission of an additional APS certificate is required. This certificate must be obtained from the Academic Evaluation Centers at the German embassies. 
• Other accepted qualifications.

Important: If you apply with your preliminary certificate, please complete the Confirmation of anticipated school-leaving certificate, which is available in the application portal. If you have a preliminary certificate, it must show the results of the last three years prior to the completion of school. Your results in mathematics and physics will be of particular importance. Both subjects must have been attended by you for a year at least. Alternatively, you can provide proof of your knowledge in these subjects by one of the following tests:  

• ACT International Subject Test Physics: At least 24 points
• TestAS subject module engineering sciences: At least 75%

The final school leaving certificate must be presented by the start of your studies at the latest. 

More information on country-specific requirements can be found in the database on admission requirements of DAAD or on the Anabin website (in German only). If you have questions, the International Students Office will be pleased to help.

Document 2: Result of a subject-specific aptitude test

Submit one of the following accepted test certificates:

• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): At least 1200 points (mathematics, critical reading, writing)
• ACT (American College Test): At least 24 points (English, mathematics, reading, natural sciences, writing)
• TestAS: At least 75% in the core test

Note: Inform yourself as early as possible about the dates of the tests at the test centers!

Document 3: Motivation letter

The motivation letter is intended to obtain a better impression of your person and of your reasons for starting the studies. Use the template that is available for download on the application portal. Answer the following questions:

• Which qualifications do you have?
• Why did you decide to start the bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering (International)?
• Why do you want to study at KIT?
• Which degree are you aiming for?
• What are your professional goals?

Document 4: English proficiency certificate

For successful studies, your knowledge of the English language must correspond to level B2 at least. The following proofs are accepted:

• TOEFL (iBT): At least 90 points
• IELTS: Total score at least 6.5, no section below 5.5
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency (CPE)
• UNIcert: At least level II

A language proficiency certificate will not be required, if

• you can prove that your classes were taught in English for the last two years. Please complete the Declaration of Proficiency in the application portal, 
• you have achieved a GCE A level or AS level with a grade of B at least in the subject of English,
• you obtained an International Baccalaureate (IB) with a grade of 5 at least in English.

Document 5 (optional): Professional and other achievements

Such documents are not mandatory, but may support your application, if they reveal your special qualification for Mechanical Engineering studies:

• Completed vocational training or professional experience in the relevant field 
• Internships or other practical experience
• Extracurricular achievements (e.g. prizes, competitions, awards). 

If you have such proofs, you are welcome to attach them to your application. 

As the number of study places in the Mechanical Engineering (International) degree program is limited, KIT will organize a selection procedure. A commission will evaluate the documents you submitted for application, except for the language proficiency certificate. All applicants will be given points for the following components, on the basis of which they can be ranked:

• Final grades or preliminary certificates with the results you achieved in the three years before the completion of school education. Your grades in mathematics and physics will be of crucial importance. You must have attended classes in both subjects for a year at least. Alternatively, you can submit the result of a recognized test instead (see admission requirements). (Up to 10 points)
• The result of your subject-specific aptitude test. (Up to 20 points) 
• Your motivation letter, in which you may be given two points per question. (Up to 10 points)
• If applicable, professional or other extracurricular achievements. (Up to 5 points) 

For your application, hence, you may be given a maximum of 45 points. The ranking resulting from the evaluation of all applications will then be the basis for admission.  

Preliminary Admission (Subject to Additional Requirements)

In case your admission to the degree program of Mechanical Engineering (International) contains the phrase “This admission is subject to the following conditions“ you will be admitted only, if the additional requirements will be fulfilled. One such requirement may be the passing of an aptitude test at KIT. To increase your chances of success in this test, we urgently recommend you to take part in the study preparation course, the so-called Pre-Semester. Moreover, some of the required administrative documents may still be missing, such as your school-leaving certificate. If so, you will be required to submit them together with your enrollment documents when starting your studies.  

Admission without Additional Requirements

If you are not requested to take part in an aptitude test or to submit further documents in your admission letter, you fulfill all requirements to start your studies at KIT. 

More information on a successful start of studies and the welcome events at the Department of Mechanical Engineering can be found on the latter’s websites. 

Pre-Semester: Before the official start of the semester in the Mechanical Engineering (International) degree program, you can attend the so-called Pre-Semester. The Pre-Semester is a course to prepare for your studies. It usually takes place from August to September every year. You will attend courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English corresponding to the German Abitur level (university entrance qualification). At the end of the Pre-Semester, you will have to pass the external aptitude test in all subjects. 

In case you have received a preliminary admission to studies, passing of this aptitude test is mandatory. In this case, participation in the Pre-Semester is urgently recommended for you to be optimally prepared for the test.

Even if you are not obliged to fulfill additional requirements, you can attend the Pre-Semester on a voluntary basis in order to brush up your knowledge and to be well prepared for your studies. 

To register for the Pre-Semester, please contact the Carl Benz School of Engineering (CBS) directly. It is responsible for the organization. Participation in the Pre-Semester does not require membership in the CBS College Program.  

CBS College Program: The Mechanical Engineering (International) degree program is the result of a close cooperation between KIT and Carl Benz School of Engineering (CBS). The CBS offers the so-called College Program to provide international students with comprehensive support and academic assistance. 

The program comprises tutorials, soft skills trainings, excursions, and cultural activities to complement your studies. Participation in the College Program is optional and associated with costs. 

Additional contacts:

• KIT Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Study Counseling at InSL
• Examination board
• International Students Office: Welcome and Integration
• Information about exchange programs and studying abroad
• Student representatives MACH/CIW
• FAOs MEI

Teaching calendar

Course catalog

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