What is it all about?

Mechanical engineering is the basic science in engineering. In addition to mathematical principles and methods, technical mechanics, design theory, thermodynamics and materials science are central elements. Nowadays, information technology and data science are also part of the curriculum. Based on a fundamental understanding of the elements and processes, you will increasingly be able to plan, design, program and investigate independently. You will then be able to put what you have learned into practice in a joint design project and during an internship.

The "Mechanical Engineering (International)" program at KIT has been specially designed for international students, for whom 70% of places are reserved. The language of instruction is English throughout, so no proof of German language skills is required.

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.

Most of the content is taught in the form of lectures. However, there are also practical components, such as the materials science practical course and design drawings, as well as an extensive small group project during your later studies. Examinations must be taken in the following compulsory subjects:

• Fundamentals of Engineering (127 LP): here you will learn the basics of advanced mathematics, computer science and data science, thermodynamics and materials science.
  
• Specialization in Mechanical Engineering (International) (12 LP): in this subject, you choose one of the following specializations:
  • Applied Materials
    
  • Energy
    
  • Global Production Management
  • Mobility
  You can choose from several elective modules within your specialization.
  
• International Studies (14 CP): here, for example, you will learn how to work together on projects in mechanical engineering and related fields as part of a team project. You can also take interdisciplinary qualifications. Be it a language course or a course on presentation techniques. You can choose from a wide range of courses at KIT.
  

Internship

Towards the end of your studies, you will complete an internship in which you will gain practical experience and an insight into the professional world of engineering. You apply to an employer for this. The internship must last for at least 12 weeks. The Internship Office will inform you about the possible activities and formalities. The internship is worth 12 CP.

Stays abroad

KIT offers a wide range of options for stays abroad, from individual courses at the partner university in Strasbourg to a year abroad overseas. There is a particularly wide range of options for mechanical engineering students. You can take part in a double degree program in France or an exchange program with students in Kentucky during your bachelor's degree. You can also reach several interesting partner universities with ERASMUS+. ISIM provides information on all international programs. An industrial internship abroad is also possible. IAESTE, for example, can help you with the planning.

Bachelor's thesis

At the end of your bachelor's degree, you will complete your bachelor's thesis (15 CP), 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 maximum processing time for the bachelor's thesis is three months.

Characteristic features of Mechanical Engineering (International) B.Sc. at KIT

• international orientation, no knowledge of German required
  
• in-depth academic knowledge combined with practical components
  
• contemporary specializations
  
• prestigious degree that opens the door to a master's degree
  
• study preparation possible in a pre-semester
  
• fast and early admission procedure (visa-friendly)
  
• college program with additional courses, support and accommodation can be booked
  
• international welcome program at the start of 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

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.

If your school leaving certificate is not yet available before the application deadline, you can apply with a provisional certificate (grades achieved so far) and submit the final certificate at the time of enrollment. All other documents must be submitted by April 30.

Language requirements and certificates

For the bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering (International), you need sufficient knowledge of English. Your English language skills must correspond to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Proof of sufficient English language skills

The following is sufficient proof of your English language skills

• your Abitur certificate, if you have taken English for at least five years up to graduation and your final or average grade of the last two years of English lessons corresponds to at least the German grade 4 (sufficient) or at least 5 points or
• a degree from a university with English as the sole language of instruction and examination, whereby English must be the only and official language of the completed degree program in the Diploma Supplement, the Transcript of Records or the degree certificate
  

Otherwise, only the internationally recognized English tests listed in the KIT admission and enrollment regulations are accepted as proof. These are

• Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) with at least 90 points in the internet-based test or
• IELTS with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no section below 5.5 or
• University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or
• University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) or
• UNIcert at least level II
  

In addition, the following two forms of proof are also accepted:

• a confirmation from the school that the last two school years were held in English

• proof of a General Certificate of Education (GCE) at "A-Level" or "AS-Level", whereby at least a grade "B" must have been achieved in the subject "English"
  

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 Germans and those with German equivalent status, an additional necessary requirement for enrollment is proof of participation in a study orientation test (e.g. www.was-studiere-ich.de) or a study orientation consultation in accordance with §7 of the "Landeshochschulgesetz" (State Higher Education Act), e.g. by the Student Advisory Service (ZSB) of KIT. Non-EU/EEA nationals do not have to provide this proof.

There are 75 study places available. 70% of the study places are available for applicants from non-EU/EEA countries, 30% of the study places are allocated to German and German-equivalent applicants.

Please note: All applicants must provide proof of an aptitude test. Only the following are accepted:

• SAT with a score of at least 1,200 points
• ACT (Reading, English, Science, Mathematics), with an overall score (composite score) of at least 24
• TestAS with at least 75%

The test result must be submitted by April 30. Later submission is not possible. Because the evaluation of a test takes several weeks, you should register for one early.

The ranking of applicants in the selection process is based on points. The points are made up of

• result of the subject-specific study aptitude test
  max. 20 points
• school grades in mathematics and physics in the last two semesters before April 30
  max. 10 points
• evaluation of the letter of motivation
  max. 10 points
• other achievements (completed relevant vocational training, relevant professional experience, special training, practical activities, extracurricular achievements and qualifications)
  max. 5 points

value 1 + value 2 + value 3 = max. 45 points in total

Note on the letter of motivation: your application also needs to include a letter of motivation in which you explain why you have chosen this degree program and what your goals are. You must use a specific form for this letter.

Only those who have applied by the deadline with all the required documents will take part in the selection process. If you do not yet have a sufficient school-leaving certificate but are otherwise well suited, you can be admitted on condition that you submit the certificate or assessment test later. The results will be announced in May.

If you have any doubts as to whether your previous knowledge is sufficient, you can take part in the "pre-semester" (bookable at the Carl Benz School). It takes place in August and September and includes lessons in English, mathematics, physics and chemistry.

The pre-semester is strongly recommended for all those who cannot gain direct admission to German universities but have received conditional admission to Mechanical Engineering (International). At the end of the pre-semester, conditionally admitted applicants must pass an aptitude test (entrance examination) in order to be enrolled in the bachelor's program.

The Carl Benz School also offers a so-called college program with advice and support, excursions, German courses etc.. It can be booked before you start your studies.

Students with a good knowledge of German can take advantage of the German-language prepatory courses offered by the MINT-Kolleg.

Additional contacts:

• KIT-Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Examination board
• Information about exchange programs and studying abroad
• Student representatives MACH/CIW

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