As one of the first universities in Germany to be named a University of Excellence, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is committed to excellence in research and teaching, interdisciplinary education and the active promotion of burgeoning scientists. Founded in 1868, the university is comprised of 15 academic departments as well as Integrative Research Centers engaged in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.

Students can participate in research projects offered by the TUM Practical Research Experience Program (PREP) in a wide range of research fields. Students can choose from over 80 research projects among 7 different TUM Schools at the TUM campuses in Munich, Garching and Freising.

Please note that this destination is only available through the not-for-credit pathway. 

Summer 2026 Program dates: July 1 – August 28, 2026

Application Deadline for summer 2026: November 23, 2025 (local Munich time). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered by the host university. 

Research Projects: TUM PREP Projects (final list will be updated by Sept 30, see guidelines for using and searching the database)

*Students are encouraged to apply for three (3) research projects to enhance their chances of getting accepted*

Housing: TUM International Center will support students in the organization of their accommodation (mostly reservation of dorm rooms).

Required Documents: Motivation Letter, Resume, Transcript of Records, Letter of Recommendation and Declaration of Insurance.

Application Process:

1) Review PREP details, the project database and identify up to 3 interested projects in the order of preference

2) Submit CIE application and supporting documents including resume, academic record and letter of motivation (please combine all documents to one PDF file and upload to the “resume” section on the Learning Abroad application portal “Mobility Online”)

3) Submit TUM online application here and complete all sections by TUM deadline November 23, 2025 (local Munich time)

    **Submit the following documents in a PDF format to TUM portal

      ∗ Letter of Motivation* (at least 1 letter for each project in the order of priorities/preferences)

      ∗ Resume / CV 

      ∗ Transcript of Records* (unofficial record on ACORN is acceptable)

      ∗ Letter of Recommendation* (e-mail to prep@tum.de)

      ∗ Declaration of Insurance*

Note: The letter of recommendation has to be e-mailed directly to prep@tum.de within the given deadline.

*Templates and further information can be found under “Downloads and Safety Information” on TUM website

4) CIE shortlists qualified candidates to TUM for assessment by TUM project supervisors

5) Applicants will be informed about their acceptance or rejection by TUM PREP office between mid-December and end of January

Learn more about the Summer Research Exchange Program.