Admissions & Application Guide
for English‑Taught Master’s Programmes

Study advanced computer science at TU Darmstadt — from AI to cybersecurity, together we shape a safer, liveable digital future!

Programme Academic focus
Computer Science (M.Sc.)
  • Core theory, software & hardware foundations paired with your choice of specialisation: Data Science & Engineering, Distributed Computing or Visual Computing
  • Research seminars, labs and a thesis equip you to solve complex, interconnected computing challenges
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (M.Sc.)
  • Core AI & ML foundations, advanced models, real‑world system design and domain‑specific applications
  • Flexible electives across all four areas plus research labs and projects prepare you to devise new methods and build cutting‑edge AI solutions to complex, data‑driven problems
IT Security (M.Sc.)
  • Research‑driven curriculum in secure‑by‑design computing with electives across cryptography, system & network security, software/application protection and interdisciplinary topics
  • Hands‑on labs let you tackle IoT, AI and quantum‑era threats while designing next‑generation secure systems

Important!

  • You may apply for only one of the English-taught Master’s programmes listed above in any admission period (other TU Darmstadt programmes are unaffected).
  • After enrolment, an internal programme change is possible for a future semester.
  • Bachelor’s degree comprising at least 180 ECTS (or an equivalent workload)
  • Minimum 60 ECTS must match the core courses of our B.Sc. Informatik → use the Equivalency Table (PDF) (opens in new tab) to map your modules (count partial overlap proportionally)
  • Grades / GPA: Are not used in admission decisions; only course content is assessed
  • Professional experience: Admission decisions are based exclusively on academic coursework
  • IELTS overall ≥ 7.0 or TOEFL iBT ≥ 95
  • Or an official confirmation that English was the language of instruction for your entire Bachelor’s programme

For all questions about language requirements or language certificates, please contact:

All required documents have to be submitted completely and on time:

  • Checklist for applicants with international university entrance eligibility
  • Checklist for applicants with German university entrance eligibility

Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.

If your Bachelor’s degree is still in progress, upload:

  • Prospective‑graduation certificate (original plus certified translation)
  • Transcript of records for each semester (original plus certified translation)

For all questions about formal prerequisites, please contact:

  1. Download the Equivalency Table (PDF) (opens in new tab) .
  2. Map each course on your transcript to core courses of our B.Sc. Informatik, count partial overlap proportionally.
  3. If your total is below 60 ECTS, your academic profile needs additional coursework before applying.
  4. If you meet or exceed 60 ECTS, proceed to Step 1 – submit your online application.

We do not offer individual pre-assessments of eligibility; please do not send module descriptions.

Apply via the Online Application Portal.

  • Application period (CET):
    • June 1st – July 15th for the winter semester
    • December 1st – January 15th for the summer semester

The Online Application Portal is unavailable outside the application period.

  • After submitting your online application, open “Application documents to be submitted” in the online application portal to see which documents have to be submitted as certified hard copies. If no upload field exists, send the document by post or courier. (Please do not send module descriptions; we will request them if required.)
  • Documents must be in English or German; all other languages require a certified translation.
  • Cut-off deadline (CET): Certified documents must arrive at TU Darmstadt no later than July 15th (for winter semester) or January 15th (for summer semester). A postal stamp dated on or before the deadline is not sufficient.

Late deliveries cannot be considered.

Check “My Application” → “Status” for real‑time updates.

We cannot provide individual status information.

  • The content-related evaluation of your academic eligibility and the check of formal prerequisites take at least 8 weeks after we receive your complete application.
  • If the required entrance competencies cannot be verified from your application documents alone, you will be invited to the Entrance Exam.

Submitting additional documents after the initial evaluation will not lead to a re-evaluation of your application.

Early and complete applications can be reviewed sooner.

If admitted, early applicants receive their admission decision sooner, which supports timely visa appointments, housing, and course enrolment.

For full information and preparation tips, visit the Entrance Exam website
Required for:
  • Only applicants to our English-taught Master’s programmes
  • Only when required entrance competencies cannot be confirmed from the submitted documents
Format: On campus at TU Darmstadt
When:
  • 1st week of September (for winter semester)
  • 1st week of March (for summer semester)
Duration: 90 minutes
Language: English
Scope:
Exemption from the Entrance Exam: Provide one of the following no later than 14 days before the exam
Test Required scores How to submit
GRE
  • Verbal ≥ 155
  • Quant ≥ 165
  • AWA ≥ 3.5
Via ETS — Institution Code 2249, Department Code 0402
(GRE Home accepted only if submitted through ETS)
GATE Overall ≥ 750 Send via e-mail to
All thresholds must be met in every category – score balancing is not possible.

On-Campus Entrance Exam – Attendance Policy

  • Format & venue: Single, fixed date on campus at TU Darmstadt
  • No remote option: The exam is conducted exclusively in person; off-site sittings are not available
  • No rescheduling: Missed exams cannot be made up within the same admission cycle
  • Unable to attend? Either
    • 1. reapply in a future cycle, or
    • 2. qualify for an exemption by submitting a GRE or GATE that meets our stated thresholds

These rules ensure identical conditions for all applicants; individual exceptions are not possible.

Further information: Entrance Exam website

Winter semester Summer semester
Online Application Portal opens June 1st December 1st
Cut-off deadline for online application and arrival of hard-copy documents July 15th January 15th
GRE/GATE deadline (for exemption from Entrance Exam) Last week of August
(14 days before the Entrance Exam)
Last week of February
(14 days before the Entrance Exam)
Entrance Exam First week of September First week of March
Courses start Mid of October Mid of April

All documents and test scores must be submitted before the stated deadlines.

Late or incomplete submissions cannot be considered.

No. We do not offer individual pre-assessments. Please use the Equivalency Table in Step 0 in “Application Process” to evaluate your eligibility.

No. Every applicant who fulfils the academic, language and formal requirements will be admitted.

No. If you received an admission offer in a previous semester, please submit a new complete application; earlier admission offers cannot be reinstated.

Follow the “Correction guide”.

Yes. You may arrive even after the semester has begun and take a reduced first semester workload.

Further questions?

Consult the Application process FAQ.

  • Sequence: 1) Visa → 2) City registration → 3) Residence permit
  • We advise you to apply for a visa (Federal Foreign Office; additional information from the DAAD) appointment as soon as you apply to our university, rather than waiting until you may receive your admission letter. Appointment wait times can vary significantly, often taking several months. It’s easier to cancel an appointment if admission is denied than to start the appointment process later.
  • Accompanying Services with appointments to official authorities by the TUtor International Team

Late-arrival enrolment is possible (e.g., if your visa is delayed).

  • A blocked account is one of the possible options to use as proof of financial means to apply for your visa, for a residence permit once you are in Germany or to extend your residence permit. Currently (from September 1st, 2024) the specific amount of money to be allocated in your German blocked account is at least € 11,904 per year or € 992 per month. Please be aware that all providers require different documentation, so you will need to check with your bank directly.
  • Once in Germany, you will need to open a regular German bank account in order to withdraw money from your blocked account.
  • Opening a bank account in Germany
  • TU Darmstadt does not own or operate any student dormitories and the housing situation in Darmstadt is quite tight and thus searching for accommodations can be time-consuming.
  • Non-commercial dormitories in Darmstadt are operated by Studierendenwerk Darmstadt. Their shared flat rooms are very popular. It is therefore recommended that you register for one as soon as you have decided to study at the TU Darmstadt. Waiting lists are long!
  • On average, a room in a shared flat in Darmstadt costs € 460 per month. A furnished room in a Studierendenwerk shared flat costs on average € 395 per month. Quite often, you have to pay a deposit (usually 2-3 monthly rental payments) before you move in. Outside of Darmstadt, you can often expect slightly lower rents.
  • Housing International Office
  • As a student of TU Darmstadt, you need a valid health insurance. Whether you're from the EU, a partner country, or elsewhere, specific rules apply. Be sure to arrange your insurance before arriving, as coverage must begin with the official semester start. Even if you arrive later, for example due to a visa delay, you will still have to pay the insurance fee from the official start of the semester.
  • Statutory student health insurance usually costs between € 125 and € 150 per month and covers all medically necessary services.
  • Health Insurance for International Students
  • Central information for all new students
  • Kick-Off Days (orientation programme for international students with valuable information and exciting events to help you get started in Germany), OPhase (Provides first-year students of the Department of Computer Science with an easy introduction to their studies. During this week there are various lectures and introductory events as well as social activities. You will also be shown how to set up accounts, the student mailbox and how to use the central campus portal. Almost all information sessions are being recorded and made available online.)
  • University-wide: International Counter (first point of contact for international students), International Student Services (ISS) (information on how to prepare for and organise your stay – e.g. visa, travel insurance, accommodation, bank account – and supporting you with your first steps after your arrival), comeTOgether (information and counselling service provided by students for students on all questions concerning studying and living in Darmstadt, with a focus on job and housing search), TUtor International (students from different backgrounds organising social and cultural events, helping with official formalities, especially in case of language difficulties), Intercultural Tutors Team (ITT) (students from Darmstadt who offer help to international students and organise great activities such as workshops, cultural events and much more)
  • Department of Computer Science: Examination Office (Studienbüro) (for all questions concerning modules and courses, recognition of examinations and grades, examination regulations, and performance records), MasterPlus (mentoring for international Master’s students), Computer Science Student Council (active student council of the department, contact point for students with ideas or problems, organises the OPhase, works together with professors and WiMis, plans events such as the summer festival or games evenings)
  • Campus life, Student Body and University Groups
  • Getting started at TU Darmstadt
  • TU services
  • Help and support for students

We are committed to an inclusive community and welcome talented students from every background!

Budget at least three months’ living costs in advance.

Accommodation deposits and the initial semester contribution are due at the very start of your stay.

Query Contact
Application documents, deadlines & language requirements for applicants with international university entrance eligibility International Admission Office
Application documents & deadlines for applicants with German university entrance eligibility Student Service
Computer science-related questions (e.g. Entrance Exam, GRE) & language requirements for applicants with German university entrance eligibility
Visa, residence permit, housing, insurance International Student Services (ISS)