Mechanical Engineering (International)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
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.
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.
Career Opportunities
Career information is not specified for this program. Contact the university for details about career prospects.
Program Curriculum
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.
• Applied Materials
• Energy
• Global Production Management
• Mobility.
Admission Requirements
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)
• 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.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.
About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....
University Profile- Application Deadline EU/German nationals: April 30 | Non-EU nationals: April 30
- Language English
- Duration 6 semesters
- Credits 180 ECTS
