TUM First Steps
From enrollment to finding accommodation, registering their place of residence, or financing studies: At TUM First Steps, admitted international degree-seeking students learn everything they need to know to get off to a good start at TUM.
All You Need to Know to Get Started as an International Degree-Seeking Student at TUM
You come from abroad, have been admitted, and are preparing to start your studies at TUM? Before the summer and winter semesters start, TUM First Steps will provide you with all the information you need to get off to the best possible start.
In the TUM First Steps Info Sessions, experts will answer your questions about arrival in Germany: What do I need to enroll at TUM? How does the German healthcare system work, and which health insurance suits me? How do I find accommodation? How do I register my address in Germany and how do I obtain a residence permit? How can I support myself during my studies? And what should I keep in mind if I work while studying?
At the TUM First Steps Student Experiences, experienced international students from TUM will be on hand to answer your questions: in peer-to-peer discussions, they will talk about their experiences of arriving in Germany and at TUM, report on how to avoid a culture shock in unfamiliar surroundings, and give tips for a good start to the new phase of your life.
Key info at a glance
- The next TUM First Steps will take place from 07 to 12 September 2026/27.
- Target group: Admitted degree-seeking international students who are preparing their arrival in Germany and their start at TUM in the winter semester 2026/27.
- Language: English
- Format: virtual info sessions via Zoom
- Info sessions and live Q&A: After the info sessions, you can use a Q&A tool to ask your individual questions.
The info sessions will not be recorded. The presentation slides will be available for download on this page after the sessions. -
Participation in the TUM First Steps Info Sessions: Registration is required. You will find the registration links below.
- Participation in the TUM First Steps Student Experiences: Registration is required. You will find the registration links below.
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Please note: The number of participants is limited to 1,000 per Info session. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, it may not be possible for all those interested to participate in all sessions. The sessions will start as scheduled, so please log in on time.
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Our contact: firststeps@cst.tum.de
TUM First Steps in the winter semester 2026/27
TUM First Steps Info Sessions
Am I already enrolled, or do I still need to take further steps? What does “enrollment” actually mean? Do I have to pay tuition fees, and if so, how much are they?
To address questions like these, the Student Information team will present the enrollment process and explain the next steps. There will, of course, be time at the end to discuss any remaining questions, as successful enrollment is essential for a smooth start to your studies.
In addition, our experts from the Fees and Scholarships unit at the TUM Center for Study and Teaching will introduce selected funding opportunities (scholarships) as well as options for tuition fee waivers for international students.
In this info session, experts from the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern (Munich Student Union) will present the services offered by their organization and explain how you can finance your studies – whether through part-time jobs, scholarships, or other options. You will learn about the main cost factors of studying in Germany and find out which funding opportunities are available specifically for international students and what particular aspects you need to be aware of.
After arriving at your new place of residence, registering with the Residents’ Office is essential. For students arriving in Munich, the Residents’ Office (Kreisverwaltungsreferat, KVR) is the relevant authority. International students from non-EU countries must also apply for their residence permit there. In this info session, an employee of the KVR will explain the relevant processes and answer any questions about them.
Health insurance isn’t just important for enrollment, it’s essential for your medical care throughout your entire study stay in Germany.
In this info session, we’ll introduce you to the German health insurance system and explain how healthcare works here. You’ll learn about the specifics of different types of insurance so you can make the right choice for your situation. Two employees of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) will answer your questions.
Finding the right place to live is one of the most important challenges when moving to a new city, especially in another country.
In this info session, our TUM Living housing expert will guide you through the steps to a successful apartment search. You’ll get practical tips on applications and viewings, as well as advice on formal requirements. In addition, TUM students will share their own experiences with finding accommodation.