FAQs in MEI

The application portal at KIT is usually open from mid-December until April 30. If your final certificate is not yet available, please apply only after the mid-term grades from your final school year are available.

The grades in mathematics and physics are decisive for the application. These must be proven either by the final certificate or, if this is not yet available, by the provisional certificates from the last two semesters. The provisional certificates must be submitted by the application deadline of April 30 at the latest.

The grades in mathematics and physics can also be replaced by taking the following tests:

a) The ACT International Subject Test in Physics with a minimum score of 24 points.

b) The TestAS Engineering Science Module with a percentile rank of 75.

You can upload missing documents to the application portal until the application deadline, i.e., April 30. After this deadline, it will no longer be possible to submit documents.

You will receive an email from KIT as soon as your admission letter is available in the application portal. This usually happens starting from the second week of May.

You should apply for your visa immediately after receiving your admission at the responsible German embassy in your home country. As an international student, you will need an official permit to stay in Germany for more than three months. This confirms your right to live and study in Germany.

A blocked account is a special type of bank account often used by international students in Germany to prove that they have sufficient financial means for their stay. This account allows a certain amount of money to be deposited, which can only be withdrawn in limited monthly amounts during the stay.

The purpose of a blocked account is to ensure that the student has sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses in Germany. From 2023, the annual amount is typically €11,208, which equates to €934 per month. This amount is intended to cover the estimated cost of living for one year.

The funds in the blocked account are not freely accessible. Instead, the account holder is restricted to withdrawing a fixed amount each month (usually €934), ensuring that the money is available throughout the year.
A blocked account is usually opened before you arrive in Germany, either with a German bank or a specialist provider. Well-known providers include Deutsche Bank, and online services such as Fintiba or Expatrio. The main purpose of the account is to provide financial proof when applying for a visa and is used to cover monthly living expenses after arrival in Germany.

A blocked account is generally required for students from countries outside the EU or EEA who need a visa to study in Germany. Exceptions exist if the student receives a full scholarship covering all costs or if a declaration of commitment from a person living in Germany is provided. Overall, the blocked account is a key requirement for many international students to be able to study in Germany. For more information, please refer to the Federal Foreign Office's website.

After your admission: The fees should be transferred to KIT two weeks before enrolment, which usually starts in September. You should also make sure that you receive your visa in time to start your studies.

Please see more information on semester fees here.

Conditional (indirect) admissions are generally intended to ensure that all students have the necessary qualifications and skills to succeed in their studies. The exact conditions and requirements vary depending on the institution and program.

You can recognize a conditional (indirect) admission to the Mechanical Engineering (International) program at KIT in the admission letter by the phrase, "The admission is subject to the following conditions." This means that the admission is subject to certain conditions, such as successfully passing the assessment test. To maximize your chances of success in this test, it is highly recommended to participate in the preparatory course, the Pre-Semester. Conditional admissions may also be subject to missing administrative documents, such as final certificates, which must be submitted before enrollment in order to secure your place in the program.

A direct admission to a programme means that an applicant has fulfilled all academic and administrative requirements in advance and is therefore admitted to the programme without any conditions or additional requirements".

KIT is responsible for the academic offerings of the Mechanical Engineering (International) program, while the Carl Benz School is responsible for the organization of the Pre-Semester as well as the content and organization of the College Program. Participation in the College Program is optional, i.e. you can complete your studies in Mechanical Engineering (International) without taking part in the College Program.

A special feature of the programme is the early start through the pre-semester, which usually takes place in August and September. During this time, subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English are taught at the level of the German Abitur. At the end of the course, an external assessment test is conducted to determine the suitability of international applicants to study Mechanical Engineering at KIT.

Passing the assessment test is mandatory for applicants who are not directly admitted to the program at KIT. It is strongly recommended that these applicants attend the Pre-Semester in order to successfully pass the test. Applicants with direct admission may also attend the Pre-Semester to refresh their knowledge in the above-mentioned subjects. Information on your admission status (direct or conditional) will be provided in the KIT Admission Letter after the application process has been completed.

To register for the Pre-Semester, please contact the Carl Benz School, which is responsible for the organisation of the Pre-Semester. Participation in the Pre-Semester is independent of membership in the College Program.

The MEI Bachelor program is characterised by the cooperation between KIT and the Carl Benz School of Engineering. The latter offers international students extensive support and special academic supervision through an optional study guidance program. Details of the content can be found in the description of the so-called College Program.

German universities offer a remarkable flexibility in the structuring of studies, requiring a high degree of self-organisation and personal responsibility. The structure of the programme allows students to prepare intensively for major final examinations during the lecture-free period. These examinations require independent preparation over an extended period of time and offer the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge.

While there are continuous assessment methods such as term papers or mid-term exams, in general study time must be managed independently. This independence develops strong self-discipline and time management skills. In addition, it is necessary to contact support services, lecturers and professors independently to clarify questions and organise support. These tasks contribute to the development of independence and proactivity and thoroughly prepare students for future professional challenges.

Curriculum (Short Version)

Fundamentals of Engineering (Semesters 1 to 4):

•     Advanced Mathematics
•     Engineering Mechanics
•     Mechanical Design
•     Manufacturing Technology
•     Material Science
•     IT and Data Science
•     Technical Thermodynamics
•     Electrical Engineering and Mechatronics
•     Fluid Mechanics
•     Measurement and Control Systems
•     Machines and Processes of Energy Conversion

International Studies (Semesters 3 to 5):

•     International Production Operations Management
•     International Project
•     Key Competences

From the third semester, students can choose individual options in the area of International Studies.

Specializations (Semesters 5 and 6):

In the fifth semester, students select their major from the following areas:

•     Global Production Management
•     Mobility Systems
•     Energy
•     Applied Materials

Final Semester (Semester 6):

•     Internship
•     Bachelor Thesis

For more detailed information, please refer to your module handbook under Curriculum.

Orientation exams are designed to assess your progress in the program and ensure that you meet the fundamental requirements of the degree. These exams will help you to gain an overview of your academic standing and ensure that you are making good progress in your studies.

According to the current Study and Examination Regulations (2024) for Mechanical Engineering (International), the following subjects are part of the orientation exams:

•     Advanced Mathematics I
•     Engineering Mechanics I

If you started your studies before the Winter Semester 2024/25, Engineering Mechanics II also applies.

The orientation exams must be passed by the end of the 3rd semester.

Examinations at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) take place during the lecture-free period. This time between semesters is also used for working on bachelor's or master's theses, internships, or catching up on study material. The exact dates and periods can be found in the KIT academic calendar.

Regular attendance of lectures at KIT is very important and offers several benefits. It promotes a continuous learning process, helps to build up a basic understanding, and allows you to become familiar with course and exam formats. Interaction with lecturers and fellow students can provide additional clarity and create valuable connections. The structured learning environment motivates systematic engagement with the material and contributes to long-term academic success.

If you encounter problems with your studies, your progress, or any other difficulties, please contact InSL (Information and Services for Students) as soon as possible to find suitable solutions and ensure your academic success. Additionally, you can also attend the MEI consultation hours.

The average cost of living for a student in Karlsruhe, including tuition fees and depending on personal circumstances, is approximately between €800 and €900 per month. This includes rent, food, clothing, health insurance, phone/internet, study materials and transport from home to the university.

The best airports for traveling to Karlsruhe are

• Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB): The nearest airport, approximatly 40 km from Karlsruhe.
• Stuttgart Airport (STR): Approximately 80 km away, with good train connections to Karlsruhe.
• Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA): Approximately 130km away, with a wide range of international flights and direct rail links to Karlsruhe.

We recommend that all students of the Mechanical Engineering (International) program learn German, as a good language skills offer numerous advantages. Knowledge of German language improves career opportunities in the German job market and facilitates everyday life and integration into the local culture. It provides access to additional academic resources and enables valuable networking with German-speaking fellow students. Additionally, learning German contributes to personal and cultural enrichment and is an important advantage for those considering a long-term perspective in Germany. See further information on German courses here.

General Practitioner (GP): First point of contact for general health issues
Emergency Room at the Karlsruhe Städtisches Klinikum (City Hospital): For acute medical emergencies, Tel. 0721 974-0
Medical On-Call Service: Available via the nationwide number 116 117
Psychological Counseling Service at the Karlsruhe Studentenwerk Karlsruhe: For psychological crises or stress
Emergency Numbers: Police (110) and Ambulance/Fire Service (112) for urgent emergencies

If a doctor prescribes medication, it must be collected and paid for at a pharmacy. In Germany, patients with statutory health insurance pay a prescription fee of €5 to €10 per medicine.

The opening hours of shops in Karlsruhe are usually between 9am and 8pm. Some shops, such as department stores, do not open until 10am but usually close at 8pm. Supermarkets usually close between 8pm and 9pm. On Sundays, shops and supermarkets are closed, but restaurants remain open. Petrol stations are usually open on Sundays for urgent purchases. Cash machines are available at all times.