About Technische Universität Ilmenau
Technische Universität Ilmenau is a technical university in Thuringia, Germany, tracing its origins to the Thüringisches Technikum founded in 1894. It gained Technical University status in 1992 and is organised into five departments spanning electrical engineering, computer science and automation, mechanical engineering, mathematics and natural sciences, and economic sciences and media.
As of Winter Semester 2025/26, TU Ilmenau enrols approximately 3,968 students, of whom 2,154 are international students from around 100 nations — a share of roughly 54%. The university offers more than 40 Bachelor's, Master's, and Diploma programmes and maintains 12 double-degree partnerships with institutions abroad. Research is conducted across approximately 100 subject areas by 94 professors and 602 scientific employees, with €44.9 million in third-party research funding secured in 2025.
TU Ilmenau operates a single compact campus in Ilmenau, which houses lecture halls, laboratories, the largest technical library in Thuringia, a sports centre, canteen, and student clubs within walking distance of each other. The campus blends historic university buildings from 1894 with modern facilities and has been rated among the most attractive in Germany.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1894
- Students
- 3,968
- International
- 2,154 international students (~54%), from around 100 nations (WS 2025/26)
- Faculties
- 5
~54% international students (2,154 of 3,968 enrolled) from around 100 nations — WS 2025/26
Single compact campus rated among the most attractive in Germany (UNICUM survey)
94 professors and €44.9 million in third-party research funding in 2025
270+ spin-off companies created since 1990, reflecting a strong technology-transfer culture
Coordinator of the SUNRISE European University Alliance
Largest technical library in Thuringia on campus
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
TU Ilmenau does not charge tuition fees for degree programmes (public university in Thuringia; Thuringia has not introduced non-EU tuition fees). All enrolled students pay a mandatory semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of approximately €313.80 per semester (Summer Semester 2026 figure), which funds the Studierendenwerk (student services) and StuRa (student union). This contribution does not cover a public-transport semester ticket — students should verify current included benefits with the student secretariat.
Admission requirements
International applicants from outside the EU/EEA apply through the university's campus portal (campus.tu-ilmenau.de). Entry qualifications must be assessed for equivalence to German university entrance requirements; applicants with credentials from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam are required to hold a valid APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying — this is a mandatory German-government document verification step. Language requirements depend on the programme: German-taught programmes require TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent German proficiency certificate; English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency (typically IELTS or TOEFL). The International Office advisory contact for applicants is [email protected] or +49 3677 69 2023.
Application deadlines
Specific application period dates for international applicants are published via the campus portal (campus.tu-ilmenau.de) and the Studienbuero. The university operates both Winter Semester (starting October) and Summer Semester (starting April) intakes, though not all programmes are available each semester. Applicants should check the portal or contact the International Office well in advance, as processing of non-EU documents and APS verification adds lead time.
Languages of instruction
The majority of programmes are taught in German. A growing number of modules and complete degree programmes are available in English, particularly at Master's level in engineering and computer science. Prospective international students should check the module catalogue (tu-ilmenau.de/modultafeln) or contact the International Office for a current list of English-taught programmes.
Campuses & locations
Single unified campus at Ehrenbergstraße 29, 98693 Ilmenau, Thuringia. All faculties, library, sports centre, and student facilities within walking distance.
Living in Thüringen
Ilmenau is a small university town of approximately 25,000 inhabitants in the Thuringian Forest in central Germany. It lies around 40 km south of Erfurt, which has the nearest major airport and regular train connections. The city has a strong student character given TU Ilmenau's presence; living costs are notably lower than in larger German cities. Goethe visited the region frequently, and the surrounding Thuringian Forest offers hiking and outdoor recreation.
Student life & support
TU Ilmenau's International Office, headed by Sophia Siegfried, provides onboarding sessions covering accommodation and campus orientation for incoming international students. The 'we4you' International Student Service offers career counselling, integration support, and social events such as 'coffee2meet' meetups and company visits. A Welcome Center is dedicated to PhD students and researchers. Student housing in Ilmenau is managed by the Studierendenwerk Thüringen, which operates dormitories at affordable rates; availability should be applied for early via the Studierendenwerk. The campus hosts a sports centre, canteen, several student clubs, and a shopping centre within walking distance.
58
Accredited Programmes
36
Master
22
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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