About Universität der Bundeswehr München
Universität der Bundeswehr München (University of the Bundeswehr Munich) is a state-recognised campus university located in Neubiberg, on the southern outskirts of Munich, Bavaria. Established in 1973, it was founded to provide academic officer training for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) and comprises two institutional pillars: a university sector and a University of Applied Sciences sector, together offering programmes in engineering, computer science, social sciences, economics, and management.
The university operates on a trimester system rather than the conventional two-semester calendar, allowing bachelor's degrees to be completed in three years and master's degrees in four years. Teaching is conducted in small groups, which the institution describes as a defining characteristic of its academic model. Academic freedom in research and teaching is explicitly guaranteed by the university's founding statutes.
Civilian students may enrol at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich strictly within available capacity and almost exclusively through formal cooperation agreements between the university and partner organisations (public agencies or industrial enterprises). Direct open admission for civilians—and for most international students—is therefore highly restricted; incoming exchange and visiting students participate primarily through bilateral inter-institutional agreements.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1973
- Students
- 3,900
- Faculties
- 10
Founded in 1973 as one of two Bundeswehr universities in Germany; the other is Helmut-Schmidt-Universität in Hamburg.
Operates a trimester academic calendar: bachelor's degrees completed in 3 years, master's degrees in 4 years.
Small-group teaching model supported by approximately 197–206 professors and several hundred research associates for roughly 3,900 students.
Ten departments spanning engineering (aerospace, civil, electrical, mechanical), computer science, economics, management, social sciences, human sciences, and applied sciences.
Nine named research centres including CODE (cyber security), SPACE, MOVE (mobility), and MARC (Munich Mobility Research Campus).
Civilian enrolment is possible only through formal cooperation agreements with public agencies or industry partners, not through open application.
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees are charged for degree studies at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich; officer cadets receive a salary as civil servants (Beamte auf Widerruf). For civilian students admitted through cooperation programmes, fee arrangements are governed by the respective partner organisation. The university has not published a general semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) for civilians on its public website. Bavaria introduced tuition fees of €1,500 per semester for non-EU international students at state universities from Winter Semester 2025/26; whether and how this applies to this institution's civilian intake is not specified on the official site and should be confirmed directly with the university.
Admission requirements
The University of the Bundeswehr Munich is primarily an officer-cadet university. Degree-seeking admission for civilians—including international students—is granted only through cooperation agreements with specific partner organisations (e.g., Autobahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn, the Federal Armed Forces equipment authority, and insurance companies under the 'Munich Model'). Applications and student selection for civilian places are handled by those partner organisations, not directly by the university. Independent open applications from international students for degree programmes are not a standard pathway. Incoming exchange students and visiting scholars may participate through bilateral inter-institutional agreements by applying via their home university's international office, submitting a CV, motivation letter, and relevant research or study proposal. APS certificate requirements (applicable to Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants) and standard German university language admissions rules apply to the extent a formal admission route is used.
Languages of instruction
The majority of programmes are taught in German. The university does not publish a dedicated list of fully English-taught degree programmes; the study pages state that 'courses of study (taught in German) are offered.' Visiting international scholars and exchange students interact with a research environment in which English is used in many graduate seminars and research groups, but prospective degree-seeking students should assume German-language instruction unless confirmed otherwise for a specific programme.
Campuses & locations
Single residential campus at Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, 85579 Neubiberg, south-east of Munich city centre. All academic buildings, student housing, sports facilities, dining, and administrative offices are located on this one campus.
Living in Bayern
Neubiberg is a municipality in the Munich metropolitan district (Landkreis München), situated approximately 12 km south-east of Munich city centre. The area is well connected to Munich via suburban rail (S-Bahn). Students benefit from proximity to one of Germany's largest cities, with access to Munich's cultural, professional, and recreational offerings, while the campus itself provides a self-contained residential environment.
Student life & support
The Neubiberg campus is a fully residential campus; student accommodation is integrated on-site. Campus facilities include two restaurants (Restaurant Brandl and UniCasino), a university cafeteria, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, indoor cycling, a climbing tower, a gym, a driving range, a hair salon, a kindergarten, and fire-department and student club activities. The International Office (located in Building 33/300, Room 1351–1353) provides support for incoming international participants including a buddy programme, German language courses, accommodation assistance, and information on living in Munich. The office can be reached by email and holds open office hours on Mondays and Thursdays.
43
Accredited Programmes
19
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
24
Master
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