International Programmes 2024/2025

BSc in Mechanical Engineering (International) at Carl Benz School of Engineering BSc Mechanical Engineering (International) at Carl Benz School

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology • Karlsruhe

Degree
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (International) from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (100%).

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study
  • Beginning in October each year
  • Pre-semester course starts in August each year.
Application deadline

30 April for the following winter semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
7,000 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

The Carl Benz School of Engineering holds a college structure within the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which is why the specific college fee applies in addition to the university enrolment and tuition fees for non-EU students. The college fee covers academic learning and additional services that are provided by the Carl Benz School.

www.carlbenzschool.kit.edu/costsandfees.php

Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Carl Benz School of Engineering offers high school graduates the opportunity to study German Mechanical Engineering in English. The three-year Bachelor's programme aims at preparing future engineers for a successful career.

The Mechanical Engineering College of the world-renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) offers high-quality lectures by the excellent professors of KIT. All students receive an individualised all-in-one service package, support, and mentoring in order to develop their professional profiles.

During the initial three semesters of the KIT Mechanical Engineering (International) programme, in the Orientation Phase, students embark on their academic journey by enrolling in foundational courses. Within this phase, the Carl Benz School College Programme emphasises a rigorous academic onboarding process spanning six weeks. This includes provisions such as small group tutoring tailored to aid in orientation examinations, a rapid progression German language course, German language block courses, and implementation of a mentoring programme, which will pair students with mentors who will support them until the completion of their studies.

During the Specialisation Phase, occurring in semesters four and five, students select a major to focus their studies. In this phase, the Carl Benz School College Programme maintains its focus on the continuation of the mentoring programme and the German language block courses. Additionally, it intensively prepares students for the internship application phase through various means, including skills development workshops, mock interview sessions, networking events, resume and cover letter workshops, industry panels and guest speaker series as well as professional development seminars. Without taking advantage of these educational resources provided by the CBS College Programme, students may encounter significant challenges in fulfilling the internship requirement during the final phase.

During their final semester, semester six, students typically undertake two significant tasks: writing their BSc thesis and completing a mandatory 12-week internship, which focuses on acquiring work-related experience. While mentors within the mentoring programme oversee the progress of theses, other aspects of support are provided by the College Programme academic and career counsellors. This includes guidance for successful completion of degree requirements, internship supervision, regular check-ins, progress meetings, and access to career services.

Benefits for our students in the CBS College Programme:

  • World-class Mechanical Engineering course
  • Elite teaching staff
  • International atmosphere
  • Individualised mentoring & career guidance
  • Study counselling
  • Secure on-campus housing
  • Smart projects in industry and academia
  • Social events and team-building activities
  • Academic and administrative support
  • CBS language courses
Course organisation

At the Carl Benz School, students begin with developing their skills with fundamental courses (semesters one through five). In semester four and five, the students can choose one out of three specialisations according to their interests and strengths. In this way, they are given the opportunity to specialise in one of the most promising subjects relevant for the future of engineering. In the last semester of their studies (semesters six), the students have to do a 12-week internship in the industry and are going to write their Bachelor’s thesis.

International elements
  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships

In addition to the academic demands, students must also complete a mandatory internship in the industry. At the Carl Benz School, we actively support our students who are enrolled in the College Programme in finding a suitable practical partner for their mandatory internship in the sixth semester of their Mechanical Engineering (International) studies. Thanks to many years of cooperation with renowned companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Bosch and Zeiss, we have an extensive network and the necessary contacts to offer students a wide range of opportunities for their internship. These partnerships allow students to gain valuable practical experience in world-class companies and apply their theoretical knowledge in real work environments.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
Yes
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
7,000 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

The Carl Benz School of Engineering holds a college structure within the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which is why the specific college fee applies in addition to the university enrolment and tuition fees for non-EU students. The college fee covers academic learning and additional services that are provided by the Carl Benz School.

www.carlbenzschool.kit.edu/costsandfees.php

Semester contribution

Approx. 189.20 EUR

Costs of living

The estimated general living expenses per month for a single student are as follows: public transportation: approx. 34 EUR, food: approx. 170 EUR, pocket money: approx. 150 EUR, compulsory German health insurance: approx. 34 EUR

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

The fundamental criteria for admission are excellent grades in mathematics and/or physics (top 80% of class). Furthermore, applicants need to have passed an English language test (if English is not their native language or language of education).

Applicants need to meet the following criteria:

  • High school degree (recommended: International Baccalaureate (IB), A levels, German "Abitur" or similar)
  • One of the following standardised tests:
    • SAT (1,200 points)
    • ACT (24 points)
    • TestAS (percentile rank of 75)
  • Two years of high school Physics 
  • English language proficiency (details below)
  • Motivation letter

Additional information on the general admission requirements:

  • In some countries, high school ends after the 11th, 12th or 13th year. As long as proof of official examination of high school education in the country the student graduated from has been successfully shown, applicants are eligible to apply.
  • Transcripts with excellent grades in maths and physics, a proven strong interest in studying engineering and motivation to excel in one's studies increase one's chances for admission.

For more information, please visit our website.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide at least:

  • TOEFL (90 Internet-based test)
  • IELTS (band score of 6.5)
  • CAE
  • CPE
  • UNIcert (Level II or better)

Proof of English language proficiency is not required for the following applicants:

  • Applicants who have had English as the language of instruction within the last two years of their schooling do not need to provide proof of English language proficiency. The Declaration of English Proficiency form can be submitted in order to receive a waiver from any English language testing obligations.
  • Applicants who demonstrate that they have obtained a General Certificate of Education (GCE) at A-level or AS-level with a minimum grade of "B" in English do not need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
  • Applicants who have obtained an "International Baccalaureate (IB)" as a university entrance qualification and can prove at least a grade 5 in the subject of English do not need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
Application deadline

30 April for the following winter semester

Submit application to

Please apply through the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology's online portal: https://bewerbung.studium.kit.edu/prod/campus/Portal/Start?l=en

Possibility of finding part-time employment

E.g., student assistant jobs at the university

Accommodation

The Carl Benz School is integrated on the campus of the International Department of the KIT with its own campus accommodation. Carl Benz School guarantees a room to all College Programme participants. The campus offers single and double rooms, which are distributed over three floors. All rooms are comfortably furnished and include an en-suite bathroom. Groups of four to six students share one modern kitchen as well as a dining and working area.

For further information, see our website:
https://www.carlbenzschool.kit.edu/on-campus-housing.php

Career advisory service

Carl Benz School offers individualised study & career guidance through the College Programme:

The programme is an integral part of the BSc programme and includes workshops on learning styles and techniques, time management, taking notes as well as efficient exam preparation, academic writing, and career planning. In addition to these sessions, students meet with student counsellors once per month to discuss and evaluate their progress and to define further steps.

Students making use of the CBS Study & Career Guidance are going to benefit from the development of solid soft skills. The students will get prioritised assistance when applying for internships. They will also receive a certificate which is a great asset when applying for an advanced internship or even the first job. Furthermore, special events, extra tutorials, and a guided study group programme are offered within this supplementary programme.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Content Bild
Carl Benz School campus © International Department of the KIT gGmbH

As "The Research University in the Helmholtz Association", Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) fully utilises its synergistic potential, which results from combining tasks of national research with those of a state university. To fulfil its three core tasks of research, higher education, and innovation, KIT is organised in five divisions: Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering; Informatics, Economics, and Society; Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; Natural and Built Environment; and Physics and Mathematics. KIT has been successful in important rankings, for example, those of the Times Higher Education journal (THE).

KIT's research profile is determined by the disciplines pursued and by work on topics sharpening this profile. In response to society's demands, a particular focus is placed on energy, mobility, and information. Excellent young scientists are strategically recruited and supported. Eight KIT centres pool joint research activities across disciplines. These include the following: energy; information/systems/technologies; mobility systems; elementary particle and astroparticle physics; climate and environment; materials; mathematics in sciences, engineering, and economics; humans and technology.

KIT stands for a research-oriented and student-oriented teaching and learning culture. After having completed their studies, students are prepared for assuming responsible positions in a globalised world with densely networked media. Studies at KIT enable students to develop sustainable solutions with the help of scientific methods. Study programmes have an international orientation. KIT offers Bachelor's and Master's programmes in both German and English. Eleven KIT departments organise all higher education activities and academic affairs. These include the following: architecture, civil engineering, geosciences, and environmental sciences, chemistry and biosciences, chemical and process engineering, electrical engineering and information technology, humanities, and social sciences, informatics, mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, as well as economics and management.

KIT understands the application of scientific findings as a basic principle. KIT's research and innovation activities are in line with the federal government's high-tech strategy and the continued Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation of Germany's federal and state governments and science organisations. This enhances the networking of good education, excellent fundamental research, and applied research in science and industry.

As part of the internationally renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Carl Benz School offers a high-quality undergraduate Bachelor's programme as well as summer schools in mechanical engineering in a college-like structure. The international programmes are English-taught and perfectly prepare students from all over the world for engineering careers. Furthermore, students in the CBS College Programme benefit from an individual study and career guidance as well as exclusive on-campus housing in one of the safest regions worldwide.

22 Percentage of international students

University location

KIT's campus lies on the Kaiserstrasse, the main street of Karlsruhe, and it borders on the Hardtwald Forest, a perfect place to take a stroll. The campus is almost 60 hectares large. The proximity to Alsace and the mild climate of the Rhine River gives the Baden metropolis an almost Mediterranean flair in the summer. Known worldwide, the city has a fan-like ground plan thanks to the Margrave Karl Wilhelm von Baden-Durlach. Founded in 1715, Karlsruhe is the second-largest city in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.

It is also known as the "Residence of Justice" because the seat of Germany's two supreme courts (the Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal Supreme Court) is located in Karlsruhe.

Karlsruhe lies in south-western Germany on the western edge of Baden-Württemberg and has over 300,000 residents. Located on the river Rhine, the city area borders on the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the north-west and the country of France in the west.

In Karlsruhe, welcoming new citizens has a special significance and tradition. This is reflected by the fact that the "Bürgerstiftung Karlsruhe" rewrote the original "Privilegienbrief" (Charter of Rights), with which the city's founder attracted new inhabitants. It was rewritten as the "Karlsruher Bürgerbrief" in 2015.

Karlsruhe enjoys many diverse leisure, culture, and sports options, which offer something for everyone. The city boasts a wide variety of cultural attractions, including the Baden State Theatre, numerous private theatres, cinemas, museums, and art galleries. "Das Fest", one of Germany's largest open-air festivals, takes place in Karlsruhe once a year.

The local economy is based on a well-developed structure of medium-sized businesses, particularly in forward-reaching technologies such as computer science, multimedia, control systems, energy technology, and environmental science as well as nanotechnology. Several major companies, among them Bosch, Siemens, Daimler AG, and Michelin, have production facilities in the region. Major research and development institutions (e.g., Fraunhofer Institute, Intel research campus) are part of the reason why the innovative potential of this city and region are well known worldwide.

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