Project SHIFT - Strategic Hub for International Future Talent

The global energy sector is undergoing a massive transformation: Renewable Energy is one of the most important topics of the 21^st century and global investments in solar, wind, and other renewable technologies are skyrocketing. However, since renewable energies are weather-dependent and more volatile, a flexible and interconnected energy system is becoming more important—and more complex. 

The master’s program Renewable Energy Systems at THI prepares students for a career in this evolving and innovative industry by teaching about modern energy systems, energy storage and essential technologies as well as energy markets and policies. 

For international students we additionally offer the unique opportunity to participate in the SHIFT Study Sprint, a preparatory program that takes place in the summer semester (mid-March through the end of July). The program prepares participants for their studies in Germany, in terms of subject matter, general academic standards and culture. You will deep-dive into the key concepts and polish your understanding of foundational concepts of renewable energies, while learning about the German culture and student life at THI. We have an exciting mix of courses, excursions and workshops planed for you. Once accepted into the Study Sprint RES, participation in all the program items and modules listed in the curriculum is compulsory.

A vital part of integration is learning the language - so, we designed German language classes tailored to international students to help you get a head start. Learning German will make integrating, meeting new people and every-day-life easier as well as increase your opportunities in the German job market.

Since the preparatory programme takes place in the summer semester you can smoothly transition to the master’s program Renewable Energy Systems, which begins every October at the start of the winter semester. 

Please note: A regular application and admission to the M.Sc. Renewable Energies is still necessary. 

Get the competitive edge and the confidence you need to tackle your Master's degree head-on. 

The next SHIFT Study Sprint RES will start on 15th of March 2027.

• Successfully completed Bachelor's or Diplom degree programme in engineering or natural sciences with at least 210 ECTS credit points (in conformity with General Examination Regulations)  or equivalent scope or an equivalent successful degree,

• For applicants with Bachelor's degrees comprising less than 210 ECTS but at least 180 ECTS, admission is alternatively possible if proof of the acquisition of knowledge amounting to 30 ECTS is provided. This knowledge can be demonstrated by
  a) a certificate of relevant, subject-specific professional experience outside the degree programme, which corresponds in content and scope to the practical semester of a Bachelor's degree programme (according to §13 RaPO)
  or  
  b) Proof of practical or theoretical study and examination achievements at a university in addition to the first degree, which correspond in terms of content and scope to the requirements of a relevant Bachelor's degree programme
• Proof of sufficient proficiency in English (language level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference. More information: General statutes)

• Successful completion of the selection procedure (in accordance with § 7 of the statutes)

  The following criteria are assessed in the selection procedure:

  a) Documented energy specialisation of your previous studies

  b) Proven experience in the field of energy technology, e.g. through internships, project work, professional experience or academic publications, such as a Bachelor's thesis

  The selection procedure will be carried out on the basis of the documents submitted by the applicant. There will NOT be an interview. You must upload the documents to our online platform during the application process. 

   

A maximum of 25 participants can be accepted into the programme. After the application deadline, a committee will review the application documents and you will receive feedback as soon as possible.

As THI has received generous funding from the DAAD for this programme, only the student union fee (approx. 82 euros) are charged to participants for this preparatory programme. Current information about the student union fee can be found here: General statutes. The student union fee may be subject to changes, so please check the statues for the latest information.

However, during the preparatory programme you do NOT have to pay a service fee or tuition for international students from non-EU countries. You will still have access to all the services of the International Welcome Centre (IWC), such as accommodation, language advice, events and excursions.

The following classes are part of the SHIFT Study Sprint:

• Thermodynamics 1
• Electrical Engineering
• Elective (choice between: Energy Distribution and CHP Plants, Energy Markets and Coupling Sectors or Energy Storage)
• Academic writing
• German classes (level A1 or A2)
• Intercultural Training

For more detailed information, download the comprehensive course catalogue in the right column.

We also offer various excursions and social events. The specific event program might vary each semester, but here are some examples of previous events:

• City Tours in Ingolstadt, Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg or other citys
• Educational excursions to exhibitions and conferences (i.e. Intersolar)
• Trips to local and regional companies
• Social gatherings with other students (i.e. international regulars' table, dinner at a Beergarden)
• Museum visits (i.e. the Future Museum)
• Theme Nights (i.e. Uganda Night)
• And many more

Application period : annually from1st October - 15th November

Before you apply:
1. Inform yourself about the programme and its requirements
2. Check with the Germany embassy or consulate on requirements and appointments. If required, you will need to apply for a visa. (§ 17 Abs. 2 AufenthG - Einzelnorm or § 16b AufenthG - Einzelnorm)
3. Apply for the VPD document from uni-assist (preliminary review documentation of your academic qualification) For more Information and to apply see here: VPD | uni-assist

Application Process:
4. Register for the PRIMUSS application portal
5. Fill out all questions on PRIMUSS
6. Add the Study Sprint as course you want to apply for
7. Upload all required documents
8. Submit your application online
 

Required documents for the application:

• VPD document from uni-assist (preliminary review documentation of your academic qualification)
  • Please apply as soon as possible, as processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
  • When applying for the VPD document, please select Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt for the institution.
  • If you submit your application before receiving the VPD document, please submit it upon receipt.
  • For more Information and to apply see here: VPD | uni-assist
• Proof of English proviciency (level B2 is required)
• If applicable, APS Certificate
• If applicable, further documents providing proof of competence or specific experience in energy technology (proof of 30 additional ECTS)
   

Note: Dubious Application Agencies
Currently, THI is receiving an increasing amount of information regarding fraudulent activities in connection with student applications to THI. Therefore, it is important for you to know the following:
1. THI does not work with agencies. Please use the application process described on our pages only.
2. THI never asks for money via agencies for application purposes.
3. THI only sends emails from @thi.de.

Upon successful completion of the SHIFT Study Sprint, you will receive a certificate of participation. To successfully complete the preparatory programme, you must attend all courses and participate in our social events.

Please note: Participation in all courses is mandatory. Participants may not miss more than 25% of a course in order to qualify for the certificate of participation.

After the preparatory programme, you will not automatically be transferred to the Master's degree course in Renewable Energy Systems. Participants must still apply for the Master's programme (applications open on 2nd May). Admission to the Master's programme is not guaranteed, but completion of the SHIFT Study Sprint will be taken into account in the application process. Of course, our team will also guide you through the application process.

Please note: Admission to the Master's programme is not guaranteed. 

Unfortunately, the THI does not have its own student accommodation. You are therefore responsible for finding your own accommodation. However, the International Welcome Centre will assist you in finding suitable accommodation.

Further information can be found here: Accommodation

Who can apply?

• The programme is aimed at international students who are planning to enrol in the Master's programme in Renewable Energy Systems in the upcoming winter semester and are interested in preparatory measures before starting their studies. Please check the admission requirements to see if you meet the criteria for the programme.

How long does the preparatory programme last? And when does the next one start?

• The SHIFT Study Sprint lasts 15 weeks (approx. one semester). The next Study Sprint starts on 15 March 2027.

Is there a fee for the SHIFT Study Sprint programme?

• Yes, you have to pay a student union fee of 82 Euros (as of 1st of May 2026). Current information about the student union fee can be found here: General statutes

What does the programme offer? What advantages do I have as a participant?

The programme offers:

• Academic preparation through targeted courses and electives
• Cultural integration through intercultural workshops and German courses
• Workshops and training, e.g. on scientific working methods, practical life skills and career preparation
• Events and excursions, as well as networking opportunities with local companies and institutions
• Practical support in everyday life, e.g. with financial planning, health care, finding accommodation and dealing with public institutions in Germany

The courses and events offered are included in the student union fee for participants. Participants have the opportunity to prepare intensively for the lectures one semester before the start of their studies and use the time to strengthen their German language skills, socialise and get to know Ingolstadt. By arriving early, participants can take care of organisational matters such as finding accommodation and obtaining a residence permit and are on site at the start of their studies so they can get to study straight away without any delays.

Will I receive a certificate of participation after completing the programme?

• Yes, participants who fulfil the attendance requirement (at least 75%) will receive a certificate of participation.

Are participants automatically transferred to the Master RES after completing the preparatory programme?

• No, there is no automatic transfer. Participants must apply separately for the Master's programme (application start 2nd May). Completion of the SHIFT study sprint will be taken into account in the application and the SHIFT team will guide you through the application process.

Can credits from the SHIFT Study Sprint be transferred or recognised for the subsequent degree programme?

• You will not receive ECTS for the Study Sprint RES preparatory programme, so they cannot be transferred. In addition, the courses you take are preparatory and therefore not at degree programme level.

Can I postpone my participation in the course until next year? Is the offer still valid?

• Unfortunately, the offer is only valid for the SHIFT Study Sprint cohort for which you have applied. You will need to reapply next year if you wish to defer your participation. 

If you have any questions or require further information on the preparatory programme, please contact the SHIFT project team at studysprint@thi.de

As part of the project, the SHIFT team offers activities and events to support the international students of the three programmes involved. The activities offered may vary each semester, but here are some examples:

• Workshops e.g. academic working, study organisation, and more
• Consultation and assistance regarding any challenges
• Intercultural training
• German courses
• Excursions to trade fairs, conferences or production sites

With the start of the winter semester 2025/2026, a subject-specific mentoring programme was introduced for international students enrolled in the Bachelor's degree programme in Engineering and Management. The programme is designed to support international students in the Engineering and Management Bachelor’s degree programme as they begin their studies at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI). To achieve this, students in their first and second semesters are paired with experienced Engineering and Management students from higher semesters, who provide guidance and support as they settle into life and studies at THI.

Mentors assist students in finding their way around both Ingolstadt and the university, offer insights into studying and living in the city, and provide practical advice on academic and everyday matters. In addition, they also answer individual questions, share programme-specific knowledge, and draw on their own experiences to support their mentees. The programme is further complemented by networking events, social activities, and mentor-led study sessions, all of which promote both academic and social integration. Through structured support of the mentors by the SHIFT project team, the programme delivers a high-quality and sustainable support service that facilitates international students’ transition to university life and contributes to their academic success.

The Early Semester Coaching supports international students of the Bachelor degree programme Sustainable Civil Engineering during their first two semesters and is designed to strengthen both integration and academic success. As the degree programme follows a part-time structure in its initial phase, students are offered a range of tailored support measures that facilitate their transition into higher education and prepare them for the subsequent stages of their studies. A particular focus is placed on developing the academic, linguistic and personal competencies required to succeed in an international engineering environment.

This initiative includes a Mathematics course, German language classes, workshops on academic skills and scientific working methods, as well as IT seminars. In addition, students benefit from intercultural training that fosters effective communication and collaboration in diverse settings. To complement this skill development initiative, a variety of networking opportunities and social events are offered, to encourage a smooth transition into student life in Germany and strengthen peer connections. In addition, students have access to individual advisory services that support them in addressing organisational, academic and personal challenges and contribute to a successful progression through their studies.

As THI has received generous funding from the DAAD for this project, there are no additional costs for students. However, the student union fees and tuition fees incurred as part of the degree programme remain the same. More information can be found here: Financial Assistance

The SHIFT team offers international students from the three participating degree programmes a wide range of activities to facilitate their entry into the German labour market. The activities on offer may vary each semester, but here are a few examples:

• Excursions to regional and local companies
• Networking opportunities with regional and local companies
• Workshops on job applications, business etiquette, job interviews and more
• Intercultural training
• Alumni events e.g. AlumniTalks
• Preparation for and visit to the THI job fair Contact

As THI has received generous funding from the DAAD for this project, there are no additional costs for students. However, the student union fees and service fees incurred as part of the degree programme remain the same.