Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)

Study International Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers are involved in the development, design and production of all kinds of machines: whether smartphones, industrial robots or wind turbines - as creative minds, they invent the life of tomorrow and help to solve global challenges such as climate, environment and mobility. The Bachelor's degree programme in International Mechanical Engineering is aimed at technically oriented international students who would like to complete their mechanical engineering studies in Germany in English.

Any questions? Please contact us!

application information

Learning content

What is the Bachelor's degree programme in International Mechanical Engineering about?

How can we generate energy sustainably and thus protect the climate? How can artificial intelligence be used in organic farming? What is hydrogen used for and how can this technology become sustainable? How can we make the mobility of the future more environmentally friendly through autonomous driving, ultra-light vehicles and new forms of propulsion?

Mechanical engineers develop products and systems that change our world in the long term. They use technical, analytical and creative skills and have the freedom to specialise in exactly what they enjoy most during and after their studies.

 

The following contents are on the programme:

  • Mathematical and scientific fundamentals, e.g. physics, engineering mathematics and programming
  • Engineering fundamentals, e.g. technical mechanics, electrical engineering and materials engineering
  • Engineering applications, e.g. machine elements and design
  • Interdisciplinary teaching content, e.g. business administration, project management and quality assurance

In addition to specialised knowledge, our students also train social and methodological skills, e.g:

  • Scientific work
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Organisational skills (project planning, execution and presentation)
  • Communication skills
  • Independence and ability to work in a team
  • Awareness of leadership responsibility
  • Responsible, ethical behaviour (technology assessment)

Strengths of the degree programme

Study with the best

OTH Regensburg is Bavaria's best university for mechanical engineering! This is according to the university ranking published by the Hochschulranking des Centrums für Hochschulentwicklung (CHE) in March 2023, in which students rate their study conditions. In 13 categories, the degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering were ranked among the best in Germany.

Teaching at eye level

Whether in joint discussions in seminars or when working together on exciting research projects - students and professors work as equals here.

Learning in the lab

Scientific work from the ground up: Our students are closely involved in laboratory activities as part of project work, internships and final theses. All laboratories and facilities are state of the art.

Zwei Studierende bei einer Untersuchung im Labor Mess- und Steuerungstechnik
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Career opportunities

What career prospects do I have as a mechanical engineer?

You've completed your Bachelor's degree - now what? Do you want to hit the ground running in your professional life, do a Master's degree first or even aim for a doctorate?

Information on various follow-up options is summarised here:

  • Regensburg mechanical engineers enjoy a high reputation both regionally and nationally. As the degree programme is taught in English, there are good opportunities to work as an engineer anywhere in the world. In general, mechanical engineers currently have good career and promotion prospects. They will remain sought-after specialists in the future, partly due to demographic change and the emergence of new fields of activity and business.

    As mechanical engineering has many facets, our graduates work in a wide variety of sectors. Depending on their personal interests, they can work in the following areas, for example:

    • Energy and air conditioning technology
    • Agricultural technology
    • Food technology
    • Aviation, aerospace, shipping
    • Automotive
    • Plant engineering and production technology 
    • AI, robotics and digital factory

    Graduates of the Bachelor's degree programme in International Mechanical Engineering work in the following fields, among others:

    • Research and development
    • Design and construction
    • Calculation and simulation
    • Production and maintenance
    • Commissioning and service
    • Consultancy and expert opinions
    • Marketing and sales
    • Product management
    • Purchasing
    • Controlling

    Employers range from young start-ups to large global players and include a wide variety of companies from a wide range of sectors. Interesting jobs can also be found in engineering offices and the public sector. Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit are ideally equipped to set up their own start-up thanks to their mechanical engineering degree.


  • As an alternative to starting a career, Bachelor's graduates can take up an advanced Master's programme.

    Building directly on the Bachelor's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers the Master's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering, in which the engineering knowledge already acquired is further deepened.

    Overview of all postgraduate degree programmes: Master's degree programmes at OTH Regensburg.


  • Outstanding graduates of the Master's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering have the opportunity to do a cooperative or joint doctorate at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

    Further information on the subject of doctorates can be found on the OTH Regensburg website.


Studierende beim Arbeiten und Lernen im Labor.
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Structure and modules

How is the degree programme structured?

The Bachelor's degree programme in International Mechanical Engineering is designed as a full-time course and has a standard duration of seven semesters. It consists of six theoretical and one practical semester. The programme concludes with a successful Bachelor's examination.

  • The first stage of the programme consists of semesters one and two and is intended to provide orientation and basic knowledge. In both semesters, 30 ECTS credits, i.e. a total of 60 credits, must be achieved.

    Modules:

    • Engineering Mathematics I and II
    • Engineering Mechanics I and II
    • Design I and II
      Materials technology I and II
    • Manufacturing processes
    • Language Track A/B I und II

    (For further information see download area: Study and examination regulations, study plan and module handbook)

     

    n the first and second semesters, students take one general science elective (so-called AW module). The choice depends on the language track to which the student is assigned.

    If the student belongs to Language Track A at the beginning of the degree programme, they must choose the compulsory language moduleGerman. Students who are assigned to Language Track B can select another foreign language from the AW catalogue.

     

    Further details and a catalogue of AW modules and additional training courses can be found in the AW programme.


  • In the third semester, students enter the second stage of their studies. The focus here is on engineering methods and the practical semester. A total of 90 ECTS points must be achieved in the three semesters.

    Modules:

    • Engineering Mathematics
    • Engineering Mechanics III
    • Thermodynamics II
    • Engineering Informatics
    • Design II and III
    • Machine Elements II
    • Fundamentals of electrical engineering and electronics
    • Measurement technology with practical training
    • Fluid mechanics
    • Language Tack A/B III and IV
    • Project management and quality assurance
    • Sustainability, life cycle assessment and business management

    (For further information see download area: Study and examination regulations, study plan and module handbook)

    In the third and fourth semesters, students also take a general science elective (so-called AW module). As in the first part of the programme, the choice depends on the language track to which the student is assigned.

    Students who belong to Language Track Amust continue to choose the compulsory language module German. Students who are assigned to Language Track Bare obliged to choose English as a foreign language for the third and fourth semesters.

     

    Further details and a catalogue of AW modules and additional training courses can be found in the AW programme.


  • The third and final study phase begins in the sixth semester. The focus here is on the compulsory elective subjects and the Bachelor's thesis. A total of 60 ECTS credits must be achieved in both semesters, which are distributed as follows: sixth semester 31 credits, seventh semester 29 credits.

    Modules:

    • Control engineering with practical training
    • Mechanical engineering practical course
    • Fundamentals of drive technology
    • Project work
    • General scientific compulsory elective subject
    • Specialised elective module I to IV
    • Bachelor's thesis

    In the sixth and seventh semesters, students must take a total of four compulsory elective subjects (so-called WP module) and one compulsory elective subject in general science (so-called AW module). The latter can be freely chosen in this study phase. Two of the subject-specific electives must be chosen from the WPM catalogue 1 and two from the WPM catalogue 2.

     

    For further information see download area: Study and examination regulations, study plan and module handbook as well as WPM catalogues)

     

    The programme concludes with the Bachelor's thesis. It is possible to write the thesis in collaboration with a company. The thesis usually takes three months to complete. A database with advertised topics, application forms for registration and a faculty leaflet with important information can be found on the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering's Theses page.

     


  • Our students complete the practical semester, also known as the practical semester or industrial placement, in the fifth semester. It lasts a total of 20 weeks with a planned workload of 22 ECTS credits. The practical semester offers students the opportunity to apply what they have learnt in a company, an engineering office or a public institution. They can gain their first professional experience and establish valuable contacts for their future career.

    Students who belong to Language Track B complete the practical semester in a German-speaking environment (e.g. Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Students who are assigned to Language Track A can apply for the practical semester in Germany or abroad.

     

    Still have questions about the internship semester? The Practice Officer at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (general and organisational questions) or the Examinations and Internship Department (legal questions) will be happy to help you.


Studies and organisational matters

So that everything runs smoothly

Where and when do the lectures take place? What legal regulations must be observed? And how can I finance my studies?

Answers to these and other questions about the Bachelor's degree programme in International Mechanical Engineering can be found here.

Please enrol in our ELO course "Information B.Eng. International Mechanical Engineering IME", which contains further information.

  • The lectures in the Bachelor's degree programme International Mechanical Engineering take place at the main campus of OTH Regensburg in the buildings of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering:

    Building A-E

    Galgenbergstraße 30

    93053 Regensburg

     

    Orientate now


  • A wealth of information about studying abroad can be found on the website of the International Office of OTH Regensburg.

    The colleagues at the International Office will be happy to answer any further questions.
    For faculty-specific questions, please contact Prof Dr rer. pol. Max Singh, International Affairs Officer of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

     


  • SPO, curriculum, module handbook and study plan - documents containing regulations on the study programme and examinations are explained here. The current versions are linked under Downloads (see right).


    Legal basis: The Study and Examination Regulations (SPO)

    The Study and Examination Regulations (SPO) form the legal basis for the Bachelor's degree programme in International Mechanical Engineering. Among other things, it contains information on

    • Programme objective
    • Qualification requirements, proof of aptitude for the specific degree programme
    • Programme structure, standard period of study
    • Modules and credits
    • Master's thesis
    • Assessment of examination results, examinations and overall examination grade
    • Certificate and academic degree
    • Overview of the modules, certificates of achievement and credits

    Create an overview: The study programme plan

    The study plan contains an overview of all modules, the respective number of semester hours per week and ECTS credits. The document serves as a guide for semester planning and subject allocation.

     

    The modules in detail: The module handbook

    The module handbook contains all modules (subjects) of the degree programme with extensive information on the respective content and intended learning objectives. In addition, information is provided on the following points, among others: form of teaching, lecturers, teaching materials, certificates of achievement, authorised aids.

     

    Topic Examinations: The study plan

    The study plan provides information on all aspects of examinations. Among other things, it contains information on

    • Type and duration of examination
    • First/second examiner
    • Authorised aids

    • Tuition fees per semester in EUR: 500
    • The fees only apply for non-EU students.
    • Semester contribution see Re-registration

Application info

More information is available on the special info page of the programme.

1. Please register in the  OTH Regensburg application portal. It is not necessary to register with “Hochschulstart” for this degree programme.

2. The application process is entirely online. Complete the online application and upload all required application materials. This includes as a minimum your university entrance qualification. If further documents are necessary, they will be requested in the application portal.

3. Make sure you regularly check your status in the application portal. Here you can also see whether any documents are still missing. You can upload missing documents by the end of the deadline. If you upload the required documents, your status will change.

4. You will automatically receive email notifications via the application portal when your application status changes.

 

5. If all application documents have been received within the application deadline and are valid, you will then receive an offer of a place of study online via the portal as well as an additional e-mail notification from the Admissions and Organisation Office of the OTH Regensburg. Please note that it is no longer possible to apply after the application deadline. 

6. So what comes next? You can find all the information you need in the section under "Admissions and enrolment".

 

For winter semesters:

Application period for first semesters: 1 May - 15 September
Application period for higher semesters: 1 May – 15 June

For summer semesters:

(no start of studies, therefore an application is only possible for a higher semester. This requires creditable achievements from a relevant programme of study).

Application period for higher semesters: 15 November - 15 January

 

For their application at the OTH Regensburg, international applicants need

  • a university entrance qualification
  • an adequate knowledge of German

 

UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION

For an application for a Bachelor’s degree programme at the OTH Regensburg (university of applied sciences) international certificates, transcripts of your educational records and diplomas must first be recognized by uni-assist. Please request a so-called “preliminary review documentation” (in German abbr. VPD). (Exceptions are applications from the PR China and Vietnam. The recognition lies in the responsibility of the particular Academic Evaluation Center. However, if the APS certificate does not show a grade, a VPD is also required. Applicants from India need a certificate of the Academic Evaluation Center of India in order to request the VPD from uni-assist.)

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must provide proof of English language skills at level B1. Knowledge of English at level B2 is preferred. Please upload one of the following language certificates in the online portal:

  • International Baccalaureate English A HL
  • IELTS certificate with an overall score of at least 5.0 points with a minimum grade of 4.0 in all sections ("IELTS General Training" is not recognised)
  • TOEFL certificate with at least 460 points in the "Paper-based Test" (TOEFL PBT) or 50 points in the "Internet-based Test" (TOEFL iBT)
  • Cambridge English qualification with level B1 or higher
  • TELC certificate, level B1
  • PTE Pearson Academic Test certificate, level B1 (43-58 points)
  • Secondary or academic education completed in English (proof by means of a transcript of records or, if the language of instruction is not stated in the certificate, a ‘Medium of Instruction’ certificate)

GERMAN LANGUAGE SKILLS

German language skills on level A2 are required. You have to upload your German language certificate when applying via the online portal.

These certificates are accepted:

  • Goethe: A2
  • Telc: A2
  • ÖSD: A2
  • DSD: Level I

Please read all texts and linked documents directly under Application Info!

If you need a visa to study in Germany, you should look into the visa procedure and (if necessary) register on the waitlist as soon as possible. Depending on your country, receiving a visa appointment can take a long time. On the other hand, our admission letters are only valid for one semester and admission cannot be deferred.

You can find more information for prospective international students (about visa or other issues) on the web pages of the International Office.

service fee for non-EU students

Since the winter semester 2024/2025, OTH Regensburg will charge service fees for students from non-EU countries who enrol in English-language degree programmes. The fees will be used to expand the services necessary for the support and integration of international students. Please take note of the following important information and instructions.

General Information:

During the pre-study placement, practical ideas and knowledge are to be conveyed, i.e. no auxiliary activities should be performed. It is to be completed full-time ( which is normal in companies/institutions).
If you are attending the FOS/BOS, please do not enclose any internship documents, proof of activities, etc. Your school leaving certificate is sufficient, as it states the field of study.

Confirmation of pre-study placement:

- Submit one complete confirmation and not several partial confirmations.
- The number of weeks must be included in all pre-study placement confirmations; i.e. not only the period of time.
- If the previous pre-study placement was not completed in Germany, a certificate in at least English is required.

You are welcome to use our ”Praktikumsbestätigung” (pre-study placement confirmation) form as an aid and submit it to the company/institution for signature.

1. Please register in the application portal of OTH Regensburg .

2. You can now select the programme you want to apply for. Please go through the steps of the application, read the information carefully and upload the required documents when prompted. If you are applying for a higher semester, the most important documents are your university entrance qualification (for details please also check the tab „International“), certificates of language proficiency, official transcripts of records showing the courses you already completed, as well as a completed and signed application for credit recognition. Additional documents will be pointed out in the application portal.

Important!
You should only apply for a higher semester if you have already completed at least one semester in a similar university degree in terms of academic level (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) and field of study. If you are currently enrolled in your first semester at university, you should not apply for a higher semester because you will most likely not receive your exam results before our application deadline (we do not accept any documents after the deadline).

To assess whether you have already completed creditable work, you should first read the study and examination regulations of the programme you wish to study, in particular which courses and modules are included in the curriculum. Further details of course content can be found in the programme’s module handbook. You can find these documents on the OTH Regensburg programme website. If you believe that you have already completed courses that are equivalent in terms of content and workload to courses from the programme’s curriculum at OTH Regensburg, you can make a proposal for recognition to the Admissions Board by listing these courses in the application for credit transfer. You also need to submit transcripts of records. Please combine these with course or module descriptions from your previous university. Instead of uploading the complete module handbooks, you should only upload the module descriptions of the courses you have completed. If the courses were taken at OTH Regensburg, module descriptions are not required. If you would be interested in studying the programme in the first semester as well, you should apply separately for the first semester (different deadlines or requirements may apply).

3. Please check the OTH Regensburg application portal regularly for updates on your status or missing documents. If necessary, you can upload any missing documents before the application deadline.

4. As soon as your application has been processed by the Admissions Office, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with additional information. Please note that receiving a confirmation e-mail does not imply that you will also receive admission.

 

5. If all application documents have been received within the application deadline and are valid, you will receive an e-mail with further information after the examination committee has checked the documents. Please note that it is no longer possible to apply after the application deadline. 

6. The examination committee decides on the crediting of academic achievements and whether a placement in a higher semester is possible. This placement is based on the creditable achievements and not on the semesters completed. Please note that there may also be admission restrictions in the admission procedure for higher semesters. 

7. So what comes next? You can find all the information you need in the section under "Admissions and enrolment".

 

For prospective students with a master craftsman's certificate

With a master craftsman's certificate or an equivalent equivalent qualification, you can apply without restriction and have no subject restrictions, as you have a general university entrance qualification. In the application portal, you will be asked for your higher education entrance qualification. Please enter "Beruflich Qualifizierte Meister" (vocationally qualified master craftsman).

When applying, in addition to your complete certificate including grade point average, you must also submit documentary proof of an interview with the departmental advisor for course guidance. Please make an appointment as early as possible. The name and contact details can be found in the "contact" section of each degree programme. Your course guidance advisor will also provide you with documentary proof that the interview took place. Documentary records of academic counselling from other universities in Bavaria are recognised for the same or similar degree programmes and must also be uploaded in the application portal. Other documents specific to your chosen study programme can be found in the application portal.

Attending a preparatory course (including mathematics) is particularly useful for taking up a technical or engineering degree programme. The OTH Regensburg offers suitable preparatory courses for those with vocational qualifications.

If you would like to study part-time - i.e. parallel to your job - rather than full-time, we recommend that you visit the pages of the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW).

 

For prospective students with a vocational qualification certificate

If you have completed vocational training, it is possible to apply for a place at university with a specific subject in mind. Your vocational training and the degree programme you wish to pursue must have a subject-related connection. In the application portal, you will be asked for your higher education entrance qualification. Please enter "Beruflich Qualifizierte Gesellen" (vocationally qualified journeymen).

Please upload the following documents with your application:

1. Certificate of completion of vocational training including grade point average

2. Certificate of completion from a vocational school

3. Proof of subsequent full-time employment of at least three years relevant to the vocational training.

4. Other documents specific to your chosen study programme can be found in the application portal.

5. Documentary record of an interview with the departmental advisor for course guidance. Please make an appointment as early as possible. The name and contact details can be found in the "contact" section of each degree programme. Your course guidance advisor will also provide you with confirmation that the interview took place. Documentary records of academic counselling from other universities in Bavaria are recognised for the same or similar degree programmes and must also be uploaded in the application portal.

For full admission, applicants are still required to complete a two-semester probationary period, i.e. admission is tentative and subject to certain conditions.

Attending a preparatory course (including mathematics) is particularly useful for taking up a technical or engineering degree programme. The OTH Regensburg offers suitable preparatory courses for those with vocational qualifications.

If you would like to study part-time - i.e. parallel to your job - rather than full-time, we recommend that you visit the pages of the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW).

Admission and enrolment

If your application has the status “Gültig” ("valid"), you can already be assured that you will be offered a place in a study programme at the OTH Regensburg. (This does not apply to Bachelor degrees in Architecture, Industrial Design and Midwifery). You can download the corresponding “Zulassungsbescheid” (admission letter) in the application portal. You can accept your offer of admission immediately in the application portal and enrol online.

Enrolment generally takes place in August for the winter semester and in February for the summer semester.
If you have also applied for a degree programme with restricted admission, please wait with your current enrolment until the allocation of places in study programmes has been decided. However, to be on the safe side, you should enrol by the end of the deadline at the latest.
If you cannot be admitted due to missing documents, you will receive a letter of rejection.

Documents

The following documents must normally be uploaded for online enrolment at the university:

  • “Antrag auf Immatrikulation” (Application for enrolment) along with other documents required, depending on the individual case. You will be able to download the application for enrolment after accepting the place of study online in the OTH Regensburg application portal.
  •     Signed “Einwilligungserklärung zum Datenschutz” (declaration of consent regarding data protection). You will receive this together with the application for enrolment.
  •     Copy of valid identity card/passport
  •     Digital notification of health insurance, see the following notes "I would like to enrol. What do I have to do?"

Semester fee

You will receive the transfer details for the semester fee with your application for enrolment.

I want to enrol as a student and have to provide proof of health insurance. What do I need to do?

  • If you have chosen public / statutory insurance, please contact your health insurance company and inform them that you are planning to enrol at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH) Regensburg. Your health insurance company will then send us a digital notification known as M10. Please note that we cannot accept any insurance membership certificates in PDF or paper form. Our institution number is H0000048 (please provide this to your insurance company if necessary).

    If you have questions about public vs. private insurance, please check the website of the DAAD.


  • If the insurance from your home country is not accepted in Germany and you are over 30 years old, you may have chosen a private health insurance for Germany. In this case, please contact any public health insurance company in Germany with your insurance documents. Please inform them that you would like to enrol at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH) Regensburg and remain privately insured. The health insurance company will then send us a digital notification of your exemption from public insurance. Please note that we cannot accept an insurance membership certificate from your private health insurance instead of the exemption. Our institution number is H0000048.

    If you have questions about public vs. private insurance, please check the website of the DAAD.


  • If you are already insured in another EU country, your insurance may be accepted in Germany. If that is the case, you need to apply from exemption from compulsory public insurance. To do that, please contact any public health insurance company in Germany, send them your insurance documents and inform them that you would like to enrol at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH) Regensburg. The health insurance company will then send us a digital notification of exemption. Please note that we cannot accept any insurance membership certificates in paper form. Our institution number is H0000048.

    If you are coming from a non-EU country and/or are over 30 years old, you need to take on public or private health insurance which is valid in Germany. The website of the DAAD should help you better understand your options and choose the type of insurance which is best for you. After you have chosen your insurance, please ask your insurance company to send us a digital confirmation message of your insurance, or (if you have chosen private insurance) apply for exemption as instructed above.