Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)

Study Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers are involved in the development, design and production of machines of all kinds: whether smartphones, industrial robots or wind turbines - these creative minds shape our future lives and help solve global challenges involving the climate, the environment and mobility to name but a few.

application info
Zwei Studierende im Labor Regelungstechnik bei der Arbeit an einem kleinen Fahrzeug
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Content

What is the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering about?

How can we produce sustainable energy to protect the environment?
How can artificial intelligence be used in ecological agriculture?
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 drive?

In the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, you deal with a wide range of subjects. As a broad-based all-rounder, you have the freedom to specialise in what you enjoy most - both during your degree and afterwards.

The programme teaches the following subjects:

  • Mathematical/scientific fundamentals, e.g. physics, mathematics for engineers and programming.
  • Engineering fundamentals, e.g. engineering 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 this specialised knowledge, our students also learn social and methodological skills, including: 

  • Scientific working practices
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Organisational skills (project planning, execution and presentation)
  • Communication skills - Independence and teamwork skills
  • Developing awareness of leadership responsibility 
  • Responsible and ethical working practices (technological impact 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 in May 2022 by the Centre for Higher Education (CHE) [Link 1], in which students evaluate their study environment. In 13 categories, the Mechanical Engineering degree was placed among the top universities in Germany.

Zwei Studierende im LFW mit einer AR-Brille
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Career opportunities

What are my career prospects as a mechanical engineer?

Your Bachelor's degree is complete - and now what? Do you want to jump straight into professional life, do a Master's degree first or even aim for a doctorate?

Information on the various options is summarised here:

  • Mechanical engineers from Regensburg enjoy an excellent reputation both regionally and nationally. They currently have good career and promotion prospects and will remain sought-after specialists in the future, partly due to demographic changes and the emergence of new fields of business.

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

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

    Graduates also work in the following fields:

    • Research and development
    • Engineering design
    • Calculation and simulation
    • Production and maintenance
    • Commissioning and service
    • Consulting and expert opinions 
    • Marketing and sales 
    • Product Management 
    • Purchasing
    • Controlling

    Employment can be found in a wide range of companies and industries, from young start-ups to large global players. Interesting jobs can also be found with engineering firms and in the public sector. Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit are ideally equipped to found their own start-ups.


  • Instead of immediately starting their career, graduates can choose to complete a Master's degree.

    Building directly on the Bachelor programme, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, which expands and deepens the engineering knowledge the students have already acquired.

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


  • Outstanding graduates of the Master's programme have the opportunity to complete a doctorate at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (cooperative or joint). Further information on the topic of doctoral studies can be found on the OTH Regensburg website.


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

Structure and modules

How is the degree programme structured?

The Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering is designed as a full-time programme lasting sevensemesters. It consists of six theoretical semesters and one practical semester. By choosing a specialisation, students can set an individualfocus for their studies.

  • Semesters 1 and 2 are intended to provide orientation and lay the foundations for the rest of the degree. In each of the two semesters, 30 ECTS credits should achieved, i.e. a total of 60 ECTS.

    Modules:

    • Mathematics for Engineers I and II
    • Engineering Mechanics I and II
    • Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Electronics 
    • Engineering Design I and II
    • Materials Engineering I and II 
    • Manufacturing Methods 
    • Physics with Laboratory Exercises
    • Fundamentals of Programming 
    • Design of Machine Elements I

    (For further information see the download area: Study and Examination Regulations, Curriculum and Module Handbook)


  • In the third semester, students enter the second stage of their studies. Here, the focus is on engineering methods and the practical semester. A total of 90 ECTS credits should be achieved in these three semesters, distributed as follows:

    • Third semester: 32 ECTS
    • Fourth semester: 30 ECTS
    • Fifth semester: 28 ECTS.
    • Modules:
    • Thermodynamics I and II 
    • Engineering Mechanics III 
    • Computer Science for Engineers 
    • Design of Machine Elements II
    • Engineering Design III and IV
    • Laboratory Exercises: Material Sciences and Manufacturing Methods
    • Fluid Mechanics 
    • Applied Dynamics
    • Measurement Techniques with Laboratory Exercises 
    • Business Administration and Accounting 
    • Presentation
    • Project Management and Quality Assurance
    • General Scientific Elective Modules I and II
    • Industrial Placement

    (For further information, see the download area: Study and Examination Regulations, Curriculum and Module Handbook) In the fourth and fifth semesters, two out of a total of three General Scientific Elective Modules (so-called AW modules) must be completed. Students can choose from a wide range of courses according to their personal interests:

    • Foreign languages
    • International programmes
    • Orientational knowledge (including cultural studies, natural sciences, economics) 
    • Social and methodological competence (soft skills)
    • Technology and engineering

    More details and a catalogue of AW modules and additional training courses can be found on the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and Cultural Studies website.


  • The third and final stage of studies begins in the sixth semester. Here the focus is on the specialisation modules and the Bachelor thesis. A total of 60 ECTS credits should be achieved, distributed as follows: Sixth semester 31 ECTS - Seventh semester 29 ECTS.

    Modules:

    • Control Engineering with Laboratory Exercises
    • Laboratory Exercises: Plants and Engines
    • Fundamentals of Electric Machines and Drives 
    • Specialisation Modules I to V 
    • Student Project
    • General Scientific Elective Module III
    • Bachelor Thesis

    (For further information, see the download area: Study and Examination Regulations, Curriculum and Module Handbook)


  • Our students usually complete the practical semester, also called the internship or industrial placement, in their fifth or sixth 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 learned in a company, an engineering office or a public institution at home or abroad. They can gain their first professional experience and valuable contacts for their future careers.

    Any questions about the practical semester? The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering's Internship Officer (general and organisational questions) or the Examinations and Internship Office (legal questions) will be happy to help you.


  • In semesters 6 and 7, students sharpen their personal profiles by choosing one of the following specialisations:

    • Automotive Systems
    • Energy and Process Technologies
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Mechatronic Systems
    • Product Development

    The programme ends with the Bachelor thesis, which may be written in cooperation with a company. The thesis is usually completed in three months. On the Final Theses in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering webpage you will find a database with open research topics, application forms for registration and an information sheet from the faculty with important information.


Studies and organisational matters

So that everything runs smoothly

When and where do the lectures take place? Which legal regulations must be observed? And how can I finance my studies?

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

  • Lectures take place on the main campus of the OTH Regensburg in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering buildings:

    Building A-C
    Galgenbergstraße 30
    93053 Regensburg


  • Successfully accredited: On 29 July 2019, the Internal Accreditation Commission reaccredited the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng.) and conferred the seal of the Accreditation Council. The accreditation is valid until 30 September 2025.


  • Whether to study, complete an internship or write your thesis - the Bachelor's programme offers many opportunities to spend time abroad, especially from the 5th semester onwards.

    Comprehensive information on the topic of studying abroad can be found on the webpages of the OTH Regensburg's International Office.

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


  • SPO, curriculum, module handbook and exam handbook - here we explain the documents that govern studying and examinations. The respective valid versions are linked in the download area.

    The legal basis: The Study and Examination Regulations (SPO)

    The Study and Examination Regulations (SPO) form the legal basis for the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. Among other things, they contain information on:

    • Study objective, qualification requirements
    • Programme structure, standard period of study
    • Practical semester
    • Progression of studies
    • Bachelor thesis
    • Interpreting examination results and the overall grade 
    • Certificate and academic degree
    • Overview of modules, assessements and credits

    The overview: The curriculum (Studienverlaufsplan)

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

    The modules in detail: The module handbook

    The module handbook lists all the modules (subjects) in the degree programme with comprehensive information on on content and learning objectives as well as: form of teaching, lecturers, teaching materials, assessments, permitted aids.

    Exams in focus: The exam handbook (Studienplan)

    This document provides information on the subject of examinations. Among other things, it contains information on:

    • Type and duration of examinations
    • First and second examiners
    • Permitted aids

Application info

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 periods for first semesters: 1 May - 15 September

Application period for higher semesters: 1 May - 15 June.

For summer semesters:

Application period for first semesters: 15 November - 01 March

Application period for higher semesters: 15 November - 15 January

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.

Special information for this study programme:

The pre-study internship requirement does not apply if the FOS/BOS certificate with the subject technology is uploaded with your application for admission. In all other cases, the following information applies:

Due date of the pre-study internship certificate:

From the beginning of the degree programme until the start of the fourth semester at the latest (not with your application for admission). To be submitted by e-mail to the Examinations and Internships Office.

Duration:

12 weeks

Splitting up your pre-study internship:

The pre-study internship can be divided into two periods and two internships. The documents must be submitted once in full, not several times with partial confirmations.

Notice:

Please also refer to the separate information sheet. Getting to know technical materials and processes as well as production methods and equipment in technical metal- or electro-processing industrial or craft enterprises. The following vocational training coursesvocational training courses can be recognised.

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 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.)

 

GERMAN LANGUAGE SKILLS

German language skills on level DSH 1 are required. You have to upload your German language certificate either when applying or when enrolling via the online portal.

These certificates are recognized as an alternative to the DSH 1 certificate:

  • TestDaF: TDN 3 in all sections of the exam
  • Studienkolleg: Feststellungsprüfung „Deutsch“
  • DSD: Level II with B2 in all sections of the exam
  • Goethe: C1
  • telc: telc Deutsch C1, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
  • ÖSD: C1
  • UNIcert® Deutsch III

Please read all texts and, if available, 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 (on visas or other issues) on the web pages of the International Office.

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.