Project SHIFT

The global energy sector is currently undergoing a massive transformation: renewable energy is one of the most important issues of the 21st century, and global investment in solar, wind and other renewable technologies is rising rapidly. However, as renewable energy is weather-dependent and more variable, a flexible and interconnected energy system is becoming increasingly important – and complex. The Master’s programme in Renewable Energy Systems at THI prepares students for a career in this dynamic and innovative sector by providing knowledge of modern energy systems, energy storage and key technologies, as well as energy markets and policy.

For international students, we also offer the unique opportunity to take part in the SHIFT Study Sprint, a preparatory programme run during the summer semester (mid-March to the end of July). The programme prepares participants for their studies in Germany in terms of subject content, general academic standards and culture. You will deepen your understanding of key concepts and refine your grasp of the fundamental principles of renewable energy, whilst getting to know German culture and student life at THI. We have planned an exciting mix of courses, excursions and workshops for you. Once you have been accepted onto the RES Study Sprint, attendance at all programme components and modules listed in the curriculum is compulsory.

An important part of integration is learning the language – which is why we have designed German language courses for international students to give you, as a participant, the best possible start. Learning German will make it easier for you to integrate, meet new people and cope with everyday life, as well as improving your prospects on the German labour market.

As the preparatory programme takes place during the summer term, you can transition seamlessly into the Master’s programme in Renewable Energy Systems, which begins every year in October for the winter term.

Please note: A standard application and admission to the M.Sc. in Renewable Energy Systems are still required.
 

Build the skills and confidence you need to successfully embark on your Master’s programme

The next SHIFT Study Sprint RES begins on 15 March 2027.

• Successful completion of a degree in engineering or the natural sciences comprising at least 210 ECTS credits (in accordance with the General Examination Regulations) or an equivalent volume of study, or an equivalent successful degree,
• For Bachelor’s degrees comprising fewer than 210 ECTS but at least 180 ECTS, admission may alternatively be granted if evidence can be provided of knowledge equivalent to 30 ECTS. This may be demonstrated by:
  a) A certificate of employment confirming relevant, subject-specific professional experience outside of higher education, which corresponds in content and scope to the practical semester of a Bachelor’s degree programme (in accordance with Section 13 of the RaPO)
  or 
  b) evidence of practical or theoretical coursework and examinations completed at a higher education institution in addition to the first degree, which correspond in content and scope to the requirements of a relevant Bachelor’s degree programme
• Evidence of sufficient knowledge of the English language (language level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Further information here: General Statutes)
• Successful completion of the selection process (in accordance with Section 7 of the Statutes)The following criteria are assessed during the selection process:a) Documented specialisation in energy from your previous studiesb) Demonstrated experience in the field of energy engineering, e.g. through work placements, project work, professional experience or academic publications, such as a Bachelor’s thesis. The selection process is conducted on the basis of the documents submitted by the applicant. There will be NO interview. You must upload the documents to our online platform during the application process.

A total of up to 25 participants can be admitted to the programme. Once the application deadline has passed, a selection panel will review the application documents and you will receive a response as soon as possible.

As THI has received generous funding from the DAAD for this programme, participants are only required to pay the Studienwerk fees (approx. 82 euros) for this preparatory programme. You can find up-to-date information on the amount of the Studienwerk fee here: General Statutes. The fee for the student union is subject to change; please check the statutes for the current fee amount.

However, as part of the preparatory programme, you do NOT have to pay any service fee or tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries. You can still make use of all the services offered by the International Welcome Centre (IWC), such as accommodation assistance, language advice, events and excursions.

The following courses form part of the SHIFT Study Sprint:

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

For further information, please download the comprehensive course catalogue from the right-hand column.

We also offer various excursions and social events. The specific programme of events may vary each semester, but here are some examples:

• Guided city tours in various cities (e.g. Ingolstadt, Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg)
• Excursions to trade fairs and conferences (e.g. Intersolar)
• Excursions to local and regional businesses
• Social get-togethers with other students (e.g. international get-togethers, dinner in a beer garden)
• Museum visits (e.g. the Museum of the Future)
• Themed evenings (e.g. Uganda Night)
• And much more

Application period: annually from 1 October to 15 November

Before you apply:
1. Find out about the programme and its requirements
2. Check with the German Embassy or Consulate regarding the eligibility criteria and deadlines. If necessary, you will need to apply for a visa. (Section 17(2) of the Residence Act – specific provision or Section 16b of the Residence Act – specific provision)
3. Apply for the VPD document from uni-assist (preliminary assessment documentation of your academic qualification). For further information and to apply, see here: VPD | uni-assist

Application process:

4. Register on the PRIMUSS application portal
5. Complete all the questions in PRIMUSS
6. Add the SHIFT Study Sprint as the degree programme you wish to apply for
7. Upload all the required documents
8. Submit your application online

Application documents:

• VPD document from uni-assist (Preliminary assessment documentation of your academic qualifications)
  • Please apply as soon as possible, as processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
  • When applying for the VPD certificate, please select the Technical University of Ingolstadt as the institution.
  • If you submit your application before receiving the VPD certificate, please submit it once you have received it.
  • For further information and to apply, see here: VPD | uni-assist
• Proof of English language proficiency (level B2 is required)
• APS certificate, if applicable
• Further documents, if applicable, to demonstrate skills or specific experience in energy engineering (Proof of a further 30 ECTS credits)

Note: Dubious application agencies
THI is currently receiving an increasing number of reports regarding fraudulent activities in connection with student applications to THI. It is therefore important that you are aware of the following:
1. THI does not work with any agencies. Please use only the application procedure described on our website.
2. THI never asks for money via agencies for application purposes.
3. THI only sends emails from @thi.de addresses.

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

Please note: Attendance at all courses is compulsory. Participants must not miss more than 25 per cent of a course in order to qualify for the certificate of attendance.

Nach dem Vorbereitungsprogramm werden Sie nicht automatisch in den Masterstudiengang „Renewable Energy Systems“ übernommen. Die Teilnehmenden müssen sich weiterhin für den Masterstudiengang bewerben (Bewerbungsstart am 2. Mai). Die Aufnahme in den Masterstudiengang ist nicht garantiert, aber der Abschluss des SHIFT Study Sprint wird bei der Bewerbung berücksichtigt. NaCompleting the preparatory programme does not automatically guarantee your place on the ‘Renewable Energy Systems’ Master’s programme. Participants must still apply for the Master’s programme (applications open on 2 May). Admission to the Master’s programme is not guaranteed, but completion of the SHIFT Study Sprint will be taken into account during 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, THI does not have its own student accommodation. You are therefore responsible for finding accommodation yourself. 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 wish to undertake a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Systems in the coming winter semester and are looking for preparatory activities before the start of their studies. Please check the ‘Admission Requirements’ section 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 (approximately one semester). The next Study Sprint RES starts on 15 March 2027.

Is there a fee for the SHIFT Study Sprint programme?

• Yes, student union fees of 82 euros (as at 1 May 2026) apply. You can find up-to-date information on the amount of the student services fee here: General statutes

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

The programme offers:

• Academic preparation through targeted courses and optional modules
• Cultural integration through intercultural workshops and German language courses
• Workshops and training sessions, e.g. on academic research methods, life skills and career preparation
• Events and excursions, as well as networking opportunities with local businesses and institutions
• Practical support in daily life, e.g. with financial planning, healthcare, finding accommodation and dealing with public institutions in Germany

The courses and events on offer are included in the Studierendenwerk fee for participants. Participants have the opportunity to prepare intensively for their specialist lectures one semester before the start of their studies and use this time to consolidate their German language skills, make contacts and get to know Ingolstadt. By arriving early, participants can finalise organisational matters such as finding accommodation and obtaining a residence permit, meaning they are already on site when their studies begin and can get started straight away.

Will I receive a certificate of attendance upon completion?

• Yes, participants who meet the attendance requirement (at least 75 per cent) will receive a certificate of attendance.

Are participants automatically admitted to the RES Master’s programme upon completion of the preparatory programme?

• No, there is no automatic admission. Participants must apply separately for the Master’s programme (applications open on 2 May). Completion of the Study Sprint RES will be taken into account in your application, and the SHIFT team will support you throughout the application process.

Can credits from the SHIFT Study Sprint be transferred or counted towards the subsequent degree programme?

• You will not receive any ECTS credits for the preparatory programme, so these cannot be transferred. Furthermore, the courses you take are preparatory and therefore not at degree 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 to which you have applied. You will need to reapply next year if you wish to postpone your participation.

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

Im Rahmen des Projekts bietet das SHIFT-Team Maßnahmen und Events zur Unterstützung der internationalen Studierenden der drei Studierenden in den beteiligten Studiengängen an. Die Angebote können jedes Semester variieren, aber hier sind einige Beispiele:

• Workshops z.B. akademisches Arbeiten, Studienorganisation und mehr
• Beratung und Unterstützung bei allen Herausforderungen
• Interkulturelles Training
• Deutschkurse
• Exkursionen zu Fachmessen, Tagungen oder Produktionsstätten

Zum Wintersemester 2025/2026 wurde ein fachliches Mentoringprogramm für internationale Studierende des Bachelorstudiengangs Engineering and Management implementiert. Das Mentoringprogramm unterstützt internationale Studierende des Bachelorstudiengangs Engineering & Management beim erfolgreichen Start an der Technischen Hochschule Ingolstadt. Studierende der ersten beiden Semester werden dabei mit erfahrenen Engineering-and-Management-Studierenden aus höheren Semestern vernetzt, die sie während ihrer Anfangszeit an der THI begleiten.

Die Mentorinnen und Mentoren helfen bei der Orientierung in Ingolstadt und an der Hochschule, geben Einblicke in das Studium und Leben in Ingolstadt sowie praktische Tipps zu Studium und Alltag. Auch beantworten sie individuelle Fragen der Mentees und teilen studiengangspezifisches Wissen und Erfahrungen. Ergänzt wird das Programm durch gemeinsame Netzwerkveranstaltungen, soziale Aktivitäten und von Mentoren geleitete Übungsrunden, die sowohl die fachliche als auch die soziale Integration fördern. Durch die enge Begleitung der Mentoren durch das SHIFT-Projektteam wird ein hochwertiges und nachhaltiges Unterstützungsangebot geschaffen, das internationalen Studierenden das Ankommen und den Studienerfolg erleichtert.

Das Early Semester Coachingunterstützt internationale Studierende des Bachelorstudiengangs Sustainable Civil Engineering während ihrer ersten beiden Semester und zielt darauf ab, sowohl die Integration als auch den Studienerfolg zu fördern. Da der Studiengang in der Anfangsphase als Teilzeitstudium konzipiert ist, erhalten die Studierenden ein breites Spektrum an passgenauen Unterstützungsangeboten, die den Übergang in das Hochschulstudium erleichtern und sie auf die weiteren Phasen ihres Studiums vorbereiten. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt liegt auf der Entwicklung der fachlichen, sprachlichen und persönlichen Kompetenzen, die für ein erfolgreiches Studium und Arbeiten in einem internationalen ingenieurwissenschaftlichen Umfeld erforderlich sind.

Das Programm umfasst einen Mathebrückenkurs, Deutschkurse, Workshops zu Lern- und Studienkompetenzen sowie wissenschaftlichen Arbeitsmethoden und IT-Seminare. Darüber hinaus profitieren die Studierenden von interkulturellen Trainings, die eine effektive Kommunikation und Zusammenarbeit in diversen und internationalen Kontexten fördern. Ergänzend zu diesen Qualifizierungsangeboten werden verschiedene Vernetzungsmöglichkeiten und soziale Veranstaltungen angeboten, um den Einstieg in das studentische Leben in Deutschland zu erleichtern und den Austausch sowie die Vernetzung unter den Studierenden zu stärken. Darüber hinaus stehen den Studierenden individuelle Beratungsangebote zur Verfügung, die sie bei organisatorischen, akademischen und persönlichen Herausforderungen unterstützen und zu einem erfolgreichen Studienverlauf beitragen.

Da die THI für dieses Projekt eine großzügige Förderung durch den DAAD erhalten hat, fallen für die Studierenden keine zusätzliche Kosten an. Die anfallenden Studierendenwerksbeiträge und Studiengebühren im Rahmen des Studiums bleiben jedoch bestehen. Weitere Informationen finden Sie hier: Studienfinanzierung

For international students on the three participating degree programmes, the SHIFT team offers a wide range of initiatives to help them enter the German labour market. The programmes on offer may vary from semester to semester, but here are a few examples:

• Field trips to regional and local businesses
• Networking opportunities with regional and local businesses
• Workshops on topics such as job applications, business etiquette, job interviews and more
• Intercultural training
• Alumni events, e.g. AlumniTalks
• Preparation for and attendance at the THI Contact Job Fair

As THI has received generous funding from the DAAD for this project, there are no additional costs for students. However, the usual student union contributions and service charges associated with the degree programme will still apply.