What are TU9 Universities in Germany? Detailed Guide (2025)

The TU9 universities are a group of nine top technical universities in Germany. The full name is TU9 – German Universities of Technology. These universities are famous for engineering, science, and research.

How Did TU9 Start?

In the year 2003, these 9 universities came together to form a group. Their goal was simple: to work together, share ideas, and promote German engineering and science around the world. All of these universities are very old, and some of them were started more than 150 years ago. They have helped shape Germany’s strong name in technology and innovation.

Why are these 9 German Universities Special?

Germany is known for making high-quality machines, cars, and software. This is possible because of the strong education system, and TU9 universities play a big part in that. These 9 universities:

• Get a large part of Germany’s research funding.
• Work closely with big companies like BMW, Bosch, Siemens, and SAP.
• Focus on practical learning, not just theory.
• Offer world-class labs, machines, and research centres.
• Help students do internships, research projects, and get jobs

List of TU9 Universities in Germany

Here are the 9 TU9 universities in Germany:

• RWTH Aachen
• Technical University of Berlin
• Technical University Braunschweig
• Technical University Darmstadt
• Technical University Dresden
• Technical University Munich
• Leibniz University Hannover
• University of Stuttgart
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  

Let’s get into the details of each university mentioned above:

1. RWTH Aachen

Established in: 1870
University type: Public research university

RWTH Aachen University was established with the idea of training engineers for mining and industry. Today, it is one of the most famous engineering universities in Europe. It has nine faculties and more than 260 institutes working on new ideas in engineering, technology, and science. Students here build real things like robots, drones, or electric vehicles. RWTH has around 50 programmes taught fully in English, so students from more than 130 countries come here to study. Big companies like BMW, Bosch, and Siemens hire students from this university every year. 

Notable Alumni: 

• Peter Debye: Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry; studied electrical engineering here.
• B.J. Habibie: Former President of Indonesia; known for his work in aviation.
• Franz Josef Och: Known for leading the development of Google Translate.

Interesting Facts: 

• RWTH Aachen is one of the largest technical universities in Germany, with over 47,000 students. 
• It has a huge lecture hall called “CARL” that can seat 4,000 people at once. 
• The university works closely with top research organisations like Fraunhofer Institutes. 
• It also gets the most research money among all German technical universities.

2. Technical University of Berlin

Established in: 1879
University type: Public research university

TU Berlin was the first university in Germany to use the name "Technische Universität." It began to teach technical subjects and shaped the idea of a modern engineering school. The university started its Industrial Engineering and Management degree in 1926. Today, TU Berlin has around 34,000 students, and about 27% are from other countries. 

Students at TU Berlin learn by doing. They work with engineers and companies and use real tools and labs to build systems for clean energy, smart cities, robots, or AI. Many master's programs are taught in English, so students from around the world choose to study here. When they graduate, companies like Siemens, Volkswagen, and N26 often hire them.

Notable Alumni: 

• Konrad Zuse: Built the world’s first programmable computer (Z3).
• Carl Bosch: Nobel Prize winner for the Haber–Bosch process.
• Fritz Haber: Nobel Prize winner for making fertilizer that helps feed the world.
  

Interesting Facts: 

• TU Berlin is known as “The Entrepreneurial University.
• It is part of the Berlin University Alliance and has a University of Excellence title from the German government.
• It has two innovation centers run by the European Innovation and Technology Institute.

3. Technical University Braunschweig

Established in: 1745
University type: Public research university

TU Braunschweig is one of Germany’s oldest technical universities. It began as Collegium Carolinum. This means a school to teach technical and mathematical subjects. Over time, it grew into a full university that now focuses on engineering, science, and technology. The university is famous for its areas like aeronautics, vehicle engineering, metrology, and smart cities. Its research often works with big partners like the German Aerospace Center, Fraunhofer Institutes, and the national metrology institute. TU Braunschweig even has its own research airport!

Students at Braunschweig work on projects with drones, electric cars, measuring tools, and city planning systems. The campus welcomes learners from over 80 countries. 

Notable Alumni: 

• Klaus von Klitzing: Nobel Prize–winning physicist.
• Carl Friedrich Gauss: Famous mathematician (faculty named after him).
• Wolfgang Joop: Well-known fashion designer.

Interesting Facts: 

• TU Braunschweig is the oldest technical university in Germany.
• The university runs a battery lab, an aeronautics centre, and even a pharmaceutical engineering centre.
• Students get a semester ticket included in fees, giving them transit access around the region.

4. Technical University Darmstadt

Established in: 1877
University type: Public research university

The Technical University of Darmstadt is also known as TU Darmstadt. It started the world’s first electrical engineering chair in 1882 and the first electrical engineering degree course in 1883. The idea was to train engineers who could create new technology and improve industries. In this university, 1 in 4 students come from other countries. 

TU Darmstadt is part of big networks like TU9, Unite!, Cluster, and others. The school has three main research focus areas such as Energy & Environment, Information & Intelligence, and Matter & Materials. Students here build software, robots, energy systems, or smart city solutions by working with companies like Siemens, Bosch, and Deutsche Telekom. 

Notable Alumni: 

• Peter Grünberg: Nobel Prize in Physics (2007).
• Horst Ludwig Störmer: Nobel Prize in Physics (1988).
• Carl Bosch: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1931)

Interesting Facts: 

• TU Darmstadt was the first university in the world with a chair and faculty for electrical engineering.
• It has about 24,300 students, with 25% international students.
• It belongs to important European networks like Unite! and the Rhine-Main Universities alliance.
• International students can apply without entrance exams if they have strong GRE scores or relevant background.

5. Technical University Dresden

Established in: 1828
University type: Public research university

TU Dresden began as a small school to teach technical subjects like engineering and mechanics. With time, it grew into one of Germany’s largest and oldest technical universities. Now it has 17 faculties and a wide variety of subjects, from engineering to social sciences. Most learning happens on a big campus south of Dresden's city center, with a separate medical campus near the river. 

TU Dresden is part of Germany’s “Universities of Excellence” and works closely with research groups like Max Planck and Fraunhofer. The university helps students from more than 120 countries by offering student programs or classes to help them settle in. Students services are also available in English. 

Notable Alumni:

• Konrad Zuse: Built the first programmable computer (Z3).
• Kofi Annan: Nobel Peace Prize winner and former UN Secretary-General.
• Wilhelm von Siemens: Industrial pioneer in communications and engineering.

Interesting Facts: 

• TU Dresden is the only TU9 member from former East Germany.
• It participates in the DRESDEN-concept, an alliance of science and culture with local research institutes.
• TU Dresden has a neuromorphic computing center working on brain-like computers.
• The international buddy program links new global students with local helpers.
• It runs the Center for Regenerative Therapies, a top research cluster in medicine.

6. Technical University Munich

Established in: 1868
University type: Public research university (part of TU9)

The Technical University of Munich has grown into Germany’s largest technical university. It has more than 52,900 students. The university has many different departments like engineering, science, and medicine. It has buildings in Munich, Garching, and even one campus in Singapore. TUM is known as Germany's entrepreneurial university. It encourages students and researchers to start companies. 103 startups were founded by TUM members in the last year. 

Notable Alumni:

• Rudolf Mößbauer: Nobel Prize winner in Physics for his discovery of the Mössbauer effect.
• Ernst Otto Fischer: Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry for work on organometallic compounds.
• Thomas A. Henzinger: Renowned computer scientist; first President of the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems.

Interesting Facts:

• TUM has won 19 Nobel Prizes among its professors and alumni since 1927.
• It has its start-up incubator called UnternehmerTUM. It is ranked as Europe’s top start‑up hub with over 103 spin‑off companies founded in one year.
• The Garching campus hosts four Max Planck Institutes. It is currently building a €540 million new engineering facility.
• There are indoor giant slides in the Math and Informatics building.
• In the 2025 QS subject rankings, TUM ranked 19th in engineering and 23rd in natural sciences globally.

7. Leibniz University Hannover

Established in: 1831 
University type: Public research university

Leibniz University Hannover began in 1831 to train workers for technical jobs. It is named after Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a famous scientist who lived in Hannover. It is one of the most respected universities in northern Germany. The university is part of German U15, a group of the country’s top research universities. In 2022, LUH won the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Union. 

This shows it gives strong support to young researchers and PhD students. It is also home to Germany’s only research centre for gravitational physics. Here, scientists work on space research linked to the Einstein telescope. Students take part in international exchange programs with top universities across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Notable Alumni:

• Konrad Dannenberg: Helped build the first US space rockets.
• Walter Bruch: Inventor of the PAL TV system
• Henrich Focke: Pioneered helicopter design in Germany.

Interesting Facts: 

• LUH is a member of the “University of Excellence” in Germany and part of the CESAER European engineering network.
• It hosts the largest science and technology library in the world.
• The university runs a big production technology centre.
• LUH’s campus includes over 160 buildings covering 322,700 metre per square meters, many spread around central Hannover.

8. University of Stuttgart

Established in: 1829
University type: Public research university

The University of Stuttgart opened in 1829 as a school to teach mechanics and engineering. Today, it is one of Germany’s top technical universities. It is located in Stuttgart. This is the city where Mercedes-Benz and Porsche began. The university sits across two campuses; one in the city center for humanities and economics, and the larger "Vaihingen" campus for technical studies. 

There are around 19,000 students, nearly 20% come from other countries. All Stuttgart students do small team projects (all the time). In labs, students build car parts, design software, or work on clean energy. The university’s close ties with big research groups like Max Planck and Fraunhofer mean students often get real work experience while still studying.

Notable Alumni: 

• Gottlieb Daimler: Inventor of the motor car and co-founder of Mercedes‑Benz.
• Gerhard Ertl: Won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2007) for work in surface chemistry.
• Horst Störmer: Nobel Prize winner in Physics (1998) for discovering the fractional quantum Hall effect.

Interesting Facts:

• Stuttgart is a member of Germany’s Excellence Initiative.
• It hosts the “Startup Autobahn”. It is a research‑to‑industry network that lets students and local firms build and test new ideas together.
• In global rankings, Stuttgart leads among TU9s in citations per faculty and “industry income”. 
• It earned recognition in the THE Impact Rankings, ranking highly for “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” (SDG9).

9. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Established in: 2009 (original roots in 1825)
University type: Public research university 

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is one of Germany’s strongest research universities. It was officially formed in 2009 when the University of Karlsruhe and a national research lab joined together. This made KIT the first university in Germany to also act as a national research centre. It is part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy, which means the government ranks it as a university with very high-quality research. 

KIT is also one of the top five universities in Europe for engineering and natural sciences, based on the number of research papers published. KIT has got support from major projects funded by the European Union. Because of this, its research helps solve big global problems like clean energy, safe transportation, and climate protection. 

Notable Alumni:

• Ferdinand Braun: Invented the cathode ray tube; Nobel Prize in Physics (1909).
• Hasso Plattner: Co‑founder of SAP, a global software company.
• Stefan Hell: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2014) for super-resolved fluorescence microscopy.

Interesting Facts: 

• KIT is one of the only places in Germany working on the KATRIN project, which helps measure tiny particle masses.
• There are student teams that build real robots, hyperloop pods, or racecars.
• KIT has its own Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, helping students turn ideas into new companies.

Indian students must have strong marks, a good English test score, and all the right papers to get into the TU9 German universities. This section explains exactly what Indian students need to study at these top universities in Germany. You'll find out who can apply, what marks are needed, and what documents must be ready before you send in your application.

Eligibility Criteria for TU9 Universities

Indian students must meet some basic rules to apply for a TU9 university. These are not the same for every university, but most of them ask for the points listed below:

• You should have passed Class 12 with high scores in subjects like maths, physics, chemistry, or computer science (for technical courses).
• If you apply after Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards), you must finish at least one year of a bachelor's degree in India.
• Some TU9 universities accept students directly from India if they qualify for JEE Advanced and get a good rank.
• For a Master’s course, you must have a full bachelor's degree with good marks (minimum 65–75% depending on the program).
• You must take a test like IELTS (usually 6.5+) or TOEFL (90+), or Duolingo (only a few accept it). 
• Some programs taught in German may require proof of German skills.
• Your Indian degree must be related to the course you want to study in Germany.

Documents Required for TU9 Universities

Before applying, make sure you have all your papers ready. These documents help the university understand your background and check if you’re a good fit.

• Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets.
• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and Transcripts (for Master’s applicants).
• Provisional Certificate (if you haven't received the final degree yet).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A short essay about why you want to study the course.
• Letter(s) of Recommendation: Usually 1 to 2, from teachers or professors.
• English Test Score Report: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo (if accepted).
• German Language Certificate (if applying to a German-taught course).
• Passport Copy
• CV/Resume
• Application Form: Each university has its own form. It is usually online.
• APS Certificate: Mandatory for all Indian students from 2023 onwards

Students around the world choose TU9 universities for high-quality education, zero tuition fees, and great career options. These top public universities in Germany are known for their strong focus on engineering, science, and real-world skills. Here's why TU9 universities are a smart choice for Indian students:

1. Top Rankings and Global Reputation

TU9 universities are among the top 300 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. TUM ranks at 22, RWTH Aachen at 105, and KIT at 102 globally. These rankings show that TU9 degrees are respected all over the world.

2. No Tuition Fees for Most Programs

All TU9 universities are public, so they do not charge tuition fees for most Bachelor's and Master's programs. Students only pay a small semester fee of around €300 (INR 30K), which often includes public transport.

3. High-Quality Engineering and Science Courses

TU9 universities focus mainly on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. They offer some of the best courses in mechanical engineering, computer science, data science, and aerospace.

4. Strong Industry Connections and Internships

Many TU9 universities are located in industrial hubs like Munich, Stuttgart, and Berlin. They work closely with companies like Siemens, Bosch, BMW, and Volkswagen, giving students access to internships and job offers.

5. English-Taught Programs and International Support

Almost all TU9 universities offer a good number of Master's courses in English. They also have international offices and buddy programs to help new students adjust to life in Germany.

6. Great Job Opportunities in Germany and Abroad

Graduates from TU9 universities are in high demand. Germany also offers an 18-month job-seeker visa after graduation, so students have time to find work and start their careers.

7. Access to World-Class Labs and Research Centres

TU9 students use some of the most advanced facilities in Europe, be it from robot labs or AI centres, or research airports. Many projects are done with Fraunhofer, Max Planck, and DLR research institutes.

8. Safe, Student-Friendly Cities with Good Public Transport

Cities like Munich, Berlin, and Dresden are safe and easy to live in. Students get semester tickets that cover buses and trains, making it simple to move around.

If you're serious about building your future in tech or science, TU9 universities are one of the best places to start. These are public universities, so you won’t pay any tuition fees, and the education is top quality. We know it can feel confusing at first. The process, the documents, and the language, everything seems too much to take in at once. But it’s all possible if you take it step by step.

Yocket Premium helps Indian students every day who are unsure where to begin. Our job is to make things simple, from choosing the right course to preparing your documents and applying on time. If TU9 is on your mind, we’re here to help you get there without the stress.