Human Factors Engineering
Technical University of Munich offers this 24-month master's in Engineering in Munich, ranked #27 by Times Higher Education. a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: open entry. Driven by specific prior degree.
- English requirement
- English language skills verification is carried out as part of the aptitude assessment
- Prior degree
- a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a Bachelor's)
- Documents required
- Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
- Curricular Analysis
- Curriculum (e.g. module description)
- Complete and Current Résumé
- Letter of Motivation (optional)
- Passport
- Proof of German Language Proficiency
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist
- Deadline
- 31 May 2027
- Apply via
- uni-assist
What it costs
Plan for roughly €33k–€36k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Munich student life.
Living in Munich →
What you'll study
120 ECTS over 24 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Tracks
Technical systems are becoming increasingly more comprehensive and powerful, and their users more and more heterogeneous. As a result, it is all the more necessary to consistently align technologies with the needs and skills of users. Students in the Master’s degree program Human Factors Engineering (M.Sc.) learn to design technical systems, products and processes that generate the greatest possible benefit for people. This highly interdisciplinary program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop technical systems that support people effectively and efficiently, are easy to use, have no harmful effects, and inspire widespread social acceptance. They do so in the context of globalization, demographic change and the Digital Transformation. Students learn to align requirements from the Engineering Sciences, Informatics, Psychology, Medicine, Design, the Movement and Health Sciences, and the Social Sciences while always taking their ethical and societal dimensions into account. Here, students may choose their own specialization in the areas of Biomechanical Human Modeling, Human-Centered Systems Engineering, or Human-Machine Interaction Design. Graduates of the program are experts in human-oriented technology development. They are able to design interfaces between humans and technology and thus living and working environments, industrial products and assistance, information, and communication systems in a way that best meets the needs of different target groups. This makes them highly qualified to work in science and a wide range of industries, particularly in Research & Development. For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation: Degree program documentation for the Master’s program in Human Factors Engineering (PDF, German ) Program structure In the Master's degree program HFE, 120 credits (ECTS) must be earned on a modular basis: Required modules: 42 ECTS Subject Specializatio elective modules: at least 30 ECTS Interdisciplinary Project elective modules: at least 10 ECTS Extradisciplinary elective modules: at leat 8 ECTS Master’s Thesis : 30 ECTS In the first three semesters, methodological basics ( required modules and modules to align the different qualification profiles from the Bachelor's degree programs) are taught and, building on this, specializations in different application domains, technologies, and methods are offered. In the “Subject Specialization” electives, students must build on this with a specialization (amounting to at least 30 credits). Students can choose from a selection of modules, which are assigned to three key areas (Biomechanical Modeling , Human-Machine Interaction Design , Human-Centered Engineering ), each of which imparts methodological skills for analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The Master’s thesis is completed in the fourth semester. Overview degree program structure Language of instruction The languages of instruction for this program are German and English. Information on study organization Information on exams Contact Examination Board Information on studying abroad Fees for the program The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester . Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here. Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here. Academic Regulations:
Where graduates end up
What graduates of this programme tend to do — and where they end up working.
Common career paths
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#27
- Times Higher Education 2025#26
- QS World 2025#28
- QS — Engineering 2025#16
Visa & life in Germany
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a national (D) visa plus a residence permit after arrival; proof of finances (blocked account, ~€11,900/yr) is the main requirement. EU students just register locally (Anmeldung).
- Post-study work
- 18-month job-seeker residence permit after graduation — you can work without restriction while searching for a position matching your qualification.
- Tuition
- Public universities charge no tuition for most programmes — just a semester contribution of €150–€400. Exceptions: Baden-Württemberg (€1,500/semester for non-EU) and some TUM professional master's.
- Scholarships
- DAAD scholarships for international students, Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month, merit-based), plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About Technical University of Munich
Technical University of Munich enrolls 47,047 students and offers 83 programs across engineering, business and law, and computer science and IT. The institution ranks #26 in the Times Higher Education overall rankings for 2025, with subject strengths in engineering (#16 in QS Subject rankings) and computer science (#26 in QS Subject rankings).
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
Is Human Factors Engineering at Technical University of Munich taught in English?
The programme is taught in multiple languages — check the programme page for which parts are in English.
How much does Human Factors Engineering at Technical University of Munich cost?
International tuition is €12,000 per year. Over the full 24-month programme that's roughly €24,000 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at Technical University of Munich?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota. Based on the published requirements (specific prior degree), the entry bar here is low — effectively open entry if you meet the formal requirements.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in Germany after graduating?
Yes. Germany grants graduates of German universities an 18-month residence permit to look for work matching their qualification, and you can work without restriction during the search period.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 31 May 2027. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is Technical University of Munich good for Engineering?
Technical University of Munich ranks #16 in Engineering (QS 2025).
Wondering if you'd get in?
Find out in 30 seconds.
Was this useful?