Cartography
Technical University of Munich offers this 24-month English-taught master's in Natural Sciences 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 tests
- IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 88
- English requirement
- You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline.
- 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
- Transcript of Records
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Statement of purpose (Letter of Motivation)
- Complete and Current Résumé
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Passport
- Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies was obtained outside Germany
- Deadline
- 31 May 2027
- Apply via
- uni-assist
What it costs
No tuition fees here — just plan for 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.
Core courses
Cartography fundamentals · spatial data modelling · analysis · visualization of geographic information · map production · map use · Web cartography · Internet cartography
The program in cartography covers knowledge of and competencies in the visual representation, analysis and exploration of the digital Earth, together with its spatiotemporal elements and circumstances. The content of the program focuses chiefly on methods and applications in the areas of data modelling, data analysis and the visualization of geographical information. The master's program in Cartography is devoted, in particular, to answering complex questions relating to the spatiality of a globalized and digitalized society. As such, it considers how the cartographic visualization and analysis of our environment is gaining an ever greater significance in many disciplines – from environmental and climate protection to geology, spatial planning or agriculture and forestry. In addition to conveying the fundamentals of the discipline and its methodologies, the program concentrates on the readable, aesthetic, and user-friendly visualization of geographical data, as well as the development of new methods of representation in the area of modern cartography (Web and Internet cartography). Given the program's international character, each semester takes place at a different partner university. As an international master's, the program is taught entirely in English. For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation: Degree program documentation for the master's program in Cartography (PDF, German) Which further expertise and skills will I acquire? Graduates of the international master program Cartography have in-depth competence in the entire field of cartography. Fundamental knowledge in spatial data modelling, analysis and visualization of geographic information is acquired by all students. Students learn to master recent theories, methods and procedures connected to map production and map use in the context of modern cartography and geoinformatics. Graduates are capable of developing cartographic research projects and implementing them in a professional and economic way.Degree holders have the ability to capture, model, manage, analyze and visualize spatial data. They can competently handle databases and geographic information systems and manage rule-based graphic data processing in all forms and for all user groups. They are able to master all publication forms and media, from print media to electronic multimedia including web-publishing. Students gain those skills in various techniques and methods for processing and visualizing geodata that are complemented by professional evaluation procedures.Graduates are in a position to strongly influence and shape cartography as an independent science with its own research and object of knowledge, but also with strong relations to earth sciences, information sciences and communication sciences.As Cartography is an international master program, it involves students from a wide variety of cultural groups. Participants, thus, not only develop theoretical, methodological and technical skills, but social and intercultural competencies as well.Due to the requirement to write scientific project reports and a Master’s thesis, graduates of the Cartography program are able to define milestones and to meet related deadlines, to problem-solve, and to critically evaluate their own work through self-reflection. Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification? The qualification of M.Sc. in Cartography opens up excellent professional opportunities on national and international levels, both in the private sector and in administration or research. Graduates can work for government authorities, for map and atlas publishers or for companies specializing in GIS, location-based services, or navigation systems. Further opportunities arise in the areas of town and landscape planning, environmental protection, disaster management, tourism, transportation, or telecommunications. In addition, the completion of the M.Sc. qualifies graduates for the PhD program. Cooperation with the four universities provides graduates with access to an international research network and thus an optimal start to a career in science. Program structure The full-time program comprises four semesters (120 ECTS). Students obtain 30 ECTS per semester/at each university as well as 30 ECTS for the master's thesis. All graduates are awarded a M.Sc. in Cartography and they receive a "Joint Degree" certificate from the four partner universities. Students form a single group during the first three semesters and proceed together to the next university at the start of each new semester. The program begins in the winter semester at the Technical University of Munich. The first semester is devoted to conveying the fundamentals of cartography, providing the basis for the subsequent program. Students complete the second semester at TU Wien and the third at TU Dresden. Central to the second and third semesters is the acquisition of knowledge from specific areas of cartography that allows individuals to pursue their own specialization. In addition, online modules provided by the University of Twente accompany the first and third semesters. Students choose one of the four universities at which to spend their forth semester completing their master's thesis. Overview degree program structure Module catalog: Description of course content Language of instruction Required language skills for admission: You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills . This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center. Language of instruction: The language of instruction for this program is English. Information on study organization Information on exams Information on studying abroad Fees for the program No tuition fees for international students from third countries are charged for this degree program upt o and including winter semester 202/28. Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must still be paid. 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
- QS — Computer Science 2025#26
- QS — Medicine 2025#75
- QS — Business 2025#91
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 Cartography at Technical University of Munich taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English. Non-native speakers need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88 (minimum).
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 Natural Sciences?
Technical University of Munich ranks #16 in Engineering (QS 2025).
Wondering if you'd get in?
Find out in 30 seconds.
Was this useful?