The Master Programme Information and Communication Engineering (iCE) at Technische Universität Darmstadt is a high-level study programme for students intending to pursue a degree with an international focus and aim for higher career goals. The four-semester programme is totally taught in English and designed for outstanding students with Bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering or closely related disciplines.

Quick Facts

Degree: Master of Science

Programme Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)

Language of Instruction: English. If desired: German in the second year

Beginning of Programme: Winter Semester (1st of October). Beginning in summer semester is not possible.

Tuition Fees: The programme has no tuition fees, but students must pay a contribution fee per semester to the university which allows for lower prices in the university restaurant and includes a free regional ticket for public transportation (Semesterticket) as several other benefits.

Special Services: Step Inside Support for study plan definition and update, as well as active support in housing and social integration.

Studies Abroad: Master Thesis as well as exchange possible at several partner institutions in different continents.

Accreditation: Our programme is fully accredited by the German Accreditation Council, and you can expect the level of quality that granted the Darmstadt University of Technology its world-wide reputation of excellence in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

Here you will find an overview of all advisory and information services as well as a download area for all important documents that support you in planning your studies.

Please note that all versions of the Examination plans and module handbooks of the Examination regulations 2014 AND the new Examinations regulations 2023 are accessible via moodle.

Study Plans / Module Handbooks

Study Plan (Excel)
Study Plan (pdf) (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)
Catalogue of all modules from faculty (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)
Module manual Studium Generale (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)
Study regulations (in German) (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)

Applications and Forms

Application for oral supplementary examination (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)

Exams / Regulations / Theses

Withdrawing from an exam
Examination Regulations (APB) of the TU Darmstadt (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)
Instructions for the execution of the thesis (wird in neuem Tab geöffnet)

FAQs

Check our FAQ
Graduation scholarship

General Plan

We offer a versatile degree programme that gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your individual needs. During the course of your studies, you can choose from three specialisations, each with a different focus. This allows you to tailor your profile to your personal interests and career goals.

A sample study plan is available for each specialisation, providing you with an overview of the recommended course of study, the sequence of modules and the ECTS distribution. These plans serve as a guide and help you to plan your studies efficiently and purposefully.

We highly recommend to use this study template if you want to delve deeper into Communication Hardware.

We highly recommend to use this study template if you want to delve deeper into Communication Systems and Networking.

We highly recommend to use this study template if you want to delve deeper into Communication Algorithms.

The full catalogue of the department can be found in TUCaN.

A Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a related area is mandatory, and the transcripts of the Bachelor degree must confirm the solid background of the candidate in the field of information and communication engineering. Degree programmes in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Communications Engineering are known to provide such background.

We expect from our students a solid background in basic engineering subjects, as well as good foundations on information technology and communications. A list of topics that our students should be proficient in:

  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics
  • Foundations of Communication Technology
  • Foundations of Communication Systems
  • Signal Theory
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Architecture
  • Electronics and Semiconductor devices

In order to ensure that all the candidates have the required background, we included an online Assessment Test in our application procedure. This test helps us to assess your background knowledge on the topics that are required in the iCE study programme.

Since English is the language of study, required evidence of English proficiency must be presented through one of the following certificates:

  • IELTS 7,0
  • PTE Academic 76
  • Cambridge University – Certificate in Advanced English (CAT)
  • TOEFL itp 627
  • TOEFL Paper 550
  • TOEFL CBT 213
  • TOEFL iBT (includes Special Home Edition) 95
  • TOEIC Listening 490/Reading 455/Speaking 200/Writing 200
  • Oxford On-Line Placement Test (OOPT) 80
  • Michigan English Test (MET) 64
  • Exam for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)
  • Telc English B2-C1 University “C1 certificate”
  • UNIcert III
  • Confirmation from the university at which you completed your degree programme that English was the programme's language of instruction.

A Bachelor degree certificate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Communications Engineering does not mean that you are going to be automatically recommended to enrollment. On the other side: Students with degrees other than those can be recommended to enrollment if their transcripts show that they have a solid background in the field of information and communication engineering.

All degree certificates and transcripts are carefully analyzed by a committee in order to access if the candidate has the right background to the programme.

Prospective international students apply via International Admission Office. For further information about admission and the application procedure, please contact the International admission office, which is in charge of all questions regarding foreign students.

For Application follow the procedure below.

Perform the Online Assessment Test. Before, inform yourself about the topics of the test, see admission requirements. This test is part of the application procedure, and is aimed to check whether you have the required background to join our study programme.

Having successfully finished the Online Assessment Test a confirmation will be given automatically. Print it and go on with the Online Application.

In case of failure we recommend you to chose another study subject since the application procedure is finished for you.

Perform your Online Application via the International Admission Office and follow the given instructions. Be aware of the FAQ`s for the application.

Assort your paper documents and send them to the International Admission Office. You must send via post a set of authenticated copies of the academic transcripts, degree certificate and English proficiency certificate, as well as translations if needed. Deadline for your application to be at TUDarmstadt is 15th of July.

To be informed about your status of application, please refer to the International Admission Office. Don`t call the Masteroffice, since we have no information related to your application status.

You will be informed about recommendation for enrollment, and an admission letter will be then issued by the International Admission Office.

Student visa and blocked account

As an international student you need a visa and a proof of sufficient funds. The visa process can take several months, so we recommend applying for a visa in good time. You can usually make an appointment at the embassy before you receive your admission letter. But you will definitely need your admission letter at the appointment. Learn about the specific documents required for your visa application, the required level of financial proof and the available funding options for your studies in Germany.

Prof. Dr. techn. Heinz Koeppl (S3|06 202)

Walk-in Hours

arrange an appointment via

Dipl.-Biol. Ulrike Gloger (S3|21 102)

Walk-in Hours

arrange an appointment via

Lena Schneider (S3|21 3)

Walk-in Hours

see Service Centre

General FAQ

Why iCE Master? Why TU Darmstadt?

The iCE Master programme is a programme of excellence founded in 2001, supported and endorsed by the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). It graduated dozens of engineers who followed international careers in companies, universities and research centers all over the world. The programme is offered by the department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of Technische Universität Darmstadt, which is ranked among the top 3 in Germany by many publications such as Stern and WirtschaftsWoche.

What causes the high quality of the programme?

The iCE Master curriculum is multi-disciplinary and research-oriented. It is based on the convergence between electronics, computer engineering and communication engineering, aiming to graduate engineers that can bridge the gap between conceptual design and implementation reported by the communication systems industry. Thus, the curriculum requires from the students a solid basis on the fundamentals of electronics, communications and computer engineering. The application procedure and the online assessment test were designed to ensure that all students present such basis. It may require a little more effort from your side, but once you go through it you can enjoy the benefits of attending classes and labs with other students that, just like you, are well-prepared and motivated to succeed in their studies.

Is the quality of the International Master Programme as good as its German Programme counterpart ?

Yes. The professors, facilities, lecture contents, etc. offered by the International Master Programme are the same as those offered in the regular German language programme, so you can expect the same level of quality.

Is there an accreditation process for the Master programmes in Germany? If so, is the iCE Master already going through this process?

Yes, there is. The responsible organization is the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat – www.akkreditierungsrat.de), and the process is executed by several area-specific agencies. For engineering and informatics programmes, the agency is the ZEvA (Zentrale Evaluations- und Akkreditierungsagentur- www.zeva.org).

Each study programme is evaluated by the respective agency within the first years of activity, and re-evaluated periodically after that. The study programmes are expected to present data about its curricular structure, faculty and research staff, infrastructure, target audience, etc.

Because of its high level of quality and organization, the iCE International Master Programme was already analyzed and evaluated – the ZEvA committee visited our university – and the accreditation was granted.

Are there any fees for the iCE Master?

Yes. Students must pay a fee per semester to the university. This allows for lower prices in the university restaurant and a free regional ticket for public transportation during the semester.

Is the programme starting also in the Summer Semester?

No. We offer only one admission per year, starting in September.

When is the deadline for applications?

Application can be done between 1st of March and 31st of July. We strongly recommend you to register at Technische Universität Darmstadt website and online assessment test early. Approved candidates must submit application documents to the International Admission Office, in order to be considered for enrollment in upcoming September.

I have a X degree from Y university. Am I eligible to join the programme?

If you have a degree in a field related to Information and Communication Engineering, you may be eligible to the programme, but this can be confirmed only after the analysis of your application material by the Selection Committee. We recommend you to apply only if you had good foundation in most of the following topics during your studies: mathematics, physics, statistics, semiconductor theory, electronics, electromagnetism, computer organization, software systems and data communications. Check our Requirements page for further information.

I am not yet graduated. Can I apply?

Yes. Submit the documents that you already have and hand in the certificates of graduation later on.

Can I apply for a scholarship/funding/financial support?

There are payed research assistantships available at many of the iCE host institutes (e.g. IES, ES, KOM) but they are only available to students in a higher semester (first semester students are not eligible). Thus, first semester students are expected to support themselves either through personal funds or scholarships.

Is it necessary to have German language skills?

No. You only need to be proficient in English to apply. All mandatory lectures and many optional lectures, labs and seminars are in English. However, lectures and seminars in some particular topics are offered in German language only. To make possible to all students to take advantage of the whole range of offerings, the programme includes a mandatory German course for those without good German skills. This German course is offered free of charge to all iCE Master Programme students and is organized by the Language Center of the Technische Universität Darmstadt.

Is TOEFL really necessary? Can I provide other proficiency certificates?

It is a decision of the International Admission Office to require an English proficiency certificate from all applicants who are not English native speakers. Students, who have already done their Bachelor degree in English, need not to prepare an English proficiency certificate. We do prefer TOEFL certification, but you can submit your application with other equivalent, well known English proficiency certificates (IELTS, Cambridge). However, keep in mind that in that case the Selection Committee may ask you for further documents, or even ask for an interview before accepting your application.

Where can I find all information on one place?

Einfachstudieren is the best webpage to find everything.

Where can I get certified copies of my documents?

The International Admission Office (IAO) has detailed information about this issue in their website:

I was issued an admission letter, but i cannot start this year because of X or Y reasons. Can my admission be deffered to next year?

The admission is only valid for the semester listed on your admission document. There is no automatic postponement of your admission to next year. To defer your studies to next year, you need to appy again at TU Darmstadt by following the application procedure.

I am a foreign student and my request for a student visa was denied. Can you help me?

Unfortunately we can't do anything regarding this matter.

I am a foreign student and I already got my student visa. When should I go to Germany?

The technical courses usually begin in the second half of October. However, all iCE students without German language proficiency are expected to arrive in September for the German language intensive course (6 weeks, starting in the first working day of September).

In the first days after your arrival, you should contact the International Admission Office in order to proceed with your registration.

How do I get there?

If you are coming by plane, the best way is through Frankfurt Airport. You can take the Airliner to Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof. This is a direct bus from the airport to Darmstadt city center.

When exactly are the classes starting?

The German language classes, which are mandatory for all the students without German proficiency, start in the first working day of September. The technical lectures start in the third week of October.

My admission letter states that I need to have health insurance. How can I get it?

We recommend you to get your health insurance here in Germany, because you can take advantage on special student fees. After your arrival, you can go to any insurance company and ask for it. You should show them your admission letter in order to get the reduced fees for students.

Can you provide me some information about housing in Darmstadt?

Check the webpages of our Studierendenwerk.and apply at their student dormitories.

You can search by yourself for apartments offered by private owners in online advertisement newpapers. If you decide to search for an apartment after your arrival, a good option for the first days is the Darmstadt Youth Hostel, which is located circa. 100 m from the university. The German Youth Hostel Association website is http://www.djh.de/.

How will my examination marks be given? What is the minimum mark to be approved?

In Germany, the marks are given from a discrete set between 1 and 5. The highest mark is 1 and the lowest is 5. To be approved, you must obtain at least 4.

What is the best strategy to be approved?

It depends. Every individual has its own preferences. Anyway, the following points should always be remembered:

  • attend to the lectures, exercises, labs
  • review the lectures at home
  • the scientific staff of the university (professors, assistant lecturers, researchers) usually dedicate some hours per week to attend students – check on their web pages
  • use the libraries
  • rely on the iCE Master coordinator (masteroffice(at)etit.tu-darmstadt.de) for help

I need a certificate with my marks/results. Where can I get it?

If you need a certificate on your results, ask for it at the examination office: pm@ice.tu-darmstadt.de

Can I work during my studies?

If you are foreigner living in Germany with a student visa, you may work full time without a work permit for a maximum of three months or 180 half-days per year during semester breaks (“Employment promotion law” § 19) without a work permit. But keep in mind that some of the examinations, projects and your internship will probably take place during the semester break.

What is the iCE Master Programme situation within the Technische Universität Darmstadt organization?

The Technische Universität Darmstadt is divided in several faculties/departments (Fachbereiche). The iCE International Master Programme is one of the study programmes offered by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (FB18 – Fachbereich Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik).