This summer research program provides you with the opportunity to spend 9 weeks doing research in Germany.
Alongside your research internship, you will take an online course, Culture & the Global Workplace (3 UW-Madison credits). This course includes internship reflection and academic consideration of cross-cultural relations in the global workforce. You will interact with other UW-Madison students doing internships and research in various fields around the world.
Location
This program takes place in Munich and its surrounding areas. A cosmopolitian city with old world charm, Munich is the capital of the largest German state, Bavaria, whose population is about 1.47 million. It is located in the northeast of Germany, farily close to Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
The TUM PREP program is spread across three campuses in the Munich area: City Campus Munich, Campus Garching, and Campus Weihenstephan in Freising. Please carefully read the project description for each research project you apply for, to determine at which campus the project takes place. You should anticipate a communte from your housing to your research location.
The Munich public transportation system (MVG) offers a great variety of public transportation throughout the city and surrounding areas, including the subway (U-Bahn), trams, and buses. Through your participation in TUM PREP, you will have access to a discounted student ticket that is valid on public transportation across Germany.
Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.
Housing
All TUM PREP participants will be offered accomodation in a residence hall. Universities in Germany do not have on-campus housing. In Munich housing is run by the Student Union Munich-Upper Bavaria (Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern).We strongly encourage you to take this offer, as housing in Munich is in high demand and finding housing on your own is very challenging. You should anticipate commuting from your housing to campus using public transportation.
While normally you would have to pay for the entire semester (April to September) to secure a spot in a residence hall, TUM has negotiated a half-semester rental period. You will be required to pay for three months (July, August, and September) despite the program only running through late August. However, this is still significantly cheaper than paying for two months of private housing in Munich.
You will receive information regarding the housing offer from TUM after your acceptance into the program.
Program Considerations
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
Excursions and Activities
TUM PREP offers a framework program with activities, day trips and lectures available for all TUM PREP participants. Admissions and costs are covered.
Additionally, TUM PREP participants can join the activities organized by International Campus Life or the
TUMi association, TUM's orientation and support program for international students.
On-Site Support
The TUM PREP Program manager assists students on this program.
Orientation
We expect you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on one of our programs, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program.
In addition, there is an onsite orientation for the TUM PREP program. The first two days will include a kick-off meeting for all participants, a tour of Munich and of the TUM City Campus, and a networking reception with research supervisors and German "buddies".
Visa
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for this program. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non U.S. Passport holders may have different visa requirements.Ask your Study Abroad Advisor, if you have any questions.
Getting to Your Program
You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to Munich but will be given guidelines for arrival dates and times. You should wait to purchase a plane ticket until your acceptance is fully confirmed by TUM.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
You are also required to purchase German health insurance.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
Summer 2026 Cost Details
Financial Aid
Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.
For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.
Scholarships
This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.
National Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm
UW-Madison
CALS Study Abroad Scholarships
Global Scholars Scholarship
L&S SuccessWorks Summer Internship Scholarship
CALS Internship Scholarship
IAP Administered
IAP Early Bird Scholarship
Study Abroad Scholars
IAP Gilman Incentive
IAP WISc Scholarship
Returned Student Network
View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student
Student Quotes
"Living in Munich for ten weeks was an incomparable experience. I had the chance to work on an independent project and learn from an amazing team of researchers in the Uhlenhaut Lab."
Photos
Program photo album
How to Apply
First, make sure you have reviewed the information for Prospective Students on the IAP website.
There is also specific Academic Planning information that you should review.
Next login to the IAP Online Application.
Wondering when applications will open for this program?
View our application schedule.
After the Deadline
IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.
| Session |
Application Status |
| Summer 2026 |
Application Closed |
Disclosure
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.