Biomass Technology

Overexploitation of fossil resources, the climate crisis, or marine littering - biomass technologies are indispensable for solving the ecological problems of the present and future, as they can be used, for example, to develop renewable energy sources or degradable plastics. Students of the English-taught Master's degree program Biomass Technology (M.Sc.) learn to develop, analyze, and implement sustainable strategies for biomass utilization.

The joint degree program at the TUM Campus Straubing and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna has a strong interdisciplinary focus. It includes biotechnology, bioeconomy, materials science, and process engineering subjects. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of the cultivation, use, and processing of biogenic raw materials and waste products for energy generation or the production of alternative materials. They learn to evaluate production scenarios from an ecological and economic perspective and develop an extensive understanding of material and energy flows and their environmental impact. In doing so, they acquire holistic problem-solving skills and learn to consider not only the technical and economic but also the ecological, social, and ethical dimensions of the development and application of biomass technologies.

Graduates of the program understand how to secure the energy supply with the help of existing and newly tapped resources while simultaneously strengthening sustainability in forestry and agriculture. They are able to develop new markets, applications, and technologies, taking into account ecological, economic, and political aspects. As experts in biomass technologies, they are just as ideally qualified to work in business as they are in politics, administration, or science.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the Master’s program in Biomass Technology (PDF, German)

The program is divided into a compulsory area (Master’s thesis) and three large elective areas (categories 1 to 3). In the latter, modules can be selected individually and with regard to the desired profile. In Category 1, students must complete 20 CP. The basic core competencies of the qualification profile are taught here. Category 2 serves to develop a competence profile. There is no specialization, but four out of seven fields of interest are determined, in which modules can in turn be individually selected, which leads to a unique competence profile. 48 CP are to be earned in this area, 12 CP in each selected specialization area. Category 3 is divided into subject-specific and general elective modules that individually contribute to sharpening your profile and personal development.

• Module plan (PDF 377 KB)
• Module handbook

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Proof 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 German language skills.

This proof 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 usually English. This means that most of the modules are offered in English. Some courses may, however, be taught in German. The language of instruction for each module is detailed in the module overview.

To learn more about the language of instruction for each module, contact the departmental student advisor of this program.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester. Please note: Tuition fees for this degree program will be charged from a start of studies in the summer semester 2025.

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.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) was obtained outside the EU/EEA (from winter semester 2025/26: outside Germany)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
Application period for summer semester: 01.10. – 30.11.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (Appendix 2, German) (PDF 146 KB)