Technical University of Munich (TUM) AI Scholarship (2026)
Scholarship Description
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) AI Scholarship, offered through the relAI (Reliable AI) initiative, is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship for exceptional students pursuing Master's (MSc) or Doctoral (PhD) degrees in Artificial Intelligence and related disciplines. The scholarship is a collaboration between TUM and LMU Munich, two of Germany's most elite universities, located in the heart of Munich's thriving tech and research ecosystem.
relAI is a joint research and training program focused on reliable AI, covering critical aspects such as safety, security, privacy, and responsibility. Scholars have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in areas including Mathematical & Algorithmic Foundations, Learning & Instruction, Algorithmic Decision-Making, Medicine & Healthcare, and Robotics & Interacting Systems.
The scholarship supports students who demonstrate excellence in computer science, mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, or other data science, machine learning, and AI-related disciplines. Successful candidates will join a vibrant community of researchers and benefit from world-class supervision by relAI Fellows.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and LMU Munich in Munich, Germany. Scholars will be based at one of these leading universities, with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and Munich's dynamic AI and technology ecosystem.
Scholarship Deadline
The 2026 call for applications is now open. Deadlines vary by program level:
MSc Program Deadline: June 15, 2026 (23:59 AoE - Anywhere on Earth)
PhD Program: The 2025 call for funded PhD positions closed on January 13, 2026. The next call is expected to open in December 2026 for positions starting in 2027.
Important Note: MSc students must apply for admission to an eligible MSc program at TUM or LMU in parallel. Most master's application deadlines are at the end of May. Offers are made subject to acceptance into such a program.
Host Institution
Technical University of Munich (TUM) – one of Europe's leading technical universities, renowned for excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and AI research. LMU Munich – Germany's second oldest university, with strong interdisciplinary research programs. The relAI initiative brings together the best of both institutions.
Level and Fields of Study
Levels: Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Robotics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Natural Sciences, and other data science/AI-related disciplines. Research focuses on reliable AI, including:
- Mathematical & Algorithmic Foundations
- Learning & Instruction
- Algorithmic Decision-Making
- Medicine & Healthcare
- Robotics & Interacting Systems
Target Group
Highly motivated and academically excellent international students from all countries who wish to pursue MSc or PhD studies in AI at TUM or LMU Munich. Applicants must have a genuine interest in working on reliable AI topics covering safety, security, privacy, and responsibility.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
MSc Scholarship: Funding is limited to the remaining duration of the recipient's studies according to the model study plan ("Regelstudienzeit" – typically 2 years for full-time MSc). Shorter scholarship durations may be determined by the Selection Committee based on available budget and the candidate's specific study situation and progress.
PhD Scholarship: Funded positions are typically for 3–4 years with competitive salary/stipend (according to standard German PhD funding rates, often TV-L E13 65-100%).
Scholarship benefits typically include:
- Monthly stipend or salary (sufficient to cover living costs in Munich)
- Access to world-class research supervision by relAI Fellows
- Integration into the relAI research and training network
- Opportunities for collaboration with industry partners
- Support for conference attendance and research visits
Important: If the prerequisites for receiving a scholarship are no longer satisfied, the scholarship will end immediately.
Scholarship Eligibility
Academic requirements:
- For MSc: Excellent Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, or other data science/machine learning/AI-related disciplines.
- For PhD: Excellent Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
Research interest: A genuine interest in working on a topic of reliable AI, covering aspects such as safety, security, privacy, and responsibility in one of relAI's research areas.
English language proficiency: Proof of English proficiency at level C1 or equivalent (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). Also acceptable: proof that your university degree was taught mainly in English.
MSc program admission (for MSc applicants): relAI MSc students must be enrolled in an MSc program in computer science, mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, or other data science/machine learning/AI-related disciplines at TUM or LMU. You must apply for admission to these programs in parallel to your relAI application. Offers will be made subject to acceptance into such a program.
PhD program (additional requirements):
- Choice of two preferred supervisors who are relAI Fellows, with a short explanation (max 1000 characters each) of why each supervisor would be a good fit. You may illustrate with a thesis topic you would like to pursue.
- Names and addresses of two researchers who consent to be contacted for recommendation letters.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- International students from all countries.
- Excellent Bachelor's (MSc applicants) or Master's (PhD applicants) degree in relevant fields.
- Strong interest in reliable AI research (safety, security, privacy, responsibility).
- English proficiency at C1 level or equivalent.
- For MSc: Must apply for and be accepted into an eligible MSc program at TUM or LMU.
- For PhD: Must identify preferred relAI Fellow supervisors.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Applicants who do not meet the academic excellence requirement.
- Those without a genuine interest in reliable AI research.
- Applicants who cannot demonstrate C1 English proficiency.
- For MSc: Applicants not applying for or not accepted into an eligible MSc program at TUM/LMU.
- For PhD: Applicants who cannot identify suitable supervisors.
Application Procedure
For MSc Program Applicants:
- Apply for MSc admission at TUM or LMU – Submit an application for admission to an eligible MSc program in computer science, mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, or other data science/machine learning/AI-related disciplines at TUM or LMU. Most master's application deadlines are at the end of May.
- Prepare relAI application documents – Gather your CV, copies of diplomas and transcripts (if a degree is still ongoing, upload transcripts to prove you will have finished by the time you join relAI).
- Write a short motivation statement – Prepare a motivation statement (max 1500 characters) highlighting your previous experience in the field and your interest in reliable AI.
- Submit relAI application – Apply via the relAI application portal at https://zuseschoolrelai.de/application/ by June 15, 2026 (23:59 AoE).
- Receive conditional offer – Offers will be made subject to acceptance into an eligible MSc program at TUM or LMU.
For PhD Program Applicants:
- Wait for the next call – The 2025 call for funded PhD positions closed on January 13, 2026. The next call is expected to open in December 2026 for positions starting in 2027. Check the relAI website for updates.
- Identify preferred supervisors – Select two preferred supervisors who are relAI Fellows. Prepare a short explanation (max 1000 characters each) of why each supervisor would be a good fit, illustrating with a thesis topic if possible.
- Secure recommendation letters – Identify two researchers who consent to be contacted for recommendation letters.
- Prepare application documents – CV, diplomas and transcripts, motivation statement (max 1500 characters), and proof of English proficiency (C1).
- Submit application through the portal when the new call opens.
Required documents for both programs (when applying):
- Your CV
- Copies of your relevant diplomas and transcripts
- Short Motivation (max 1500 characters), also highlighting previous experience in the field
- Proof of English language proficiency: level C1 or equivalent (or proof that your university degree was taught mainly in English)
- For PhD only: Choice of two preferred supervisors with short explanations + names/addresses of two referees
Official Website & Application Link
relAI Application Portal – Official Site
relAI Website: https://zuseschoolrelai.de
TUM MSc Admissions: Check TUM's admission deadlines (typically end of May) for your chosen MSc program.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Technical University of Munich AI Scholarship (relAI) is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for students passionate about reliable AI – a critical field addressing safety, security, privacy, and responsibility in artificial intelligence. With world-class supervision from TUM and LMU faculty, scholars gain access to cutting-edge research and Munich's vibrant tech ecosystem.
Key strategies for a successful application (MSc):
- Ensure you have an excellent Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (computer science, mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, or data science/AI-related fields).
- Apply for MSc admission to TUM or LMU by the end of May – before the relAI deadline of June 15.
- Craft a compelling motivation statement (max 1500 characters) that highlights your previous experience in AI/ML and your genuine interest in reliable AI topics.
- Demonstrate English proficiency at C1 level (IELTS, TOEFL, or proof of English-taught degree).
- Submit your relAI application well before the June 15 deadline.
For PhD applicants:
- Watch for the next call expected in December 2026.
- Identify relAI Fellows whose research aligns with your interests and prepare thoughtful explanations for your supervisor choices.
- Secure two referees who can provide strong recommendations.
Important reminders: For MSc applicants, your relAI scholarship offer is conditional on acceptance into an eligible MSc program at TUM or LMU. If the prerequisites for receiving a scholarship are no longer satisfied, the scholarship will end immediately. PhD funded positions for 2025 have already closed – the next cycle begins in December 2026.
Technical University of Munich AI Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the TUM AI Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides funding (monthly stipend or salary) sufficient to cover living costs in Munich. PhD positions are typically funded at TV-L E13 rates (65-100%). MSc scholarships cover the remaining duration of studies according to the model study plan.
What is the application deadline?
For MSc programs: June 15, 2026 (23:59 AoE). For PhD programs: the 2025 call closed on January 13, 2026; the next call is expected in December 2026.
Do I need to apply for MSc admission separately?
Yes. relAI MSc students must be enrolled in an eligible MSc program at TUM or LMU. You must apply for MSc admission in parallel to your relAI application. Most master's application deadlines are at the end of May.
What language proficiency is required?
Proof of English proficiency at level C1 or equivalent (IELTS, TOEFL). Proof that your university degree was taught mainly in English is also acceptable.
What research areas does relAI cover?
Reliable AI research areas include: Mathematical & Algorithmic Foundations, Learning & Instruction, Algorithmic Decision-Making, Medicine & Healthcare, and Robotics & Interacting Systems.
Can I apply for the PhD program now?
The 2025 call for funded PhD positions has closed (January 13, 2026). The next call is expected to open in December 2026 for positions starting in 2027.
What documents do I need for the MSc application?
CV, copies of diplomas and transcripts, short motivation statement (max 1500 characters), and proof of English proficiency (C1). You must also apply for MSc admission to TUM or LMU separately.