Commercial Vehicle Technology

The Master's programme in Commercial Vehicle Technology (CVT) is an interdisciplinary Master's programme offered by the

• Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
• Department of Electrical Engineering
• Department of Computer Science
• Department of Social Sciences

The CVT programme is designed for three major target groups:

• Highly qualified German graduate students
• Highly qualified international graduate students
• High-potential employees of CVT enterprises as a further education opportunity

The programme includes:

• Compulsory and elective engineering modules (choice from catalogue)
• Project work (project thesis) with regional and international industries
• Cooperative research activities
• Social science and soft skills courses

Educational organisation

The first two semesters are dedicated to acquiring basic knowledge in the three major disciplines (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) as well as in the CVT sector in general. In the third semester, a CVT-specific project work is conducted.
The programme is accompanied by courses in Social Sciences and Soft Skills.

Study abroad unit(s)

For German students, a semester abroad at one of the partner universities (e.g. Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA) is mandatory in the third semester.

Internships

Project work in the surrounding CVT industry will be supported by the CVT professors.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams

Course objectives

As the Commercial Vehicle Industry and its field of application is very complex and extensive, and its tasks demand knowledge in many disciplines, it is necessary to acquire a broad knowledge basis in Mechanics, Electronics and Computer Science.
By adapting interdisciplinary approaches in research and education, the University of Kaiserslautern is a pioneer in commercial vehicle technology. It is the first university worldwide to offer an exclusive research-based, tailor-made postgraduate education, focused exclusively on commercial vehicle technology and in close cooperation with renowned industrial partners like Daimler, John Deere, Terex-Demag and other global players in the sector.
CVT graduates will have special knowledge in the Commercial Vehicle field, a CVT-related specialisation in their original discipline as well as skills in solving interdisciplinary tasks in an international context.

Language requirements

German language proficiency: A2-level (basic knowledge) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Certificate from Goethe-Institut has to be sent with the application documents.
English language proficiency: TOEFL (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 80 internet-based)
or IELTS (6.0) or equivalent for application
A German Language Course (up to level B2 or more) is part of the programme.

Academic requirements

Qualified Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or Master's degree in Engineering or Computer Science or related fields
German language proficiency: A2-level (basic knowledge) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Certificate from Goethe-Institut has to be sent with the application documents.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

• Enrolment fee: approx. 200 EUR per semester, includes e.g.: free transportation in the area around Kaiserslautern (up to 100 km), more than 50 free university sports courses and more
• Assessment fee: 50 EUR single payment for the verification of foreign certificates

Costs of living

High standards of living at low costs:
Monthly costs: in total approx. 600-650 EUR to cover all personal expenses.
e.g.: accommodation: approx. 280 EUR; health insurance: approx. 80 EUR; food: approx. 200 EUR

Cost of Living - a snapshot on regional prices

• Meal in refectory: 2.40 EUR
• Loaf of bread: 1.20 EUR
• Orange juice (1 litre): 1.00 EUR
• Rice (1kg): 0.90 EUR

Job opportunities

Student assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these are not usually granted in advance. Support in finding a job as a student assistant is available through the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS).

Funding opportunities within the university

The CVT Graduate School will award a number of partial grants as required.
The TU Kaiserslautern itself offers some scholarships.
http://www.uni-kl.de/en/studies/prior-to-enrollment/financial-aid/scholarships/

Arrival support

International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern:
Lending a hand in every phase of your stay
Before Your Arrival...
Effective pre-arrival communication helps you to regulate application, visa, residence permit and housing affairs. We supply any information and assistance needed to manage the application procedure and arrange accommodation on demand, and provide support on an individual basis by completing your documents for arrival.
Once You Are Here...
One major task of the ISGS team is to help the students settle into and become part of the university's community. The welcome-package includes pick-up from the train station and drop-off at the student's apartment as well as support with first shopping and highly individualised support in administrative and organisational issues, e.g. enrolment, registration with local authorities, opening a bank account and insurance matters.

Orientation Course - A prelude to German communication, academic culture & daily life. This course is offered twice a year prior to the start of the lecture period (6-8 weeks). It includes intensive language training, administrative support as well as cultural and social events. You will improve your knowledge of German and learn about our teaching styles and methods. In short, this course enhances orientation on campus, in town and in the student community. Once having established a foothold, you will have a clear mind for efficient studies or research!
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Services and support for international students

The International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) cares for international graduates & PhD candidates from the very decision of coming to Kaiserslautern until graduating or leaving the university. We lend a hand during every phase of your stay!
Besides the individual support during the pre-arrival phase and warm welcome, we will provide you with continuing support that will enhance your learning:
Mentoring Your Studies and Research...
Whether during your studies or research, ISGS offers a variety of cultural and social events as well as extra-curricular activities enhancing your professional skills - such as workshops in academic culture or intercultural communication - which are supplementary and free. These are highly recommended for your personal development.
Jumpstart Your Career...
The ISGS offers professional development training on teamwork and leadership, time management and cross cultural training as well as specific language training with regard to job applications. To achieve outstanding success with regard to your thesis, the variety of our special offers for PhD students during the final period at university is permanently growing.
The ISGS establishes meetings with reputable contacts from science and industry within our Career-Services and sets up visits to factories, company headquarters and research institutes in order to help the students launch new careers.
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Accommodation

The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. Unlike in other countries, German dormitories are not owned or operated by the university, but by external institutions. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk, which typically have a waiting period. For international Master or PhD students, the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service.
The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished:
  • Kitchenette: no plates & pots, etc.
  • Bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows)
  • Wardrobe
  • Shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent range: 200-280 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to ISGS is advisable.
http://www.uni-kl.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation/